I can't believe that Christmas is almost here! It has been a busy several weeks of crafting, decorating, blogging and I absolutely love it!
I have teamed up with some of the best bloggers and friends out there to bring you this fun tour called The 12 Days of Christmas with 29 other bloggers.! I must say that we have had such fun collaborating and supporting each other!
This time of year is just magical! Our family room mantel is one of my favorite areas in our home to decorate. I've gotten several emails about how I created my mantel from last week's Christmas Home Tour. I wish I'd taken step by step pics, but I'll do my very best to relay in words!
Be sure to find the entire schedule below!
The only change to the mantel that I made this year was with the addition of the giant PEACE letters from Consumer Crafts. They are a large 23.5 inches, and I thought they'd be fun on the above ledge! I'll be sharing how easy it is to glam them up later this week!
Let me share with you how I create a full and lush mantel.
The first thing that I do is start with a greenery garland that will span the length of my mantel. You can bend and manipulate the ends so that the garland stays in place. Then I placed my two metal angels on either side of the artwork. I bought these 10 years ago at Belk AFTER Christmas at a steal! I love them every bit today as the day I bought them!
Since this mantel is symmetrical, I made sure to place all of my picks equally. I start with the largest first. The largest ones here are the ones with the green apples and pine. If you look closely, you will see that I have 5…an odd number. I have one on each end and 3 in the center.
The other picks used are the whitish picks and the holly leaf with berries. Again, using what I had….I filled in equally. Whatever I do on the right of the angel, I do on the left. Then fill in the center. Stand back and make any adjustments.
Next, I add my lights. I have an outlet in the center of the mantel. I placed a remote control plug in it. They sell them in the Christmas section. I LOVE them. I have 3 that are controlled by one remote control. It allows me to easily turn on the mantel, staircase and tree with 3 easy clicks on the remote! Just weave your lights trying to conceal the wires as much as possible. I used one strand of 100 lights.
Lastly, add ornaments here and there trying to maintain balance.
I almost forgot. Last year I added these trailing, icy picks from Hobby Lobby. They have them again this year! I added four. They were easily slid in underneath the rest of the mantel.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I wish you a lovely Christmas!
Here is the entire tour schedule! Be ready to get your pinning finger out!
Monday DEC 2nd
Tuesday DEC 3rd
AT HOME WITH THE BARKERS
RESTORING OUR 1890 VICTORIAN
Wednesday DEC 4th
FRESH IDEA STUDIO
THE GOLDEN SYCAMORE
HOUSE ON THE WAY
Thursday DEC 5th
CURB ALERT
PETTICOAT JUNKTION
Friday DEC 6th
ARTSY CHICKS RULE
RAPPSODY IN ROOMS
Saturday DEC 7th
SIMPLY FRESH VINTAGE
COUNTRY DESIGN STYLE
Sunday DEC 8th
MRS HINES CLASS
SNAZZY LITTLE THINGS
Monday DEC 9th
JUST PAINT IT
THE RUSTIC PIG
JUST A GIRL AND HER BLOG
Tuesday DEC 10th
OUR SOUTHERN HOME
VIRGINIA SWEET PEA
MEEGAN MAKES
Wednesday DEC 11th
SOPHIAS DECOR
A LITTLE CLAIREIFICATION
GIRL IN THE GARAGE
Thursday DEC 12th
MOMMY IS COOCOO
LITTLE MISS CELEBRATION
INSPIRATION FOR MOMS
Friday DEC 13th
MY SOULFUL HOME
CONFESSIONS OF A SERIAL DIYer
LILACS AND LONGHORNS
Link Parties that OSH parties at on occasion!
Monday: Between Naps on the Porch, Boogieboard Cottage – Masterpiece Monday
Tuesday: The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse and Inspire Me Party at A Stroll Thru Life, Setting for Four – Project Inspire{d}
Wednesday: Savvy Southern Style
Thursday: From My Front Porch to Yours, 52 Mantels, Stone Gable, Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life, The Shabby Creek Cottage ,No Minimalist Here
Friday: French Country Cottage, My Repurposed Life, Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Friday, Common Ground, The Charm of Home, Rooted in Thyme,Imparting Grace, Keep Calm and Link Up, at the picket fence – Inspiration Fridays, My Romantic Home – Show and Tell Friday, Craftberry Bush – Inspiration Gallery Friday, SnapCreativity – Show and Tell
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Your mantel is beautiful, Christy! I love all your tips, too! 🙂
Allison recently posted…Inspiration Gallery Link Party 64
Christy,
Wow, wow, WOW! Your mantel is stunning! Thank you so much for the step-by-step instructions. I usually put the lights on first and then start adding here and there, but I can see how it might end up looking better if I do alot of the filler first and then add the lights. Love the idea of having the outlet on the mantel! And seriously? Remote controlled lights? I’m heading to the store immediately!
It’s been such a treasure getting to know you through the tour.
Merry Christmas!
Hugs …
Lani
Lani recently posted…Holiday Home Tour … A Christmas Past
Your mantel is so beautiful — you really are talented at styling! Just gorgeous! I love the word PEACE at the top of your molding — it just adds a special pop. Love it all, Christy!! Your home is always beautiful! 🙂 Pinning!
Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} recently posted…Christmas Tablescape – 12 Days of Christmas Tours
Wow! I am so impressed with your skill! I love how organic and overflowing it looks. Gorgeous!
