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"My mantel is in the kitchen, so I use fruit theme ornaments and lots of sparkle," says Valorie Hart of the blog The Visual Vamp.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"My wall color already makes a (loud) statement, so I try to keep my mantel clean and refined while still being festive," Houzz user sheas says.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"This year for my Christmas mantel I decided to use preserved boxwoods in lieu of garland, and I'm so happy with how it turned out," says Becky from the blog This Is Happiness. "It's simple and elegant. I love the square wreath boxwood, and the glass antiqued mercury Christmas tree is a favorite of mine as well."
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
Dr. Seuss inspired Houzz user kathyjunk. "I'm all Grinchy and Whoville with my decorating — thus my mantel," she says.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"The whimsy of my Merry Christmas mantel was put together with all of the kiddos in mind," says Houzz member Suzy. "I love to see the sparkle in their eyes!"
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"I live in a 1907 Edwardian home in San Francisco," says Houzz user sharonsf. "In my dining room the theme is snowmen, so the mantel has a good variety of them, plus my collection of incense smokers from Germany. The dining and side table in the dining room are also laden with snowmen."
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
Interior designer Elizabeth Hagins continues a long family tradition with her mantel decor.
"My mother used these decorations — they have an authentic late-'50s/early-'60s vibe," she says.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
Houzz user stuartfleming went beyond sight and incorporated fragrance into his beautiful mantel. "This mantel featured eucalyptus and white roses for the aromas," he says. "Both sides can be moved and repositioned in other rooms quickly for an added dimension."
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"I found this rustic mantel at a flea market and it fit perfectly over my boring 1920s fireplace," says Houzz user anncastro. "With a beloved Buddha, some candles and our stockings, it's festive but calm."
25 Gorgeous Holiday Mantels by Houzzers
Houzz user nancoise's 18th-century Pennsylvania farmhouse and landscape provided inspiration for her mantel. "It's a mix of funky store-bought finds and attic treasures — greenery compliments of the lovely holly and evergreen trees that grace the property," she says.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"I like a mix of artificial and natural for quick and easy decorating," says Houzz user C.W.Pottery.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
Houzz user Cheri likes to keep things simple in her little cottage.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"Doing the mantel always starts my holiday theme, and I go from there to decorate the rest of the house doing Christmas vignettes," says interior designer Lisa Wrixon. "I use fake boughs of evergreen and use real pinecones and greens placed throughout."
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
Some of you let your year-round decor inspire your mantel tableaux. "I wanted to contrast against the salmon wall color and tie in the blue in the paintings," says Home Front Interiors. "Foliage used was out of my yard — pine, cedar, holly branches and English boxwood. The colors also coordinate with the tree."
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"Each year we create a new look," says Houzz user fairviewbonnie. "This is our look for 2012!"
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
Houzz user embracegrace has had fun decking the halls for the first Christmas in her family's new home. "Peace" was a message we saw on several lovely mantels submitted by Houzzers.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"This is my Peace On Earth mantel, says Houzz member Cindy. "I found the angel wings on Decor Steals and painted and glittered them. I wrote on the mirror with glitter paint and used fresh greens on my mantel. My hubby helped by making a board to place on the mantel to extend its depth."
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
Some Houzzers love to do up their mantels in a glamorous style. Silver, lights and a message of peace adorn Houzz user leswolfe's mantel.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
The Look Interiors gives Santa a little tongue-in-cheek message on this mantel.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"My favorite part of decorating for Christmas is my mantel," says Houzz user mmmjs5.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"White, black and gray is carried through this cottage-style home, including the holiday mantel," says Houzz user suerobins. "Sparkly black honeycomb candles add a hint of holiday, while battery-operated lights from Restoration Hardware help show off the various textures of the glass candlesticks, glitter balls, mercury glass and coral sculpture, with a dramatic impact."
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
Some staunchly believe that more is more when it comes to holiday mantels. Houzz user highlandproject says, "The more ornaments the better! Throw in the kitchen sink — ribbon, flowers, pinecones, beads, bird's nests, feathers, fruit, horns, favorite people photos, whatever. Light. Voilà! Your own memory mantel."
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
"To quote a decorator friend of mine, 'Less is more, but more is fabulous!' This is actually one of the smaller mantels I've had over the years," says Houzz user Marie Vlasic. "I start with fresh mixed boughs and pinecones, and add jewel-tone LEDs, a string of bubble lights, [and] peacock and ostrich feathers."
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
Others have found mantel beauty in simplicity. Houzz user abbiec let her farmhouse inspire her to do a country chic mantel adorned with lemons.
Houzzers Deck the Mantels
We'll end with a mantel on which the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Houzz user rbull says, "I favor classic and traditional. I like to leave room for Santa."

