How to Style a Mantel with Garland

How to Style a Mantel with Garland

Styling a mantel with garland is one of those holiday decorating tasks that everyone seems to find a little tricky, but when done right, it can make the biggest impact in your home. Your mantel is often the focal point of your living space, and a beautifully styled garland can instantly bring warmth, texture, and that magical holiday feeling into the room.

Whether you love a full, layered look with lush greenery or something a little more simple and understated, creating the perfect mantel doesn't have to be complicated. We're sharing our favourite tips and tricks to help you achieve an effortlessly beautiful holiday mantel that feels timeless, inviting, and uniquely yours.

Step 1: Start with a clean mantel 

Removing everything from your mantel so you have a blank canvas, here is your chance to clean your surface and decided what you want as your main focal point to be 

Step 2: Choose your garland

We have over 8 options to choose form Norfolk & Cypress Mixed, Cypress Leaf Full, Cypress Pine, Norfolk Full, Magnolia Norfolk Cypress Mixed, White, Red and Navy Plum Frosted Berry Norfolk Cypress, choosing the right garland that complements the style and color for your room. To create the look like we did, choose one that has a fuller look, one that varies in colors and textures. Our Norfolk & Cypress is best seller for a reason, as it has both those features.

Hack Tip | Use command hooks on your mantel that have a metal look that will allow your garland to hang on it’s one without the commitment of a hammer and nail. Use can easily be found at your local hardware store, walmart or amazon 

Step 3: Make your garland fuller

Here is your chance to choose what look you are going for are you wanting to style the mantel draped on both sides creating a symmetrical look, which will allow you to create a swoop through the center, or are you wanting to drape the garland on one side creating an artistry look. 

If you garland isn’t full to your desire you can add a second to create a fuller look. This is where the fun beings mixing textures, such as greenery you can place in our frosted berry collection for added textured of berries or any decorative elements, such as a festive bow in the center or along the side, you can drape festive decorative bells on the side to create a traditional look.

Step 4: Add varying heights

Now this is where the fun beings, to bring your holiday festive to life. We love styling objects that are different in heights - think candlesticks, vases, decorative holiday trees, books, any festive sculptures. A rule of thumb to follow when grouping decor pieces is to style them in threes, very their heights so the overall arrangements feels collected rather than perfectly matched.

Step 5: Add decorative touches 

Here is where the fun begins! Now that your garland is beautifully styled, it’s time to add those finishing touches that bring your holiday mantel to life. Incorporate your favourite holiday bells, festive stockings, and seasonal accents to create a warm and inviting display.

Try layering vintage inspired bells throughout your garland or hanging a cluster from one end of your mantel for a charming, timeless look. Add your favourite Christmas stockings, choosing colours and textures that complement your greenery and overall holiday theme. For an extra festive touch, incorporate velvet bows, decorative ribbon to bring everything together.

The key is to create a collected, effortless look without overcrowding your mantel. Play with different textures, heights, and finishes, allowing your garland to remain the focal point while your decorative accents add personality and charm.

Remember, it's the little details that make your holiday mantel feel truly special!