Christmas decorating ideas for your mantelpiece

Make your mantelpiece stand out this Christmas with these festive ideas. Whether you're planning to dress your home in modern , country or traditional Christmas decorations, be sure to have a browse through these mantelpiece decorating ideas for inspiration. Traditional Christmas mantelpiece Lay a wire garland along the mantel with a festive flower pot and candle at each end. Hang lightweight decorations off the leaves for some shimmer and sparkle. Add a row of votive holders filled with tealights to add to the soft glow. Finish off by winding an elastic band around a bunch of cut foliage, and hang by adding a broad ribbon and tying into a bow. CRAFT IDEA To create your own flower pot candles . Cut a piece of florist's foam and soak in water. Place in a flower pot with a candle on top. Push foliage like holly and roses into the foam with the flower heads facing outwards to create a stunning Christmas display. STYLIST'S TIP Fresh garden foliage like ivy should last a few days once cut, with holly lasting a little longer. Modern Christmas mantelpiece Go for the modern minimalist Christmas look with a shimmering white garland, sparkling silver accessories and a scattering of colourful baubles . STYLE IDEA If you've collected a selection of mismatched baubles over the years, this is the perfect time to put them to good use. Make a colourful and eye-catching statement by dotting an array of baubles of different sizes, colours and shapes along a simple sparkling garland so they really stand out. Finish the look with some glittering Christmas ornaments like this reindeer. Country Christmas mantelpiece Choose a mantelpiece garland that could double up as a card hanger - this one has little buckets for Advent gifts. Punch a hole in your christmas cards , tie on with string and add candy cane decorations to complete this charming country look. CRAFT IDEA We love this Rusty Bucket Advent Calendar, £27.95 from Aspen & Brown , but if you're itching to get stuck into Christmas crafts , why not make your own? Hang mini flower pots by the handle along a coloured ribbon. Don't worry if they're looking a bit tired, spray paint them in gold, silver or copper to leave them gleaming. Tie them in place on the ribbon with string. Finish off your homemade advent calendar by sticking numbered cardboard labels to pegs and attaching them to the ribbon - and of course, fill each bucket with sweet treats! Looking for more festive ideas? Visit our Christmas hub for everything from Christmas gift ideas to craft videos.

Christmas decorating ideas for your mantelpiece

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