By the Chimney With Care

Decorating for the holidays doesn’t end with a tree. Your mantel is the perfect place to let your seasonal style shine. From snowy winter whites that last through the new year to traditional accents that set the tone for December gatherings, your fireplace can become the heart of your holiday home décor.

Mantel Must-Haves

Paula DeOre, Interior Decorator at In House Living, notes that this season’s top trend is the organic look. “Natural greens, neutral colours, magnolia, birch sticks, and pinecones are timeless elements,” she says. “You can leave them up even after the holiday season ends.” This year, she’s seeing more ribbons and bows that add texture and a polished touch. DeOre also emphasizes pairing your mantel style with your tree for a cohesive, consistent look throughout the room.

Wondering just how to build a showstopping mantel at home? “Start with your garland,” DeOre advises. “Weave in twinkle lights, then complement with a wreath or greenery around artwork above the mantel,” she says.

Jennifer Klassen at Centro Garden offers a garden pro’s tip on hanging garlands. While artificial ones can go up at any time, “always remember if you’re using live greenery, don’t bring it inside until a week before Christmas because it will dry out.”Flameless taper candles will add height and visual interest, especially when grouped with three on one side of the mantel and two on the other. Metal stocking holders and stockings complete the layered, seasonal display.

For minimalists, “instead of hanging garland, simply lay a few picks along the mantel for a festive accent,” DeOre says.

Go Green

Part of the magic of the season is visiting a garden centre to take in the scent of fresh-cut greens and discover wintery options like magnolia, eucalyptus, and berries to use in your holiday décor. Catherine Bulow, part of the family business at Bulow Garden Centre, says there are many choices for garland: “There are Ontario-grown cedars and then B.C. cedar, which has longer boughs and is more expensive,” she explains. “You can also use boxwood or a cedar and pine mix as a base.”

Fresh greens need care. Mist them often and keep them cool until you’re ready to decorate or entertain. “Follow the same rules as a cut tree and remember to spritz them,” notes Bulow. While they won’t last long, with a little extra attention, your mantel will stay fragrant and naturally beautiful.

Festive Fun

If a formal mantel isn’t your style, try creating one that reflects your personality. Select a theme inspired by your favourite holiday movie or show. Tyler Schwartz, RetroFestive’s “Chief Cheermeister,” says he’s seeing shoppers mix classic décor with pop culture pieces. “The Grinch is incredibly popular,” he says. “People are adding Grinch ornaments to trees, wreaths, and garlands on their mantels.”

Marnie Warman of Interior Design House points out that not every mantel is deep enough to accommodate a bulky garland. As fun alternatives, she recommends groups of battery operated candles with garland “picks” placed in and around the bases. “You can add decorative balls, floral products and other items for colour and texture,” Warman says, adding that the candles (or mini lights) also look wonderful inside hurricane type glass containers, of either matching or varying widths and heights. “You can then put some stems, or mini ornaments inside the glass with the candles for a great and simple look.”

Figurines are another playful accent. Schwartz’s favourite? Buddy from Elf, holding a string of snowflakes just like in the movie. “Stocking holders and stockings are essential, but figurines are more fun. They’re real conversation starters,” he says. Including whimsical elements can revive childhood nostalgia while helping families create new holiday memories together.

Finally, it’s more than okay to venture beyond traditional colours. Customers of Centro Garden are getting downright playful with their trimmings. “Bright colours are definitely trending this year,” Klassen says, “so think about adding some pink, peach or coral hues to your Christmas decor.”