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Y’all… it’s time to think about decorating for Christmas. Can you believe it? I am so happy to share this Easy Farmhouse Christmas Mantel with you!
My mother used to accuse me of starting to think about Christmas every September when my birthday would roll around. She was right! I’m ready to start decorating for the holidays as soon as the weather cools a bit.
This year, I am so fortunate to be included in 100 Days of Homemade Holiday Inspiration sponsored by my good friend Liz at Hoosier Homemade. I’m sure you have seen her recipes, either on her blog page or facebook. She is the BEST!!
Sometimes I like to spend hours on decor for my home, like creating a fireplace vignette. But sometimes… not! This was one of those NOT times! I was on a time crunch when I created this one, but I’m so happy with how it turned out.
And while we don’t live in an actual farmhouse, my husband grew up in one, so I do love the look of our farmhouse Christmas mantel.
But first… the fireplace surround didn’t start out that way. At first it looked like this:
The dark tile on the hearth was around the fireplace box as well. It was a bit blah for me!
So, with the magical help of some adhesive stone tiles, I got to work and gave the fireplace an update. See the full project here.
The stone makes it so much more fun to decorate! So, now lets talk about the farmhouse Christmas mantel decor.
Composing an easy Farmhouse Christmas Mantel
I enjoy using things that I already have, while supplementing here and there when needed. You will notice some affiliate links attached to the decor featured in this post, as a courtesy to help you find like items for your own use. But don’t hesitate to experiment with its that you already have! ‘Shop your house’ is what I like to say!!
I love using oversize items on the wall above the fireplace. For this one, I have a large (36″ x 36″) tobacco basket that was acquired at a local antique store. You can plainly see that it is authentic and has seen much wear. The more the better!
A great design tip is to mix textures, so you will see wood, metal, pottery and textiles in this setting. Hanging on the basket is a canvas that I found at a craft store, marked down from a season prior. You could easily make this! There are plenty of stencils out there, if you don’t feel confident to freehand the lettering.
Under the basket, on the mantel, is a whitewashed wooden dough bowl. I love how it draws the eye in to focus on the detail on the mantel. There are metal decor balls in the dough bowl. Below the bowl hang rustic linen stockings made of canvas, muslin and lace. The sweater ones found here would be fabulous too!
To the right of the basket hangs a wooden tree cutout, chalk painted in a rustic white. Also on that side is a carved tree and a gold bottle brush tree. Wound across the mantel is a pre-lit greenery garland for just the right ambiance in the evenings.
To the left of the basket is a pre-lit grapevine tree and a ceramic vase with white birch branches. Don’t be afraid to use large-scale pieces on your mantel. Using items to small in scale may be one of the most common decor mistakes when decorating a fireplace.
A final small touch is a little red cardinal watching over the stockings. I love cardinals and enjoy placing one in unexpected places. Cardinals are a symbol of hope and who doesn’t need a little bit of that, especially this year?! It also helps to link the mantel decor to the family Christmas tree. I love that little bird!
It is so much fun to create a warm and cheerful home for the holidays. I enjoy using things that I already have, while supplementing here and there when needed.
I hope you enjoyed visiting with me today! Now it’s time to be inspired by these amazing Christmas decorating ideas from fellow bloggers –
See you soon!
Linking to Metamorphosis Monday.
Oh your mantel gorgeous! I love the tan and white colors together, and your tree is beautiful!
Thanks for joining the Homemade Holiday Inspiration!
Thank you so much, Liz! And I am thrilled to be with you all for the Homemade Holiday Inspiration!!
Your mantel is so beautiful!!!!
Thank you so much, Kristin!
Love your cozy neutral farmhouse mantel – so pretty!
Thank you, Maryann!!
I adore the tobacco basket and neutral decor. One of these days I’m going to try it but I’m pretty stuck on bright and happy! Great job!
Thanks, Marty! I do love neutrals, but I love color too! Hugs!!