Three years ago, the day before Thanksgiving, we moved our family across the country. Our new apartment was scantily clad with furniture, and the 15 suitcases we brought with us had little room for holiday decorations. Even our keepsake Christmas stockings hadn't made the packing cut. But this house didn't have a fireplace to hang them on anyway (no need for one in 80 degree tropical Mexico)! I was searching for something that would ground us in our new home for the holidays, that would feel festive and help decorate the empty space, and that wouldn't cost very much.
original photo by Vera Kratochvil, publicdomainpictures.net, used by permission
Then, the day we went out to buy our little 4 foot Christmas tree, I found some Christmas wrapping paper that was designed like red chimney bricks and it came to me! We would create our own Christmas fireplace and mantel! Little did I know that this seemingly insignificant (some would say silly) idea would become a favorite tradition for our family!
This year we will celebrate our fourth Christmas in Campeche and always the first thing mentioned when we start talking about decorating for Christmas is “How are we going to make our fireplace this year?” Here is a photo of our first 3 fireplaces, followed by 25+ inspirational ideas for beautiful Christmas mantels! May Christ reign in your hearts and beauty in your homes this Christmas!
Traditional Mantels
- Red, white and green with glass balls and garland
- Believe – silver trailing garland
- Simply JOY
- Fresh pine and pinecones
- Poinsettias and holly
White Mantels
- Little Trees on the Left
- Merry and Bright – lights through canvas decorating
- Letters and snowflakes
- White touched by red
- White signs and socks
Less is More
Victorian Inspired Mantels
Modern Mantels
- Snowmen and snowballs
- Pom-pon garland!
- Glitz and shimmers
- Pastel baubles
- Themed decorations – like this Coca-Cola one!
More Inspiration
- 26 other great mantel inspirations
- 25 DIY Christmas Wreaths
- Follow my Christmas Mantel Board on Pinterest
This post is part of the 20 Days of Ultimate Christmas Lists Series on Paradise Praises. Subscribe in the box below to be sure you don't miss a single post! And don't forget to follow my Christmas boards on Pinterest too!
