Holiday mantel styling is one of my favorite parts of this season. There are so many different ways to style a mantel especially when greenery is involved but I love achieving an earthy and organic look. In our home, this holiday mantel easily becomes the centerpiece of the room! I wanted to share a few tips I have learned throughout the years of decorating our home for the holiday season. Keep scrolling for a step-by-step guide to how I styled my mantel!
paper tabletop tree | brown & green trees | long pine garland | pine garland | eucalyptus garland | pine cone branch | brown velvet ribbon | hanging bells | zip ties | adhesive hooks
step one: garland
arched mirror | long pine garland | adhesive hooks
Garland is an easy yet stunning base for your mantel during the holidays. Whether you choose fresh or faux, there are countless options—from pine to cedar, and green to gold—that instantly add texture and warmth to your space. I started my holiday mantel styling with one 180′ long Norfolk Pine Garland (high sell out risk, don’t wait!) Drape it along the edge of the mantel or loop it around your fireplace—it doesn’t have to be perfect! We’ll be adding on more layers so don’t worry if you’re a little unsure at first.
Pro tip: opt for heavyweight damage free adhesive hooks, you don’t want to underestimate how heavy those garlands can be!
step two: layer… a lot
arched mirror | long pine garland | eucalyptus garland | 6′ pine garland | zip ties | adhesive hooks
Layering garland is a fantastic way to create depth and dimension when decorating your mantel for the holidays. You started styling your mantel with a full garland as your base. Now, you can build on that by adding smaller, complementary pieces—such as a second layer of a different texture, or a mix of greenery. I added another 180′ long Norfolk Pine Garland, three real touch eucalyptus garland, and two 60″ Norfolk Pine garlands for fullness. By layering different elements, you make your mantel more visually interesting and full of style. The great thing about garland is that it’s multi-functional, so feel free to experiment and create a style that’s all your own!
step four: accessorize your garland
Very similar to fashion, accessories tie your entire holiday mantel together! Now that you have your layers of garland as a starting point, you can begin incorporating a mix of textures and materials into it. You can use things like berries, pinecones, and lights to break up the greenery and give your garland extra depth! For my holiday mantel, I added a few light brown pine cone branches, soft velvet ribbon, and vintage bells with a touch of a sparkle to maintain my earthy, organic vibe but still giving it a little character. The key is to layer accessories thoughtfully, balancing bold pieces with subtle ones and enhancing your theme.
step five: complementary decor
arched mirror | honeycomb tree | brown & green trees | long pine garland | 6′ pine garland | eucalyptus garland | pine cone branch | brown velvet ribbon | hanging bells | zip ties | adhesive hooks | green floor tree | honeycomb floor tree | similar floor trees
Once your garland is looking full of holiday spirit, it’s time to bring out your favorite holiday pieces! Try to stay within the theme you chose for your garland. You’ll want to fill the remaining space on your mantel with decor items that create a cohesive and balanced look. To achieve an overall natural and organic look, I chose to showcase matching honeycomb style paper trees. Would you believe me if I told you the paper trees on the floor are actually from Walmart? The key with tying everything together is to strike a balance between visual interest and simplicity. You want your holiday mantel to look curated but not too cluttered!
the completed look
arched mirror | honeycomb tree | brown & green trees | long pine garland | 6′ pine garland | eucalyptus garland | pine cone branch | brown velvet ribbon | hanging bells | zip ties | adhesive hooks | green floor tree | honeycomb floor tree | similar floor trees
Styling your mantel for the holidays is a fun and creative way to bring all of the holiday cheer to your living room. By starting with a beautiful garland and layering it with compatible textures, accessories, and decor, you can build a mantel that feels unique to you. Follow these steps to turn your mantel into a beautiful focal point that adds comfort, style, and a genuine holiday feel to your home. Whether you opt for my organic and earthy style or a classic red-and-green look, the possibilities are endless!
shop holiday mantel decor
pine cone garland | cedar garland | real touch garland | pre lit garland | berry garland | cedar mantel swag | cedar stem | red berry stems | red berry branch | gold leave stem | berry stem | long stem cosmos
village house set | tree candles | candlesticks | gold reindeer | gold trees | gold bells | gold candle | pine cones | gold bowl | nutcrackers | tree village set
As the holidays approach, styling these small spaces, like your mantel, can make your home feel festive and fun. Give these holiday mantel decorating tips a try, and see how fun it is to bring your living space some holiday spirit. Happy styling!