Megan recently posted…Cozy Cabin Retreat & Fallingwater Tour
I love a full, gorgeous mantel! The decor is lovely! This tour has been such fun. Have a good weekend.
Leslie
Leslie recently posted…Peanut Butter S’mores ~ Christmas Cookie Recipes
Wow, Christy! Your mantel is beautiful. I love how full and lush it is…it’s so classically southern. Thanks for sharing your tips!
A mantel of sheer elegance….beautiful job!
Shirley recently posted…Christmas 2013 in the Sunroom
Just stunning Christy! Love the balls hanging from the fixture and that big glittery PEACE art is gorgeous!
Christine at First Home Love Life recently posted…Fresh Herb Wreath
Christy, wow! Your mantel is gorgeous! and I peeked at the rest of your home too – so pretty. You did such a great job decorating it for Christmas, really puts you in the holiday spirit!
Tami
Tami recently posted…Curb Alert! Christmas Home Tour
Holy Christmas, Christy your mantel is STUNNING. Those angels?? I die. What a find!! I am just in love with the whole thing and pinning now. I have mantel envy. xo
Claire recently posted…Holiday Home Tour & DIY Pepperberry Ornament Placecards
Thanks so much, Claire!!! Yes, I love those Angels and have never seen anything like them! Merry Christmas!!! ~Christy
Great tutorial on decorating the mantel. Thank you for joining the tour and adding your stunning fireplace! ~Jeanette
Jeanette recently posted…Mason Jar Christmas Tree
Thanks Jeanette! Such a fun tour! Merry Christmas! ~Christy
Lovely mantel…those giant balls are amazing!
Ann recently posted…Simple and Natural Christmas Porch Decor
Thanks bunches, Ann! Merry Christmas! ~Christy
Your mantel is stunning! It’s so luscious! I don’t think I’ve ever described a mantel that way ha ha…I might try this next year…pinning for sure! Thanks for the great instructions 🙂
So sweet, Christy! Thanks!!! Merry Christmas! ~Christy
Absolutely gorgeous Christy! Love all the rich layering and textures. Beautiful my friend. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
Therese recently posted…How to wrap a Beautiful Gift on the cheap
Thanks bunches, Therese! Cheers to a lovely Christmas!!! ~Christy
Absolutely stunning, Christy! Want to come up north and decorate mine next year? 😉 Thanks so much for sharing your secrets!
~Abby =)
Abby recently posted…No-Sew Pillow Covers {decorated with Sharpies!}
Thanks so much, Abby!!! I have fun doing it and I’d love a trip up north!!! ~Christy
Your mantel is SO gorgeous Christy! Thanks for sharing how you decorated it!
Jen recently posted…Mason Jar Lid Christmas Banner
Your mantel is so beautiful and I absolutely love your angels. They are the prettiest ones I’ve seen Gorgeous. Hugs, Marty
Marty recently posted…Welcome To Our Home For Christmas
Christy,
Thanks so much for the gorgeous tutorial! Very impressive and beautiful.
I am honored to share this day with you on the tour.
Merry Christmas, cutie!
Meegan recently posted…12 Days of Christmas Home Tour
Your mantel is gorgeous!
Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design
Patty Rumaker at Home and Lifestyle Design recently posted…Are you doing what you love?
Your mantel is gorgeous Christy, so many wonderful details and ideas, thanks for sharing! I love the Peace letters!
Oh my gosh Christy, I could sit and look at your mantel all day. It is just gorgeous. I really love those angels and all the greenery. Have a great week. Thanks for sharing!
Kathy, Petticoat Junktion recently posted…Bluster The Snowman–Christmas Craft Showcase
Christy, what did you use to hang the balls from your chandleieir?Fishing line or dental floss or a thin thread? Love everything about your mantel display..it is beautiful; just like everything else you do. Here’s wishing you and your family the best of holidays and a Happy New Year.
Oh My Gosh Christy!! Your mantel is stunning!!!! You are making me want to run into my office and redo mine now! Love the peace letters, the hanging ornaments from the chandelier and those angels on the mantel wow! You have done a fantastic job absolutely gorgeous!!!
Dria recently posted…DIY Pipe-Cleaner Ornament – The Scoop Christmas Tour
Christy, your mantel is absolutely breathtaking! Oh my, I absolutely love it! Thank you for sharing it with us on the home tour – every stop is just wonderful! Pinning and sharing! Hope you have happy day and week full of merry!
Cindy Eikenberg recently posted…Sugar Cookie Hot Vanilla with Candied Marshmallows
Beautiful mantel! If I ever build a house, I’m going to install a plug on the mantel. That’s a brilliant idea. The PEACE letters are a great addition for this year.
Paula recently posted…How Christmas Should Look
That’s a beautiful mantel Christy!! The PEACE letters are so pretty too!!! Love those!
Nancy
Nancy recently posted…My Holiday Home Tour – How to Decorate on a Budget {Part 2}
Very pretty- beautifully done! I like those angels and the big peace letters.
I love those after Christmas deals!! The mantel looks so beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us. Have a great day. ~Sonya
AtHomeWithTheBarkers recently posted…Christmas Tours Continue
That is one gorgeous mantel. I wish I had some stuff like yours. The Angels are just perfect. Well everything is perfect.