Ok, I did have to check mantle or mantel ~ it is the latter.
Spell check out of the way, the decorating began. The key to Christmas mantel design is layering ~ yes, layering.
With such a narrow area you need to add depth to your design. So think layers, textures, a variety of heights & then…more layers.
Let me show you what I have put together on my usually very simple mantel. It is a Christmas mantle after all ~ bring it on!
Location: my living room fireplace mantel. 
Color scheme: neutral with sparkly silver & gold. A neutral palette calls out even more for layers & textures to add interest.
For layers I used a grain sack runner folded in half the long way, 3 mirrors, a silver tray, mercury glass votives & trees.
The textures come in with the nubby grain sack, the greens, the wood & glass.
The silver & gold ornaments add the necessary holiday bling.
Carried the look onto the hearth using an enamelware pot, a tomato cage Christmas tree & more.
…and if it were really Christmas already I would carry the palette all around the room. For now let’s just focus on the mantel – we need to enjoy Thanksgiving before this moves around the room.
What do you think?
I was invited to create a Christmas mantel by Melissa & Sonya.
They both have wonderful blogs and on each, a list of the other Christmas mantels you should see.
Here the blogs sharing with me today. Take a look as there is more than one way to trim a mantel!
Cherished Bliss
Domestically Speaking
Lilacs and Longhorns
Two Thirty Five Designs
The Happier Homemaker
** Kelly **
p.s. if you liked today’s post, bet you would like this one as well.
Linking up at Savvy Southern Style, A Stroll Thru Life and The Scoop
Beautiful, Kelly! I love it all!
is it purdy or pretty? Ha. beautiful mantel.
You are so clever! I’ll take either, but beautiful is even better!
It looks so pretty! Love the layers! Thanks so much for being a part of the tour! Life to the full! Melissa
Beautiful Kelly…I LOVE to layer!!
Of course you do! Thanks Martina…
Love looking at the great mantels (mantel not mantle, mantle is for Mickey) 🙂 …. and yours is no exception…just gorgeous Kelly and love the helpful hints of creating the perfect mantel….
Thank you Shirley!
Smitten with the Mercury glass! Gorgeous mantel!
Me too Peggy & I don’t think the love affair will end any time soon. Mercury glass is so very pretty & versatile. Thanks for coming by today!
Beautiful! I love the way you combine your lanterns—just wonderful!
Thank you so much Robin! I got those big lanterns at my local hardware store – and they were so inexpensive! Look like Restoration Hardware, but NOT! The little lantern is super old & rusty & I love it. I appreciate you coming by!
Very good Kelly! I am always inspired by your Soulful Home 🙂 gorgeous x
Thank you Bella!!
Beautiful mantle!! Amazing job!! Love it!!
Thanks Crystal! I really appreciate that…
Kelly,
Love the Christmas layered look! I
Will be doing this also!
Ann
Kelly,
Love the layered look! I will be doing this also!
Ann
Great idea for my leftover burlap. Love the tomato cage.
Thanks Gloria! Those tress are so much fun to make ~ each one can be so unique. Thanks for coming by today!
Beautifully layered! Love the golds, silvers and browns.
Thanks so much Maryann!
Oh my, Kelly! Your mantel is so beautiful and sophisticated and starry! I love that you used metals and natural elements. Come decorate my mantel!!!!
The tomato cage is genius!
Thank you so much Cindi!!
Great idea to go with a natural style mantel. Love the ornaments in the nest!
Thanks so much Jennifer! I love those nests and ornaments made more sense than eggs this time of year!
Wow – what gorgeous pictures of your beautiful mantel Kelly! And I love your tip about layering too! Pinning!
Thanks so much Laura!
Kelly it’s so beautiful!! I absolutely love the color palette and all of the wonderful layers!
Thank you Vanessa! Yeah, what is it with the neutrals this year? I am usually such a red girl…calming I guess.
Gorgeous! This is exactly the look I am planning on this year. I’ve been collecting mercury glass ornaments, metallic votives and gold and silver spray paint to transform decor from past years. 🙂 Thanks for the beautiful inspiration!
I love your decor tips!! The layering and sparkly metallics are stunning! Pinning!!!
Thank you Heather! I know you like metallics too!
Love the tomato cage burlap Christmas tree. I have been trying to make tomato cage lighted greenery Christmas tree
for my porch but never seem to get around to it. I even have the materials for it. Yours will now inspire me!
That is wonderful to hear Susan! So happy to have inspired you to create your project. Good luck with and hope to see you back here again soon!
Kelly,
Your mantle is very beautiful.
Happy New Year1
Ann
Thank you Ann and Happy New Year to you! All the best in 2015!