Decorating for the holidays can be a fun and exciting time for the whole family. Even if decking the halls with the traditional boughs of holly isn’t really your style, there are dozens of ways to prepare your home for the holidays and encourage everyone to get into the holiday spirit. Homemade holiday decor can be quite simple to make and a great activity for any children in the family — and putting up decor purchased from your favorite stores and catalogs is a breeze. The highlight of holiday decorating is putting up the tree and adorning the mantel.
The fireplace is the heart of the home in so many ways, especially during the holidays. From garlands to candles to creche scenes and miniature villages, the mantel piece can be whimsical, elegant, modern, or old-fashioned in its design. Decorate with mirrors, wreaths, family pictures, holiday cards from friends, whatever your personal style, here are a few simple ways to make the most of your mantle:
Layers
Layers create depth and visual interest, but keep it simple. Choose a background (usually a wreath or mirror or other large piece hanging on the wall above the mantel), a middle-ground (often candles or other lights, greenery, larger ornaments, etc), and front pieces (usually the smallest, most display-worthy, important, etc.).
Levels
Varying the levels of the decorations draws the eye up, creating a greater illusion of height. The hanging background piece(s) are usually also the tallest, with the middle and fore-ground at lower levels. Tall corner pieces work very well to tie the back- and middle- ground.
Color
Stick with only 3 or 4 colors for your decorating palate. You can vary the shades slightly for depth and added interest, but you don’t want to overwhelm with color. Try to use colors that coordinate well and convey your desired mood. Try not to go overboard on the bling. Shiny is nice in small quantities, but too much can have the undesirable effect of looking cheap.
Light
You want some sort of light on your mantle to illuminate your beautiful decor. Candles of varying heights are popular, as are strands of white Christmas lights.
Forshaw of St Louis is your complete source for beautiful indoor and outdoor fireplaces and mantels, fireplace inserts, gas logs, fireplace tools & accessories. Please contact us for more information or visit our vast showroom & store in St. Louis, Missouri, just off highway 40 and Lindbergh.