Decorate Your Mantel for Christmas

Fresh pomegranates pop against a fragrant evergreen garland and a row of mini conifers. Sprigs of red crystals tucked into the evergreens repeat the color of the pomegranates on a smaller scale and add some sparkle.

Outfit your mantel with a variety of objects that feature a common denominator. Here, natural elements in classic red and green create a cohesive look -- from the unassuming green pine boughs to the red tulips and calla lilies. The grapevine star adds a textural backdrop to the mantel display.

Poinsettia bracts in shades of red and pink stand proudly in mismatched glasses standing in as vases. The different shades of pink soften the look of the crisp white mantel and surround.

Have a wide assortment of pieces to display? Arrange them in a symmetrical pattern for an organized -- not cluttered -- look. Each side of this mantel mirrors the other. A hurricane and bottle-brush tree ensemble, along with two stockings, dress each side. The symmetry extends to the surrounding built-ins, which are outfitted with more Christmas collectibles and matching wreaths.

Editor's Tip: The objects used to decorate the mantel are carefully chosen for size so they don't interfere with the television screen.

Add interest to your Christmas mantel by using chipped white wooden furniture legs as pedestals for tarnished metal containers.

Dress your mantel in a flash with a statement-making wreath. Although unadorned, this handsome green wreath is eye-catching because of its size, which is perfectly scaled to the handsome fireplace.

Editor's Tip: Hang the wreath over a mirror for a reflective element. Mercury glass candleholders and votives add gleam to the scene.

Add a pop of citrus to your mantel with lemons, limes, kumquats, and clementines artfully arranged on trays along with miniature sparkling ornaments. Fill in the open spaces with springs of greenery and classic white pillar candles.

Editor's Tip: Highlight the trays with no-sew runners. Using a 1/2 yard of white felt from a crafts store, cut a piece for each arrangement that is slightly narrower than the tray and long enough to hang over the mantel (but not too close to the hearth for safety reasons). Snip the ends to a point.

When decorating for Christmas, take the opportunity to show off your favorite collectibles. This grouping of brown-and-white transferware inspired the creation of complementary stockings and a sofa pillow. Touches of red were added for warmth.

Candy canes, vases of red-and-white amaryllis, and a garland of fluffy pom-poms across the mantel create a sweet scene for Christmas.

Editor's Tip: To enhance the look, add greenery and plump red pomegranates to the lineup.

Take your mantel-decorating cue from the facade's color. This warm green fireplace is outfitted with a simple garland made of fresh evergreen branches. Snowy white stockings hang from the mantel, pointing toward the birch logs below.

All the elements -- oil painting, wall sconces, garland, tree toppers, and floral picks -- work together to create this mantel display inspired by a classic winter scene. The bright blue ornaments add a jolt of energy.

Small bits of color go a long way against a neutral backdrop. Here, a handful of bright glass ornaments carefully arranged along the mantel wake up the white surround. Year-round porcelain dog figurines also welcome Christmas by being outfitted with whimsical collars made of wreaths and ribbons.

Lush swags of mixed greens layered along the mantel add an immediate holiday feel. Silver and purple ornament balls and coordinating purple ribbons add more holiday shine.

Top a fireplace with an antique garden gate, then soften the rusty patina by lining the mantel with clipped evergreen boughs and suspending a simple boxwood wreath from a dramatic red velvet bow. For a dash of sparkle, tuck small frosted Christmas tree decorations in the greenery.

Shiny CDs topped with inexpensive snowflake ornaments string across the front of this mantel for a sparkling display. Use clear industrial-strength glue (available at crafts stores) to attach one or more glittered snowflake ornaments to the CDs.

To form the garland, snip bead garland into short pieces. Using a double strand of thread, tie one end of the garland to the tip of a snowflake. Continue until the entire strand is formed. If the CDs tip forward when hung, tape coins (as weights) to the back along the lower edge until they stay upright.

Grace the mantel with classic collectibles, such as pewter pitchers and vases. Surrounded by evergreen boughs and filled with festive blooms, the everyday items join the celebration.

Decorating the mantel doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. Thicken store-bought garlands by adding fresh greens from the yard, or plump a fresh garland or wreath with faux greens. Then, dress up the garland as much as you'd like with easy accents, such as apples, pinecones, wooden blocks, ornaments, or ribbon to give it still-life look.

Old-style stockings bring color to the neutral wood mantel. Providing a modern touch, no-fuss office supply name tags personalize them.

Playful vintage-look figurines replace traditional candles and greenery on this classically styled mantel.

Mercury-glass balls cupped in urns create a simple yet striking display above this homey stone mantel and fireplace surround.

A large painting with a gilded frame makes a gleaming topper for the thick crimson and evergreen garland below.

A swag of fresh greenery replete with flowers, ornaments, and plaid ribbons frames the fireplace in this cozy living room nook. Dried and silk flowers are used here in order to let the decoration stay up from Thanksgiving until the New Year.

An antique gilt frame showcases a classic wreath adorned with cream and white ribbon. Tall white flower arrangements add vertical interest.

Glass vases with antique silver balls top off a garland embellished with baby's breath and eucalyptus. Homespun stockings hang below to add cozy charm to the living room.

Transform your living room into a polar oasis with a black, white, and gold scheme brimming with upscale wintry accents. A flock of stoic penguins huddled in front of the hearth adds a bit of whimsy to the otherwise elegant mantel.

A garland of pleated ribbon forms a band of color between natural linen stockings and a white mantel. Tall topiaries and a wreath of mixed greens bring elements of nature to the setting.

Nestle candlesticks among greenery and rest an ornament or tree-topper finial on each candlestick, securing it with a little candle wax. This is a great way to showcase special ornaments -- but be sure to secure the elements of this arrangement so nothing gets broken.

Massing the candles together and arranging them with an eye for their height and shape will make an attractive display.

On top of the mantel, small flowerpots have been painted gold and topped with personalized ornaments for a fun and easy project. Below, add a colorful focal point with a spectacular candle-and-ornament display within the firebox.

A love of music sparked this creative mantel that features musical instruments, candles, and ribbons. Nearby, a music-themed tree sticks to the silver, gold, and white color theme. Copies of sheet music are used as special touches on the tree and in the gift wraps.

Create a cold-weather focal point for your mantel with this easy arrangement of items you probably have around the house.