Your Best Photos: Christmas Decorations, 2011
You've wowed us with your best Christmas decorations, and now we get to brag on your creativity! Our editors have selected favorites from your hearth and home and compiled them in one idea-generating spot. We've focused on your concepts for dressing up the Christmas mantel. So get inspired, take a few notes, then add the finishing touches to your treasured space.
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Becky Christmas
Why we picked this: With draping layers of evergreen setting the tone for earthy bronze, gold, and green, this elegant display hits a sophisticated note. A simple collection of jars and candles lights up the mantel, and white poinsettias round out the base.
Under the tree by sharon9441
Why we picked this: The magical wonder of a Christmas train might have been brought to life in The Polar Express, but a toy choo-choo under the tree is a classic tradition we'll always adore.
JIMG2322.JPG by dwlhdl
Why we picked this: Adorable vintage ornaments play starring roles under a glass cake plate. It reminds us of a snow globe -- a Christmas classic -- and offers an opportunity to display extra ornaments.
a simple silver & white christmas by info4258
Why we picked this: Feathery touches and lacy paper sweeten this display. Its gray and white tones remind us of the soothing shadows of a snowy winter. Plain white candlesticks, miniature Christmas trees, and simple picture frames displayed on sleek black shelves provide a minimal, modern feeling.
Santa Favorites by svorellana
Why we picked this: Watching the kids and grandkids reminisce about their Santa memories over the years is fun for the whole gang. You might even hear a few good stories, too. That's why this holiday decor made up of framed pictures of family members sitting on Santa's lap earns our thumbs-up.
Christmas in Manayunk, Pa. by twirlinmartha
Why we picked this: The balance and symmetry to this mantel caught our eye. We also loved that the decor dipped below the mantel ledge.
Holiday Mantel by michellevacha
Why we picked this: The softness of this color palette -- sage and pink, instead of traditional red and green -- is perfect for a vintage mantel. We especially love the display of cake plates and cream-color pottery in this collection. Candles in mason jars decorated with ribbon, bowls of shiny ornament balls, and lit-up Christmas villages provide warm, homey touches.
Chestnut Hill Holiday House Tour by janepio2256616
Why we picked this: We were amazed at the detail of this panorama -- rich in texture with wispy grasses, low-lying cotton fog, tinsellike trees, and tiny clay pots.
Gold-and-Blue Christmas Mantel by lifecraft
Why we picked this: Blue tones add a wintery ambience to this stunning mantel. We love how candles displayed in a purchased wall hanging are joined by three votive holders sitting on the mantel.
Christmas Crafts by valbrent
Why we picked this: In a refreshing departure from evergreen, a collection of creamy white roses offers an elegant alternative to the familiar pine tree. This blooming tree would look great on any mantel or coffee table.
Holiday mantel by loribsa
Why we picked this: We love how these ornaments look like soap bubbles! Turquoise, copper, silver, and white make this mantel pop, give it a contemporary twist, and complement existing decor.
Christmas by amysaenz1
Why we picked this: Bring the outdoors in! Frame a snowy forest picture above the mantel, then set it off with flocked evergreen, decorative trees, and soft lighting. This artistic mantel could extend as decoration well into the New Year.
Christmas Decor by luvmydecor
Why we picked this: Fresh or faux poinsettias draped across the top shelf provide a stunning show of elegant simplicity. Sprays of vibrant red give this display a warm touch. With a few plants, you could create the same look for your mantel or tabletop.
Beach-Inspired Christmas Mantel by mtennyson2
Why we picked this: Not all that glitters is gold. Starfish garnished in glitz and metallic speckled candles are perfect for beach-theme Christmas decor.
P1140047.JPG by 151267
Why we picked this: Decorate your mantel with tiny tinsel or bough-stuffed stockings. The creamy white stockings provide a clean, monochromatic look, and the wintery firs pop against this dramatic background.
HPM1408dec07_005.JPG by iloveivy2
Why we picked this: We love the gold and silver star ornaments dancing in the evergreen. The mirrored backdrop gives these three-dimensional stars extra depth, making the mantel twinkle like a starry night.
Something Different by ebetotto
Why we picked this: For a sophisticated flourish, hang your daintiest ornaments on a branch tree. If you're hosting a party, let each guest take a trinket from the tree as a gift.
Kennedy GR Fireplace by bubbamari
Why we picked this: Playful beaded garlands and snowmen dressed in feather hats and skirts drew us in to this lime and ruby setup. The pretty beaded garland helps connect the scene.
If you enjoyed these Christmas mantel decorating ideas, then you're sure to appreciate the additional Christmas mantel decorations in this collection.