Happy holidays, everyone!

Your turn: Show us your holiday front door
Houzzers Deck the Mantels

Comments

campbellbraves I had so much fun looking at others mantle displays I had to add my own. I painted the art work last year. I am hoping I don't have way too many trees.
5 months ago · ·
black_raven Having fun!
5 months ago · ·
joyabaker I love mantles. The bigger the better. I have 3 different themes.
5 months ago · ·
moresparkly Oh my goodness-the first two are just fantastic!!!! I love the last two as well-thanks for sharing.
5 months ago · ·
moresparkly Here is ours
5 months ago · ·
brendaberry22 So much fun looking through them all!
5 months ago · ·
100debbie Had to add my mantle. Dozens of silver and white bobbles glue gunned I think it looks like a bubbly celebration of the season. Love Christmas decorating.
5 months ago · ·
bruinette All of your mantels are gorgeous! We don't have a fireplace (and being atheist we don't do Christmas decorating anyway) but I really enjoyed looking at all of yours - so imaginative, creative and artistic, thanks so much for sharing :)
5 months ago · ·
InterDesign Studio I have a collection of hand made wooden trees (from reclaimed lumber) that usually fill up my fireplace mantle.
5 months ago · ·
Sarah Gordon Home And our little one from the UK! SGHx
5 months ago · ·
cathyinottawa my mantle this year is all silver and white - some mercury glass in there too.
5 months ago ·
mini4679 Beautiful mantles! I loved suzy's mantle...its so colorful and festive. Elizabeth's is elegant!
5 months ago · ·
debbieafi Love them all!! Here is our mantle!
5 months ago · ·
ddem They are all just beautiful. I admire people who take the time to make things special for all to see and enjoy. Very creative.
5 months ago ·
pepper4716 We love our mantel.
5 months ago · ·
msheesley They are incredible! Here's ours... We went with a white Christmas theme this year.
5 months ago · ·
davesmac All are so different, creative & wonderful.
5 months ago · ·
c2blum Houzzers in Houzzeville? Certainly looks like a few fire dept. violations. The fewer made in China toxic? xmas knick knacks the better. That being said, I love the simple trees and reflective ball ornaments!
5 months ago ·
Rawni-Lynne Tearle Our mantal this year.
5 months ago · ·
marmarmish Wow! Each and every one was creative and beautiful! I especially liked the snowmen one!!
5 months ago ·
Kelly Nuccitelli Its a beach Christmas theme this year at our house. Made shell stockings, garland, and a starfish tree topper.
5 months ago · ·
Dura Supreme Cabinetry Wow! so many great ideas! Does anyone have a decorated wood hood mantel in their kitchen?
5 months ago · ·
swedtech I love all of these! Here is our Christmas Decor Album:
5 months ago · ·
pepper4716 Swedteck:Love the stockings, very cute!
5 months ago · ·
swedtech Thanks! I made them from sweaters I bought at Goodwill and some of my Granny's vintage buttons. They were VERY economical!
5 months ago · ·
dekelemx Merry Christmas everyone!
5 months ago · ·
Anna Love all these mantels! I love decorating for holidays-its like giving your decor a facelift but then it always makes me appreciate my regular decor when its time to put it back.
5 months ago · ·
frecklefrog Love them all.....very individual.....Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
5 months ago ·
twoodgeard Here is my sparkly Christmas mantle. My cat, Frank, was the inspiration for my painting and my mom made the stockings years ago.
5 months ago · ·
Mary Kozma my mantel from my Virginia house
5 months ago · ·
rebkot I'd love someone to post a mantel decorated with a nativity theme.
5 months ago · ·
regik Love it, all so different...! Here is mine and Best wishes to you all for a Merry Christmas!
5 months ago · ·
sjmom They're so lovely and yet so different. Something for everyone's taste. Kudos to all who sent in the pic of their mantle.
5 months ago · ·
nimmens The mantels are beautiful. We are replacing a fireplace surround with a slab of travertine that will be about 4 ft. tall. The ceiling vaults to about 15'. There will be a TV installed over the fireplace, and I need an idea for how to top off the travertine with a mantel. I don't want a wood mantel. The look we're going for is clean, streamlined, and modern. Any ideas?
5 months ago ·
lksoukup Our community recently had a candle light tour of homes and my home was on the tour. This is one of my mantels.
5 months ago · ·
Sharon Spaulding Beautiful!!!
5 months ago · ·
Joe DeVitto these are really nice. gives me some great ideas. thanks for sharing .. ive been trying to decorate mine a little bit better .. have a great day . Joe ....
5 months ago · ·
Joe DeVitto Christmas Tree and Fireplace .... I want to do some changes to the fireplace mantle so with all the ideas posted i will try to change it better now . thanks.. Happy Holidays ... ♫
5 months ago · ·
wingoms THIS WAS SUCH A FUN POST - ALL THE IDEAS WERE JUST FABULOUS!!!!! Thanks for getting me into the holiday spirit!
5 months ago · ·
Joe DeVitto some other Christmas Decorating ive been working on .... coffee table and a tree i made ...
5 months ago · ·
Joe DeVitto Some more Christmas Decorations i made .....
5 months ago · ·
Joe DeVitto My Christmas Tree and i wrapped the painting over the fireplace to give it some color and more Holiday Look .....
5 months ago · ·
Krista Hooper Loved seeing all of these! We just moved into a new home, so i'm keeping my christmas decorations simple this year and I ended up loving the minimalistic look!
5 months ago · ·
mrsben @nimmens: You might wish to do a Houzz or Web search -- Modern Fireplaces -- and perhaps you will find somethng that appeals to you. Good luck on your hunt!

