How to Design a Rustic Woodland Christmas Mantel
Is a Woodland Christmas mantel your style? Or are you more of a traditional greenery and berries kind of decorator? When designing a mantel it's best to choose an overall theme. Day 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas Inspiration is all about your holiday mantel decor! So you're sure to find something that fits your personality.
My craftsman style home calls for something a little more rustic and a farmhouse inspired woodland Christmas mantel is the perfect choice for me. Take a look at your favorite pieces of holiday decor and decide which direction you want to go.
Once decided the fun begins! Follow this step by step and start collecting the perfect pieces for your own mantel.
Affiliate links are provided for your shopping convenience. By clicking and purchasing, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure page for any questions. Thanks for supporting Halfpint Design so we can continue providing awesome party ideas!
Mantel Focal Point
When designing ANYTHING you'll want to start with your focal point. It's usually the largest, brightest, or lightest, or most colorful item on the mantel. If you don't have one, check out my list of Favorite Christmas Art Pieces for some inspiration. {coming soon}
OURS: In my case, I've had my eye on this “Every Knee Shall Bow” print for years before I made the splurge. It perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Balancing Santa without detracting from the Christ centered Christmas I strive for each year. Makes for a great family night conversation and the perfect focal point for our woodland Christmas mantel.
Rustic Woodland Themed Pieces
Now look for fun design elements that work with your theme. You want items with texture that are different shapes, sizes, and/or colors to keep it interesting.
OURS: I picked this deer up at Target a few years ago and he was the start of a Christmas reindeer collection! The natural elements of the pinecone trees and branch snowflakes help support the woodland feel. And keep your eyes open when you're out and about. I picked those snowflakes up at a Cracker Barrel Restaurant shop. How random is that!!
- Pinecone trees {similar}
- Christmas Deer {similar}
- Wooden Snowflakes {similar}
Christmas Details
Holiday printables are another affordable way to add interest and break up your 3 dimensional pieces. Look for Christmas quotes that make you smile. Are they movie quotes? Scripture? Song lyric? Either way, if it speaks to your heart, that's a great sign you're on the right track!
Then fill in the gaps with candles and bottle brush trees!
OURS: I chose a couple of framed Christmas carol lyrics from Shabby Creek Cottage to balance the large painting.
- Inexpensive IKEA frames
- Oh Holy Night from Shabby Creek Cottage
- Bottle Brush Trees
- Flameless LED Candles
Hang the Stockings
Do you ever have trouble hanging those stockings? Using a stocking board is so helpful! No heavy stocking hangers that still fall down when the stockings are full. No mantel, no problem! This board can hang anywhere you've got a wall. Or use a vintage window and a shelf to create your own faux mantel focal point.
You can also see the apothecary jars filled with sparkly ornament balls that tie in and balance the colors on the mantel so Santa's red suit isn't the only color.
Rustic Woodland Christmas Garland
The garland you choose will be the glue that holds everything together. I opted for this rustic woodland garland over a traditional greenery option. I love how it ties in the pinecone trees and hides battery operated tea lights that cause it to glow at night. Place the garland on last so you aren't trying to knock it down with each adjustment! {I know from experience!} This garland is messy when moved so use two people to install it and only touch it once. Then sweep up the crumbs and enjoy your holiday!
- Rustic woodland garland {similar}
Decorate the Fireplace
If you've got a deep fireplace hearth there are opportunities for further decor. This basket of wrapped Christmas books is a family tradition. We open a read one each night as a count down to Christmas.
I've collected books each year but when I started I wrapped all our books about Jesus and checked out a bunch from the Library. You can usually keep them for 30 days so it's easy to borrow and have them for the whole month. That's the smartest way to go but I have a confession to make. I am a book addict! I LOVE buying books. I'd love to have a whole house full of books with those lovely ladders on every wall. But until then I'll work on our Christmas book collection!
- Large hinged basket: Home Goods {Similar here}
- List of our favorite Christmas Books
The rest of the hearth has white birch logs in the center and a sled riding gnome nestled in basket full of pinecones. The tomte gnome is new this year and will grace our Christmas table with some of his friends!
- Tomte gnome: Amazon
- Wooden Sled: Target Dollar Spot
Finished Rustic Woodland Christmas Mantel
Now take a step back and admire your handiwork. We have the vintage window as a backdrop all the time and I switch out the decor depending on the season. It gives me a fabulous frame to work with in balancing all the elements so they create a triangle of sorts.
- Place taller items in the middle with the rest drawing your eye out and down.
- Mix up the heights of everything.
- Place a little frame on a chunky candlestick to help it stand out.
- And don't forget to fill in the negative space at the top. Having the snowflakes hanging from above makes them feel like they are floating.
I hope you feel a little more prepared to style your own mantel this Christmas season and that it fills your home with as much love and joy as mine. If you try out a new Christmas mantel design this year I'd love to see what you do.
Please tag us @partieswithacause on Facebook and Instagram and follow along for more great Christmas holiday inspiration!
Pin it for Later
More Christmas Mantel Ideas:
DIY Christmas Shelf Decorations from Joy In The Commonplace
Red Traditional Christmas Fireplace Decor from Jordan's Easy Entertaining
Join us for the 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION
If you are just joining us, welcome! Here’s what you missed:
- DIY Christmas Ornament: Golden Snitch Ornament DIY
- Christmas Cookie Recipe: Grandma’s Thumbprint Cookies
- DIY Christmas Home Decor: Buffalo Plaid Christmas Coffee Table Tray
- Savory Christmas Recipe: Cranberry Brie Tart Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Gingerbread Themed Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar
- Gift Ideas: Toilet Paper Snowman Neighbor Gift
- Healthy Christmas Party Food: Fruit Christmas Tree Platter Tutorial
Holiday Mantel Ideas Through the Year
Until next time my friend,
I LOVE the kneeling Santa
Thank you! I love it too. I waited for years to finally make the splurge and purchase it.