A Look Back At My Holiday Mantel Styling
As I’m recovering from jet lag over here, I thought it would be fun to share how my holiday mantel styling has changed each holiday season… some more subtle than others, but all simplistic, classic, and seasonal. We finished our formal living room and fireplace in January of 2020, and I’ve been decorating it for Christmas ever since. Click through to see each look over the years!
Our formal living room has come a long way (see the living room before images here). The fireplace makeover is one of my favorite features in the space and one of the most fun vignettes to decorate every Christmas. I’m really glad we went with a cast option to replace the clunky oversized fireplace that was here when we moved in. Styling it for the holidays is the most fun because I enjoy adding textural garland to the mantel, stockings, and ribbon. It always feels super festive! Ready for a trip down memory lane? Scroll on…
2020 Mantel Styling
I would generally say I’m not a “pink person”… it’s just not a hue I gravitate toward, but 2020 brought lots of strange things. I decided gold, blush, and copper would be the color palette I leaned toward that holiday season. I used my favorite wispy pine needle garlannd, slipcover Christmas stocking DIY, candles, and books for a warm and inviting look. You can browse my 2020 Holiday Home Tour here!
2021 Mantel Styling
2021 brought formal living room updates– including new furniture, and my beloved blue mohair sofa. Thus, a navy holiday palette was born. Blue is one of my favorite color palettes, and this was one of my best looks… the wispy garland paired alongside soft blue ribbon, brass accents, and plaid wool in cool navy tones. Check out my 2021 holiday living room tour here.
2022 Mantel Styling
I loved my navy Christmas decor so much, I decided to repeat the color palette in 2022. However, the mantel did see some updates… including new real touch cedar garland (so luxe)! That year, I leaned into minimalism with simple pillar candles, glass hurricanes, and sculptural asymmetric garland styling. Browse my 2022 holiday home tour here… I personally think it was one of my very best!
2023 Mantel Styling
This holiday season, I leaned into an equestrian inspired Christmas living room. I say that lightly, because you won’t find horses galore, but rather subtle nods… chestnut hues, horsetail textures, layered browns, and a vintage horse tucked in here or there. I used my cedar garland once again, but this time- I used less of it on the mantel. Sometimes the negative space is more impactful. Paired alongside sculptural glass candleholders, burl boxes, and new quilted stocking slipcovers, it really turned out looking elegant & classic.
FAQ
Probably this year’s… closely followed by 2022 (I do love blue).
Who could say! I honestly have no idea. I typically find inspiration in October.
My two favorites are the wispy pine needle garland and the real touch cedar garland! If I had to choose just one, I’d go with the pine… because I think it’s more interesting. Although the cedar feels more classic.
I looped a wire around the same nail / hook the mirror hangs from, then covered the wire with ribbon to make it look nicer.
Related
Looking for more holiday or living room posts? I’ll link some related ones for you below…
- Mantel Styling Tips + 5 Looks
- 2023 Holiday Gift Guide
- Wispy Pine Needle Arrangement DIY
- Fireplace Makeover + Cast Mantel Options
- Look for Less : Our Living Room
I’d love to know which look / year was your favorite! Mine is this year, but I think next year- I’ll probably bring my wispy pine needle garland back out… I just love that stuff! Here’s to a good week ahead. It feels so nice to be back in our holiday decorated home!