@all: Very inspiring! Loved browsing all the photos. Kudos to your efforts and sharing your labour of creativity. (Thank you.)

@Joe DeVetto: Applause, applause for possibly being the only male who posted on this board. Great job!!!
5 months ago ·
rowenacherry Sooo enjoyable to see all these great ideas... Here's mine - a silvery/white beach house mantle. Changes a bit each year as the ideas evolve!
5 months ago · ·
trasgorshek Love all the ideas coming in!! I have the worlds worst camera and please don't hate on me for the TV cutout above the fireplace...I do plan on sheet rocking it closed in the future (came with our home). Also, please excuse the mess, I just got done resurfacing the front of the fireplace and have not grouted yet. :) So, after you disregard the terrible camera work, big hole and gaps in my tile...here you go. I went with mercury glass and gold this year.
5 months ago · ·
captured_by_love Here is mine with a nativity scene! Jesus is really the reason for the season!!! (Excuse the poor quality- I was lazy and took it at night with my camera phone!)
5 months ago · ·
Leslie Jeffers_Marlin Just love seeing all the beautiful decorations! Here's our mantel:
5 months ago · ·
srichert i have 2 mantel's here are my favorites from 2009
5 months ago · ·
nwallace60 beautiful !! question for mfdonova ..where did you get those great reindeer candle holders?? Just love them ...thx
5 months ago · ·
Mary Kozma For those posters who posted they wanted to see Nativity scenes, sometimes mantels are narrow and do not lend to certain traditional Nativity scenes, that does not mean we DIDN't use them somewhere else in the house. Relax and enjoy the season!
5 months ago · ·
dcrafty campbellbraves' use of own paintings as backdrop for figures and trees is brilliant (and the whole setup is very nice--manages to be retro and modern in balance, lush and spare at same time); I'll use the idea to enhance my shelf (alas, no mantel) "dioramas" this year!
5 months ago · ·
lizes We just did our decorating last night. The theme for the mantel is reindeers, Christmas trees, and whimsical little fairies.
I would like to add some of the battery operated lights that were shown in one of the featured mantels to brighten things up a bit- I thought they looked very nice.
5 months ago · ·
Dolores Stewart Love these mantle ideas. There's a mantle for everyone.
5 months ago · ·
regik Well said Mary! The mantles are too narrow for the Nativities. Mine is on the roll top desk.
5 months ago · ·
ebmodernprairiehome Love looking at the different decorating styles.
5 months ago · ·
Carolina Girl Love them all! So creative but does anyone else really use their fireplace?
5 months ago · ·
Dura Supreme Cabinetry Joyce Brown, I use our fireplace all winter long! But our Minnesota winters are a lot colder than South Carolina. It's just not a Northern Christmas with out a toasty fire and hot cocoa. :)
5 months ago ·
Carolina Girl Dura Supreme Cabinetry - I grew up in Michigan so I know exactly what you are talking about. We have been using our fireplace for the past few weeks and it's a great way to cut down on utility bills. There is no fire like a real wood fire to warm you through and through.
5 months ago · ·
nhmorris43 I re-did my mantel this Christmas and would like your comments.
5 months ago · ·
Carolina Girl You might want to gold foil wrap the two pictures and tie them with wide white ribbon to make them appear like gifts. That would also blend in with your brass fire screen.
5 months ago · ·
mrsben For 'captured_by_love, I wish I had a photo of my mantel to share with you that I did a few years ago, however as the computer in which the photos were stored has since long crashed, I only have a part of it, that of which I have attached.

