Christmas Decorations: Ideas for your Mantlepiece

18th September, 2023

Bethany Day

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Bloom and Buzz Contributor

When Monet said, “I must have flowers, always and always”, I’m convinced he meant peonies and honestly? Same. When I’m not lusting after their perfect petals or saving a bouquet from a too sunny windowsill, you’ll find me at home raising the next generation of flower lovers (think sticky hands and zero vase etiquette).

Style

Whether you have a roaring fire under the mantlepiece in winter, or one that’s just for display, it’s a prime spot for festive decorations. A focal point in a room, the mantle offers an ideal canvas for showing off your winter style whether it’s technicolour chaos, classic reds and greens, or Scandi chic.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a few ideas to get your creative brain whirring.

1. Poinsettia pots wreathed in lights

A Christmas icon, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful poinsettia. The bright red brachts (they’re not petals, they’re a type of leaf called a bracht) bring a cosy glow every winter.

Try popping 2-3 (or more) pots along the mantlepiece and string Christmas lights between them for an easy low, maintenance traditional Christmas look.

To make it even jollier you could tie ribbon around the pots or surround their bases with festive accessories like pinecones or cinnamon.

Top tip: give your poinsettia(s) the right TLC** and they’ll last until next Christmas!**

2. A fresh white garland featuring azaleas

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas but the weather is unlikely to oblige, then bring some snowy tones inside instead.

Ideal for lovers of minimalist decor and neutral palettes, a fresh flower garland of white blooms and contrasting green foliage is so chic.

Use our garland making guide to get you started but swap in striking white flowers and berries like azaleas, mistletoe and white winterberries for that wonderland look.

3. A vintage look with jars of hellebores

The soft beauty of the hellebore, aka Christmas Rose, goes so well with a vintage or boho style of decorating. And it’s a seasonal bloom too, so it gets points for sustainability.

To create a dreamy, rustic look, track down interesting jars or little vases to pop blooms and foliage in. Charity shops are a real winner for this. Look for different colours of glass, vintage china or unusual shapes. Then nab yourself some hellebores (your local florist should have some!) and winter foliage and create little posies tied with string or ribbon.

Pop them on the mantle with candles or Christmas lights or even drapes some festive fabric around the bottom.

Top tip: charity shops are amazing for finding vintage decorations and other treasures, plus they help make Christmas more eco-friendly.

4. A classic wreath

If the pomp and grandeur of a wreath, no matter how minimal, is too much for you then a classic wreath is the answer. They’re also ideal if you have an acrobatic furry friend who loves to tightrope walk the mantlepiece!

An iconic symbol of Christmas its circular shape represents the cycle of life, hope and renewal. Choose rich red and green tones for a traditional look or match the colours to your decorating style. Of course we’ve got a guide on how to make a wreath, or if you’d rather leave it to the experts our florists would love to help.

Hang it just above your mantle to bring a festive feel to the room.

Top tip: fresh flowers and foliage won’t love the fierce heat of a roaring fire, so if you’re a regular fire starter opt for dried flowers and foliage (but keep them well away from the flames!), candles or ornaments.

5. A modern abstract look with orchids

If you’re a lover of modern looks or enjoy a twist on Christmas, then we’re into it. Who said it had to be all about red, green and gold? Not us. Embrace your striking style by using orchids to decorate. A couple of pots of these sculptural beauties make a real statement, and you can mix them with mini baubles, or delicate beads to really make for a fresh, alternative Christmas mantlepiece.

We’re fans of Cymbidium orchids, their bold flower spikes are amazing for adding texture to displays.

We hope the inspiration and festive feeling are flowing! Don’t forget that no matter what anyone (or a blog!) tells you Christmas decorating is all about celebrating what you love, your traditions and your style. If you love it, it’s valid. And if you want help creating your dream winter wonderland we’re always here to help.

More Christmas inspiration

Gifts, guides – it’s your one-stop-Christmas-shop!

Shop Christmas blooms

Ready to send something very merry? We’re ready to help.

Learn to make a wreath

It’s easier than you might think, let’s get crafty.