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| The mantle is a natural setting for an eye-catching display. |
A Family Affair
If your idea of perfect holiday decor includes paper chains and plenty of sentimental, hand-made ornaments then a fireplace mantel that celebrates the family may make your holiday brighter. Hang stockings with the help of low-profile, weighted stocking holders (no tacks, nail holes or tape to keep replacing) and place a small framed photo of each family member above their stocking. Choose metallic frames in silver or gold to enhance the festive look. For a punch of color above the mantel have the whole family create a holiday-themed piece of art together. Draw and color a "Merry Christmas" sign or create a seasonal collage. Frame the artwork in the same style of metallic frame you chose for the individual photos for a look that's homespun with high style.
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| You don't have to give up your clean, contemporary or minimalist style in order to decorate for the holidays. |
Go Mod
You don't have to give up your clean, contemporary or minimalist style in order to decorate for the holidays, use repetition to create a look that's both simple and festive. Place a row of identical holiday-themed accessories on the mantel, look for something with simple lines like stars or candy canes. Create an original work of modern art to hang above the mantel by painting a plain canvas in the style of an artist you admire. For example, splash red, green and white paint onto the canvas in a random pattern or paint neat squares of color.
Color Me Merry
Choosing color as a design theme is one of the easiest and most dramatic ways to make a design statement, and the holiday season is the perfect time to let your self go all out with color. Fill the mantel with red candles, sprigs of red berries, small gift boxes wrapped in red paper, red glassware, red poinsettias, you get the idea. Mixing a variety of shades of the same color adds layers of visual interest without looking too busy.
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| Choosing color as a design theme is one of the easiest and most dramatic ways to make a design statement. |
Collections have more decorative impact when they're displayed together. A fireplace mantel is the perfect place to show off your vintage ornaments, Santa figurines or snow globes. Not only will your collection look beautiful on the mantel, but breakable or valuable items will be up and away from small children. Use a little imagination when displaying your favorite holiday collection. Place ornaments inside clear vases or under bell jars, or purchase pre-made shadow boxes to hang on the wall above the mantel and display extra-special items there.
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