“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”
The fireplace – a home’s warmest gathering spot, where little ones await a morning’s magic – has come to symbolize the holidays. It’s as iconic as Clement Clark Moore’s line in The Night Before Christmas. Legend has it that after Saint Nick heard about a family in need, he secretly dropped gold coins into the hosiery that was strung by the fireplace to dry overnight. Though the history of decorating our mantels is steeped in myth, one thing is certain: Whether you’re hanging stockings, roasting chestnuts, lighting the yule log, or awaiting Santa, ’tis certainly the season to gather by the fire.
With all eyes on the hearth for the holidays, best to make it beautiful. “A well-decorated fireplace is just as important as the tree,” says Anthropologie Stylist Claire Baker. “It should be festive, but it should also express your personal style.”
"Your final look should feel fun and family-friendly, but not too serious or stuffy," adds Lead Creative Stylist Alya Hameedi. Here, Claire and Alya share how to decorate a fireplace mantel this season.
4 Festive Ways to Deck Your Fireplace
Fireplace Décor Ideas for Christmas
01
Classically Cozy
When it comes to fireplace Christmas décor, you can never go wrong with an evocation of a fresh-fallen snowscape. “Give red and green a break,” says Claire, “This style is all about the other winter color palette: white and gold.” To get this timeless look, layer the floor in neutrals with different textural elements, like luxurious faux fur throws, yule logs, and fluffy floor cushions. "This way, you can curl up right by the fire with your family and a board game or two (my favorites are backgammon and jigsaw puzzles)," Claire says.
Then, top it off with hints of gold. “Gilded accessories really elevate the look and give it a sophisticated finish,” says Claire. Keep the cozy ambiance alive all day by lighting a few candles. “It will feel like you’ve stepped right into a winter wonderland,” says Claire. She recommends balsam-scented candles or fresh pine branches to give the scene a wonderfully woodsy aroma.
02
Merry & Bright
Delight in cheerful nostalgia by using pops of gold and blue throughout your mantel. “I like to juxtapose a sophisticated color palette, like royal blues and golds, with fun whimsical elements like sparkly gold stars and sailing polar bears," says Alya. Start with a few larger focal points, like a tabletop tree and bold wall art, then layer and scatter smaller elements on top of that. Here, strings of bright garland and playful felt characters stand out against the main pieces.
To make this style even merrier, hang garland in surprising ways – draped over artwork or strung between stockings. "Seasonal elements like garland showcase your favorite year-round mantel pieces in a fresh way," says Alya.
03
Winter Wonderland
Make the season more magical with Christmas décor that seems plucked from the woods. This time of year, a less-is-more aesthetic complements the bare trees and crisp grass you’ll find outside. Alya recommends creating smaller vignettes throughout your house that act as little moments of surprise. As for your color palette, stick to the season's traditional colors to spark feelings of nostalgia. "Here, I mixed in some more personal touches like tiny Santa hats, toys, colorful mini bottle brush trees, and kids drawings," says Alya.
When you're creating a festive forest in your space, one aesthetic element should be top of mind: asymmetry. For instance, instead of neatly dividing the number of candles on either side of the hearth, cluster candles of varying heights to one side, then place bare branches on the other.
04
Simply De(light)ful
No fireplace? No problem! "To create a cozy holiday glow, layer candles and twinkle lights on top of the mantle – no fire needed!" Claire says. The trick to getting that classic Anthro glow? Group together candles in different shaped vessels and tall elegant tapers. This height variation keeps the eye entertained, as opposed to everything hitting one note.
Of course, it wouldn't be the holidays without a bit (okay, a lot) of glimmer to light the way. "Top the look off with a strand or two of twinkle lights and (if you’re like me) a couple of your most treasured tchotchkes," Claire says. You can also breathe some life into the space with the addition of foraged branches or greenery.