How to dress up your mantle for the holidays

Decorating ideas

One of the most eagerly anticipated settings to adorn with festive trimmings is unquestionably your railing. Festooning a banister to coordinate with your tree, holiday table and overall holiday color scheme is certainly a most welcoming touch. Your staircase gives you optimal opportunity to drape, hang and dress your railing with your beloved novelties, lifting your holiday décor to new heights. (1.Potttery barn Image, extending your rail décor into your home, 2. Crate & Barrel)

What mantle suits you?

Modern

For modernists, explore pops of vibrant colours like a lime green, raspberry pink, or turquoise blue. Consider a dramatic, bold statement through high contrasts or oversized shapes, and an asymmetrical or stark and minimal arrangement. For contemporary devotees, explore metallics, glass, and monochromatic palettes.

From top: Glass ball garland, $20. Reindeer stocking hook, $23. Crateandbarrel.com.

Traditional

For a more traditional interior, indulge in tender candlelight, pine cones, snow covered garland, strung berries and layers of greenery, and keep in mind that symmetry conveys classicism. If you tend to go all out when it comes to decorating your home for the holidays consider a simple garland or organic leaf dressing for your mantle, so not to take away from your tree and other decorated elements.

From top: Iced tree candles, From $12. Potterybarn.com. Fresh fir and hydrangea garland, $80. Restorationhardware.com.

Eclectic

For a gathered, eclectic home you will love pairing disparate materials; awakening curiosity and joyous spirit, layered to tell a story that makes a truly charming display. Pull out old and new materials, cards, photographs, ornaments, and all sorts of favorites! It’s your surface, have fun and showcase your holiday style.

David Stark twig topiary, $40. Westelm.com.

Nouveau

For those seeking for a change in colour this holiday season look no further then your jewelry boxes. Yes, jewel tones are a magnificent palette for an unconventional, extraordinary looks for your mantle. From ruby, sapphire and emerald to amethyst, turquoise, and topaz an opulent and arrangement will surely enliven the decadence in your home.

Star stocking hook, $23. Crateandbarrel.com.