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