Deck Your Mantle: Festive Ways to Show Off Greenery
The holiday season brings crisp, cool air, cozy nights by the fire, and opportunities to infuse our homes with seasonal style. One simple yet dramatic way to set a festive winter mood is decorating your fireplace mantle with lush, natural garland.
Read on as we walk through how to select, prepare, and artfully display mantle garland to elevate your space for the holidays and beyond.
Prepare Your Mantle
Before dressing up your mantle, ensure you have a clean foundation on which to build your display. Thoroughly wipe away any dust or debris from the surface using a dry cloth or gentle cleaner if needed. Remove any existing decorative items to clear the space.
Next, spend a few moments evaluating your mantle itself. How long is it? How much room do you have to work with? Determine ideal placements for garland hooks, nails, command strips, or other fasteners based on the length and layout. Lightly mark their positioning in pencil so you can easily access those spots once the garland is in place.
Select Festive Garland
The garland itself acts as the starring element for your mantle display. Take time to choose a style that reflects your personal taste and complements your existing holiday motifs.
Consider Garland Materials
Garlands come in a spectacular variety of natural and artificial options. Evergreen garlands incorporating pine, cedar, fir or other fresh-scented greenery infuse spaces with woodsy cheer. More affordable berry-adorned garlands still deliver holiday vibes on a budget.
For the mantle, select a garland between 1-3 feet longer than the surface itself. The extra length allows for artful draping without leaving the ends dangling awkwardly. Pro tip: Buy multiple garlands to create a fuller, lusher appearance on wider mantles!
Incorporate Embellishments
Once you've selected the foundational garland, consider accessories to take the look up a notch. Strands of warm white string lights woven throughout create a magical glow. Extra greenery like eucalyptus or holly berries add organic contrast.
Ribbons, ornaments, and bead garland interspersed bring pops of color that complement existing interior palettes. Play around with arrangements until you love the look!
Installation Methods for Securing Garland
With your mantle prepped and dreamy garland in hand, it's time to affix your holiday finery in place. Several approaches allow you to enjoy lush garland displays without damage or difficult removal when the season ends.
Command Hooks for No-Fuss Hanging
Command strip hooks easily mount garland securely with no tools required. Select wide, clear hooks rated to hold over 5 lbs. Affix to the mantle surface following package instructions, using your pre-marked guide.
Drape the garland across the hooks, adjusting until the coverage appears even. Fluff out any tight sections, letting the ends sweep the surface dramatically. Conceal visible hooks by tucking in foliage and embellishments for a seamless organic look.
Hammer Small Nails for Rustic Style
If working with a wood mantlepiece, small nails provide a classic hanging method. Hammer nails every 18-24 inches across the surface, keeping your pencil markings handy as a template. Take care not to crack delicate mantles.
Twist garland strands around each nail to secure in place across the length of the mantle. The visible nails complement the lush greenery, accentuating the organic effect in a subtle way.
Affix Garland Strands with Twist Ties
For a lighter touch, hook each end with command strips. Run green florist's twist ties up behind the garland at even intervals. Catch ties around hooks to create swooping invisible connections securing the garland safely.
Conceal ties by tucking in foliage elements. This method prevents garland slipping without requiring heavily visible hooks or nails.
Style Your Mantle Garland
Once secured, put finishing touches on the garland to take the display next level. Carefully adjust branches to eliminate gaps or tight spots. Fluff fuller sections to gently sweep the floor if using a longer garland.
Embellish Further
Tuck in collected elements like pinecones, holly sprigs, curly willow or other foraged finds. Cluster bright berries or metallic bead strands for striking color contrast. Accent with ribbon, lace, or burlap if desired.
For an enchanting glow, weave mini string lights throughout. Focus groupings at the ends, conceal excess cord behind. Step back and tweak placements of embellishments until fully satisfied!
Caring for and Maintaining Mantle Garland
Check attachments regularly to ensure all fastenings remain secure as the season progresses. Refasten any slipped hooks, replace stretched ties, or hammer replacement nails as needed over time.
Fluff compressed areas, fill spots where ornamentation has dropped. Use care with open flames like candles or gas fireplaces to avoid igniting the natural materials.
When the holidays have passed, carefully detach each garland strand and pack away neatly to preserve for next year's decking!
Decorating your mantle for the holidays or winter season delivers an impactful style payoff for minimal effort. Following the steps above allows you to safely install lush, welcoming garlands tailored to your unique space.
Showcase seasonal spirit and bring natural vibrance in through creative garland displays upon your mantle. Experiment with different elements until you discover a look you can't wait to cozy up next to year after year!