Tag: holiday decorations

Favorite Things: Holiday Mantels

Few things sum up the holiday spirit like a beautifully decorated mantel hung with stockings and lit up by a cozy fire in the fireplace.

Few things sum up the holiday spirit like a beautifully decorated mantel hung with stockings and lit up by a cozy fire in the fireplace.  Mantel decorations can be simple or extravagant.  Mix in different elements with traditional greenery.  You can make it playful and try something different each year.  I like to use real flowers and unusual greenery such as magnolia leaves, nothing artificial, to give the mantel more substance and make it truly special.

1.  This mantel uses white dishes and greenery for a classic, simple look.

2. An abundance of greenery looks fantastic!

3.  I love the idea of hanging a wreath on a mirror over the mantel.

4.  Mixed greenery and fruit create a fresh, lovely mantel.

5. Magnolia leaves make a substantial wreath.  Varying candle heights add interest to the greenery and pine cones.

6.  Sweeping swags of evergreens and a large wreath make the mantel a dramatic focal point.

Holiday Flowers

Incorporating flowers into your holiday designs gives your decor an unexpected and memorable twist.

When you think of decorating for the holidays or creating a centerpiece for your table, you might think of evergreens, holly, pine cones, and berries before thinking of flowers.  However, incorporating flowers into your holiday designs gives your decor an unexpected and memorable twist.  You certainly aren’t limited to poinsettias, either!

A unique and more modern way to cluster flowers. The hint of red suggests Santa is coming.
French tulips – a very white Christmas indeed.
Paperwhite flowers always remind me of the holidays.

Arrangements that include more than just flowers can also make a great centerpiece for the holidays.  Leaves, feathers, acorns, and fruit are items you can use in different ways.  Experiment with colors and textures, even adding elements you wouldn’t typically think of including in a floral arrangement.  The finished effect can be surprising and eye-catching.

Feathers arranged like flowers make an interesting centerpiece.
Oranges and acorns – great idea!

There’s no hard and fast rule that says your centerpiece has to be on the table.  Look up and around and take advantage of accessories already present in the room.  The materials in your arrangement an reflect the colors of the holiday without being composed of the typical trappings.  The chandelier below is the perfect example of making an unexpected jump and decorating for the season without being literal.  The green and red pieces evoke the holidays in a traditional, yet unexpected way.

Love the decked out chandelier and the red pomegranates that hint at Santa’s suit!

Do you make flowers and greenery part of your holiday decorations?