| ireplace Mantels 123 Buying Guide | | | | different cultures. On the other hand, if you are |
| Welcome to the wonderful world of fireplace | | | | an émigré, use your fireplace |
| mantels and fireplace mantel ideas. A mantel shelf | | | | mantel to evocate the Christmas spirit from back |
| is more than just a piece of wood mounted | | | | home. |
| above your hearth. It's the perfect accent you | | | | Less is More |
| place on your home. The mantel is where you | | | | If you subscribe to a minimalist school of design |
| place your most prized possessions, pictures of | | | | and don’t like the clutter of too many |
| loved ones, and even where you hang your | | | | knick-knacks and doodads around your home this |
| stockings at Christmas time. That's why you need | | | | theme is perfect for you. You could create an |
| to select a fireplace mantel that reflects the | | | | elegantly simple display on your mantle using |
| design of your home, fits well with your fireplace, | | | | minimal decoration – such as a richly |
| and has enough space to accommodate the | | | | designed scented candle, flowers or even a |
| possessions you want to place on it. | | | | strategically placed single Christmas stocking. |
| However, selecting the perfect mantel piece is | | | | Christmas Spirit |
| not an easy job, especially if you're fresh out of | | | | What puts you in the Christmas spirit? Maybe |
| fireplace mantel ideas or have no clue what your | | | | it’s a favorite carol or specific scene from |
| options are. Use this fireplace mantel buying guide | | | | a Christmas story. Whatever it is that gets you in |
| to help you find and select the best mantel shelf | | | | the mood incorporate it into your décor |
| for your home. | | | | – weather it be Santa on his sleigh, Frosty |
| Get creative with your fireplace mantel this | | | | the Snowman, or the soft harmony of Silver Bells. |
| holiday season. Make it the vivid centerpiece of | | | | Gifts Galore for the Holidays |
| your home. | | | | This is a very simple theme that just extends the |
| Here are some Christmas mantel decorating ideas | | | | space and excitement that are usually reserved |
| that will keep your guests talking long after the | | | | for under your Christmas tree to the rest of the |
| season’s come and gone. | | | | room, including your fireplace mantel. Placing gifts |
| Bring Back the Style of Christmas Past | | | | strategically in unexpected places will give your |
| If you are in the mood to get really creative this | | | | home the feel of a treasure trove. |
| holiday season and want your Christmas | | | | Get Sentimental |
| décor to stand out, do some research and | | | | Bring out all those old, forgotten handmade |
| deck your halls with decorations from a time | | | | Christmas decorations for a holiday décor |
| gone by. Go for opulent with a Victorian theme, | | | | that fun and sentimental. |
| or try for the more subdued, but classy Colonial | | | | In the end, whatever theme you decide on for |
| America look. | | | | your décor this Christmas, keep in mind |
| Bring the World Home this Christmas | | | | that your decorations will have to blend in with |
| This season use your fireplace mantel to reflect | | | | the rest of the room. Also remember to use the |
| the holiday traditions of another culture or | | | | natural focal draw of your fireplace mantel to its |
| country. For example, you could incorporate in | | | | full potential by making it the decorative core of |
| your decorating scheme souvenirs that | | | | the room. |
| you’ve picked during your travels in other | | | | So, get creative and have fun with your fireplace |
| countries. You could also use your mantel to | | | | mantel decorations this Christmas for a unique |
| display nativity scenes as represented by | | | | ambience and a memorable holiday. |