Tips and Tricks for Your Holiday Fireplace Mantel

There’s no doubt about it, the fireplace is the primary focal point of any holiday get together. When decorating for the holidays, take care to plan and decorate the holiday fireplace mantel. There are timeless tips and tricks from decorators that you can utilize this holiday season before gathering around the “yule log“!

Tips

Decorators have spent time honing their craft by trial and error. We can benefit from their insight by adopting some simple rules of thumb when choosing what items will be displayed on the holiday mantel this year.

Color and Style

It is overwhelmingly advisable to keep a simple color palate for the best visual results (maximum of 3 colors is recommended). When deciding on color, take cues from the room. If the colors are subtle, stick with a less garish color palette (e.g. avoid ruby red and Kelly green; choose mulberry and evergreen instead).

When determining the “style”, consider how the room is decorated. For example, if the style is modern, do not choose overtly traditional items for the display. In other words, metal and glass ornaments would match a modern décor better than dried fruit and flowers.

Proportion and Height

When choosing and placing decorative items (candles, ornaments, statues etc.) keep “balance” in mind.

• Place similar objects opposite of one another
• Place taller items on the ends working down to shorter visuals in the center
• Consider layering items for depth and interest (e.g. garland, candle, stocking holder)
• Drape the tails of the garland no further than 1/3 the height of the floor to the mantel for vertical proportion

Tricks

• Cut fold a fresh garland in ½ to zero in on the center for an even look & ensure it will drape the same on each end to avoid one end pointing up while the other points down (you can fold an artificial garland ½ instead of cutting since they are usually made of wire and can be easily manipulated)
• Wrap lights around the garland before placing on the mantel while lit to ensure even spacing
• If the mantel is narrow, cut a piece of non-slip rug pad to fit the top and place the garland on top to minimize slipping while protecting the mantel’s surface
• Use a heavy object like an urn to hold up heavy garlands
• Adhere ornaments to the garland with wire
• When using ornaments, apply a dot of glue under the caps to ensure they do not slip off the display and shatter
• If the on/off switch for lights is hard to reach, plug it into a remote control on/off switch
• Use good wired ribbon which is easier to manipulate and will hold up year and year
• Make sure the decorations will not catch fire, do not let flammable items hang in front of or into the fireplace opening – safety first!

The finishing touch is a roaring wood burning fire! Don’t forget to use the best wood that produces minimal smoke and the right amount of crackle. Kiln dried firewood is the perfect fit.

The most important thing is to have fun. Make it interesting by using different shapes, size, and textures to create an alluring holiday display. Don’t forget to include a little “sparkle” too!

Order Your Holiday Firewood from Premier Firewood

Happy Holidays from our family at Premier Firewood Company™ to yours! Make sure to be prepared for the coziest celebrations with the most efficient firewood, kiln dried firewood. Call 203-866-4252 or order online today for delivery. We’ll even stack the firewood for you!