If you are lucky enough to have a mantel, it is a great focal point for holiday decorating! Even if you don’t have a fireplace, these ideas can easily be applied to sideboards or shelving. It is fun to find creative ways to dress up our mantel by mixing things up and trying something new. On the Better Homes & Gardens website I found six different mantel variations that I thought were fresh and interesting to share with you today.

The first one featured a lot of blue and white dishes, and then a pop of the jumbo red blooms on either side of the mantel. I thought the symmetry and burst of color was very lively and fun! Remember, you can click on the images to enlarge them!

This one was really neat because it highlights special ornaments that ordinarily might be lost on a tree. By using candlesticks or goblets turned upside down, you create stands to show off pretty Christmas ornaments at various heights along the mantel.

This mantel’s impact is in its simplicity both in form and color palette. I’ve seen little topiary trees like these and think the secret to success here is the repetition. Why use just one? Four gives more impact! Instead of filling every blank space on the mantel with ornaments, it is left with plenty of breathing room consistent with the simple look.

This was a creative way to dress up a mantel easily even if you are starting from scratch with a blank wall. Any empty frame can be used to showcase a wreath without competing for attention from artwork.

How fun are the cranberry-filled glass cylinders set in amongst the greenery and the hanging stars?! A unique and interesting combination!

Finally, I really like this rustic sideboard decked out similarly to a mantel. Glass compotes and apothecary jars filled with gold ornaments and pine cones look great as a group across the top of the sideboard. The gold ornaments tied to the coppery brown ribbon make a pretty and creative swag.

I love the look of a festive fireplace all dressed for the holidays! If you don’t know where to begin with holiday decorating, the mantel is always a good place to start.

What are your favorite mantel ideas? Feel free to share ideas in the comments!

photos: Better Homes & Gardens