It’s my favorite season again, and my favorite room to decorate — so this is definitely my favorite post of the year. This year I kept things classic with a traditional red and green Christmas mantel. The whole house is dressed in this festive color scheme, and I’m absolutely loving the warm, timeless look.
I’m also obsessed with plaid this season. Plaid accents are everywhere in stores right now, and I couldn’t resist incorporating them into the mantel. You’ll see a touch of tartan on the mantel here, and I’ll share more of the plaid-filled home tour later in the week. For reference: plaid (tartan) is a pattern of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors — historically woven in wool but now made in many different materials.
This mantel started with two basic pieces: a planked pallet I built last summer and painted antique white, and a faux pre-lit garland I bought after last Christmas. The garland was an incredible deal — I remember getting the full 12-foot strand for around ten dollars — and it adds instant holiday glow to the mantel.
For the centerpiece I used a wreath I bought on clearance after Christmas last year. I embellished it with pinecone picks, a vintage folding ruler formed into a star shape, and a plaid ribbon bow. That little folding ruler — purchased on eBay for under five dollars — adds so much character and charm. I made the bow following this simple tutorial.
I also added a few handmade and thrifted touches. The “Blessed” stenciled pillow is one I made myself — you can find the tutorial here. Layered textiles like stenciled drop cloth, plaid, and ikat provide texture and depth while keeping the mantel feeling cozy and curated.
I did pick up a few new pieces this season, including some pretty tabletop trees from Target — a berry tree and a burlap-and-glitter tree — which were just the right scale for the mantel. The small hand-carved Santa is a travel keepsake I brought back from China more than a decade ago; little sentimental items like that help personalize holiday displays.
Sometimes it makes sense to buy the perfect item instead of making it, especially when you’re short on time. I picked up a few ready-made pieces this year simply because they were exactly what I wanted and saved me time — and that’s okay. Decorating should be enjoyable, not stressful.
My deer and plate-style stocking holders have been favorites for several years and still show up in stores each season. The stockings themselves are from Pottery Barn and PB Kids; we actually have our names sewn on the reverse side, but I like how they look turned around in photos. I tied plaid ribbon to them so they harmonize with the rest of the mantel décor.
When the garland and tabletop trees are lit, the mantel becomes my favorite spot to relax. I love sitting on the couch with the soft glow from the mantel lights, the sparkle of the trees, and a fire in the hearth — it’s the coziest spot in the house.
Christmas Mantel Sources:
Christmas trees: Berry Christmas Tree and Burlap Tree with Glitter. Candle holders: green ceramic pillar holder and white IKEA holders. Stocking holders: reindeer and plate-style holders. Round basket with chalkboard. Pillow tutorial: Blessed Pillow. Stockings: red and ivory stocking and quilted stocking with gingham accents. Vintage folding ruler: eBay. Plaid ribbon: Hobby Lobby. Red ikat pillow: local shop.
Have you finished decorating yet? Christmas is just around the corner, and while my house is dressed for the holidays, my gift shopping is still pending — always a last-minute scramble! If you’re short on time, remember that a few well-chosen pieces and a cohesive color palette can make a big impact without a lot of fuss.
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. That means you receive the same great products and prices, and I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting The Turquoise Home.