7 Tips for Decorating Your Mantle this Holiday Season

1. Use what you already have

From countless gifts and wrapping paper to choose from to elaborate indoor and outdoor decor, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and buy things you don’t need during the holidays. In an effort to save money and make your holidays more sustainable, start with things you already have on hand. This might even give you an opportunity to exercise your creativity and see things in a new way. 

2. Look for natural elements

For those who live outside of a city, you may be able to ‘shop’ in your own backyard. Pine cones and fallen branches could be just the thing to bring the winter season indoors. 

3. Stick to three colors 

Limiting your color palette helps focus your design and make your decor look more polished and put together. While it may be tempting to try to copy some of the color trends you see on Pinterest, we always recommend starting with a color you already have, and then adding in one or two accent colors. 

4. Add decorative touches using Furoshiki gift wrapping

The art of Furoshiki gift wrapping is sustainable in itself, as you can use any material you have to achieve this look. Cloth napkins, spare fabric or old clothing can be reused by cutting the material into squares and using it as wrapping ‘paper’. We love the idea of wrapping up some empty boxes to display on your mantle. If you have kids that outgrew last year’s holiday pajamas (and you don't have friends or family to hand them down to), this might be a great way to give them more life.

5. Light up your mantle with beeswax candles for a festive glow

For a pretty and simple look, use some beeswax candles like Printfresh founder Amy enjoys. She places hers in brass candle holders she’s picked up from antique stores over the years. Candle holders don’t always have to match - if you stick to the same metal, a mix of styles can be fun and look cohesive. Amy also likes to add a bowl of fresh oranges to the mix for a pop of color (Hint: they complement our Orange Grove print perfectly).  

6. Make a garland using dried orange slices

You can keep things simple and elegant by stringing dried oranges, or you can add festive pops of color by bringing in some dried cranberries, holly, or other pieces of greenery. Ready for a slightly more advanced DIY? Try making our Wooden Bead Garland.

7. When the holidays are over, pack and store things away to be used next year 

Make sure to keep your decorations organized and in good condition by packing them carefully away each year. The longer you can keep things in good condition, the longer they'll last. And that also means fewer new items you will need to purchase each year. 

It's also a great practice to take a photo of your display. This way when next year rolls around, you can either replicate the same display or make sure to move things around if you want to take what’s old and make it new again. 

Decorating the mantle can become a beloved holiday tradition. Dress the entire family in their coziest pajamas (we recommend Printfresh Bagheera in Flannel), make some hot chocolate and turn on some music to get everyone in a festive mood. Remember to take a picture of your finished mantle and tag us on Instagram!