Christmas Mantel Decorating Ideas From Martha Stewart

3 Gorgeous Ways to Decorate Your Mantel For Christmas

By Tina Chadha

Step aside, tree.

Christmas decor doesn't stop at the tree. For those who love the holidays (ahem, us) planning starts months in advance. In addition to finding a show-stopping tree, expertly hanging the wreath, baking cookies galore, and shopping for the perfect gifts, we love adding holiday magic around the house, and that includes decorating the hub of winter hangouts: the fireplace.

Once the temperature drops, this cozy spot is where you'll find family gathered around with a glass of wine or mug of hot chocolate. So just as you would your artfully curated tablescapes, give your mantel the attention it deserves. To help spark inspiration, we created three easy-to-achieve looks. Go ahead, blast some holiday tunes and get creative.

Merry and Not Afraid of Color

You don't have to stick with seasonal colors to get in the Christmas spirit. This statement-making mantel—inspired by the calming blues, terracotta pinks, and earthy ochres that are trending right now—doesn't need much to impress. We focused on symmetry and scale. Start by placing brass candlesticks on each end to create balance and harmony. Then, hang a rich magnolia wreath above the mantel for a wink to the holidays.

To get even merrier, use the mantel to display a fun giftbox advent calendar with papers and ribbons in complementary pops of color.

mantle blue wall flowers presents and candle details

Color Story

The monochromatic paint treatment alone—painting a fireplace and wall in the same alluring shade—has major impact. For this look we used Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue HC-143.

mantle blue wall advent calendar presents

Craft an Advent Calendar

To create the giftbox Advent calendar, work in a tight palette of three or four colors, and stick to only a few combinations of colors in the wrapping. For example, we made eight boxes of varying sizes in each of the following color combos: dark teal and blush; blush and wine; light teal and gold.

mantle blue wall stocking

Add a Personal Touch

Embroider a loved one's name on a stocking for an extra special keepsake. Learn how here:

Shop the Look

Cb2 Marble Ivory Vase
The Floral Society Frog Vase
The Floral Society Taper Candles in Petal
West Elm Finley Dining Chair in Rust
Terrain Velvet and Linen Stocking
Cost Plus World Market Green and Ivory Plaid Throw
Delica Felted Acorn
Handmade wrapping paper
H&M Small Vase in Antique Rose
Terrain Iron Cabbage Rose Bundle

Modern Scandi

Minimalists, this one's for you. If you need a break from the hustle of the holidays, take cues from our calming, modern Scandinavian-inspired mantel. To get the look, stay within a neutral—mostly white— color palette and layer white and wood accents. When decorating with neutrals, make sure to bring in a variety of textures to add interest. We layered warm wooden beads with a perky faux eucalyptus garland, and hung stockings with nubby details. An alpaca throw draped over a stool ushers in the hygge. Complete the look with clean, black utilitarian decor such as sleek fireplace tools and a handsome stool.

mantle white with wooden beaded garland and greenery

Bring Nature In

Natural materials are key to the Nordic aesthetic, and our favorite finds include the wooden beaded garland and sweet white handcrafted ceramic and wood trees.

Scandinavian-inspired mantle white with wooden trees greenery

Stick to a Tight Theme

Group a collection of trees from different places and materials.

Shop the Look

Farmhouse Pottery Woodland Forest Gift Set
Anthropologie Pascale Wall Hanging
Rejuvenation Modernist Tool Set
Sawkille Co. Dinner Stool
Jenni Kayne Alpaca Basketweave Throw
MarquisWeaves wood bead garland
H&M small glass vase
Cost Plus World Market Ivory Moroccan Wedding Stocking
Night Space candle
Myflower Crush Eucalyptus Garland
TheMcGarveyWorkshop 3 Wooden Christmas Trees

New Traditional

The modern-day traditionalist puts her own spin on family rituals. For this look, mix modern elements with traditional looks. Lean a bold piece of art over the mantel as a focal point and surround it with classic elements like a boxwood, white pine, and juniper garland and plaid stockings reminiscent of Christmases spent at Grandma's.

mantle pedestal bowl of pomanders

Update a Classic

Another fun, classic decoration is pomanders. Set in a cool Tina Frey pedestal bowl they'll look chic while filling your home with the delicious sweet and spicy fragrance of the holidays.

mantle brass fireplace cover