The fireplace mantel is/was located in my Family Room and measured 8' 9" long reason why I created a backdrop for the pieces of my Nativity scene as I wanted it to be the focal point. Flanking it were randomly placed and graduated height brass candle stick holders, each with an off-white candle that rested on a textured platform (like the arched backdrop). In both cases, rigid foamcore board was used and cut to desired size 'n shape then covered with muslin fabric that was scrunched to give it texture when applying wallpaper paste that was used as an adhesive. Once dried, a light coating of gold spray paint was applied. With all the lights off and the candles lit, it virtually gave a sense of peace and calm and was certainly one of my favourite mantel creations that I've done throughout the years, regardless that it was simplistic in design.
(As with using all open flames, the candles were closely monitored.)

As I am presently in the midst of home renovations which involves a new fireplace and though the last two years the theme for the mantel has been Reindeers, if it is any consolation the hand-crafted paper mache Nativity figures will always find a place in my home as a particular reminder to my growing Grandchildren what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.

As stated in my earlier remark, all the mantels posted here are truly inspiring which definitely includes yours as well. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU and YOUR LOVED ONES.
5 months ago · ·
missracecity Here's this years mantle at our house. Holly berries, magnolia leaves & forsythia berries along with small fir trees from a craft store provided a wonderful backdrop for my circa late 1800's early 1900's family caroling.
5 months ago · ·
drosenzweig Wow they all look GREAT - I had to add a few of my own.
5 months ago · ·
carolynadk We heat our house with our fireplace, so the stockings have to go on a desk because the fireplace vent is too hot!
5 months ago · ·
shellie jernigan thanks all for posting your mantels! it's really a fun way to enjoy the holidays this year!
5 months ago · ·
Maria' s Diary Enjoying all the contributions, here are my pics of the mantle. so much fun to create Christmas decorations!
5 months ago · ·
Carolina Girl Carolynadk - I love the compass above your fireplace. Would you mind sharing where I might find one?
5 months ago · ·
carolynadk Thanks, Joyce! It's from NapaStyle...
http://www.napastyle.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=5590
5 months ago · ·
Carolina Girl Carolyn thank you for your kindness. I have a lake home and it would be a perfect addition.
5 months ago · ·
cmrj I decorated my mantle with items from the Dollar Store.
5 months ago · ·
maryprae I love Christmas. My fireplace is a see-through.
5 months ago · ·
declutterbug51 I don't have a mantle but I do enjoy decorating my piano as if it were one. Happy Holidays everyone
5 months ago · ·
Laura Zar I am no photgrapher, but I love my mantle this year...
5 months ago · ·
Christine Musial This is always the first thing I do to get myself ready for Christmas. It is my favorite part of our decorating.
5 months ago · ·
Derviss Design So much personality and attention to detail. very enjoyable to see - happy holiday Houzzers
5 months ago · ·
claudineengle Loved all of them, so creative and unique. I am including mine, being from Canada, I had to put the maple leaves and a skate for a special touch.
5 months ago · ·
Dale Wheeler My mother painted the Gitchmanitou painting and I made the Christmas trees. All the stockings are homemade too.
5 months ago · ·
Leck_Ginger Walker One of my favorite rooms of my home. I love pink
5 months ago · ·
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