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The Perfect Winter Mantel

Giving Your Home a Festive, Cozy Feel Is One of the Best Parts of the Holidays

Article by Jessi Edison

Photography by Jessi Edison

Originally published in Boerne Lifestyle

Creating a gorgeous winter mantel can instantly transform your home into a cozy, festive space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a D-I-Y holiday mantel, including personalized touches to make it your own.

Start with a Base
Begin by draping lush garland across the top of your mantel. Use adhesive hooks to secure the garland. Choose greenery with frosted tips, eucalyptus, or pine for a natural, wintery look, and add a string of fairy lights for a soft glow.

Add Height and Layers
Place candlesticks at one or both ends of the mantel. Lanterns filled with battery-operated candles or fairy lights can also work. 

Personalize
Hang stockings evenly along the mantel with hooks or decorative holders that match your decor. Affix name tags to each one made from wood slices, small chalkboards, or metal tags. 

Create a Focal Point
Center a large wreath above the mantel. A large mirror or a rustic holiday sign makes a beautiful focal point, too. 

Add Accents, Colors, and Soft Textures
Scatter figurines, pine or fir trees, or miniature winter animals along the mantel, and work in pops of color with ribbon. Drape a faux fur throw or holiday blanket on the hearth to add texture, and a basket of soft, decorative pillows to compliment the mantel’s cozy look.


SIDEBAR:
Jessi Edison is a Boerne mom, photographer, and homelife enthusiast. While running her teens between activities, working as Boerne Lifestyle’s Editorial Coordinator, and memorializing special moments with her camera, she loves to make her home a welcoming, joyous place for her family and friends. Find her on Instagram at @jessireneephoto.