When it comes to combining the warmth of Christmas with the charm of coastal decor, your mantel offers the perfect canvas.
Let me walk you through variations of our mantel from the past couple of years, and help you create this simple, yet gorgeous look in your own home!
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Keep It Simple with Faux Garland
Sources: Norfolk Pine Real Touch Garland | Brass Bells | Blue Ribbon (1″) | Knit Stockings | Pine Cone Sprays (similar) | White Wool Tree | White Fabric Tree (large) | White Fabric Tree (medium) | similar white bottlebrush tree | Abstract Coastal Artwork
Begin with a simple garland as the foundation of your mantel decor. By choosing a high quality faux garland, you won’t have to deal with the fallout (literally) of dying needles.
Opt for greenery that’s light and airy—think eucalyptus or soft pine. My absolute favorite garland that I use on my own mantel sells out quickly every single year – so plan accordingly! I can promise you it’s worth every single penny.
Depending on the size of your mantel, you may want to use several strands of garland for a fuller look. For a frame of reference, this mantel in my bedroom is on the smaller side, and I have two strands of garland here.
Knit Stockings
Nothing says coziness like knit stockings hanging by the fireplace.
Choose light-colored fabrics, such as cream or soft gray to maintain a neutral palette. The texture of the knit adds warmth and comfort, echoing the coziness of a winter sweater.
Mix and match different knit patterns to add visual interest. You could even personalize each stocking with a monogram or a small seashell charm for a unique touch.
Add Charm with Aged Brass Bells
Bring in some vintage charm with aged brass bells. These ones with the stars are no longer sold, but I’ve been using these brass bells from Amazon the last couple of years, which you’ll see in the previous photo! These hanging bells are also beautiful and are currently shipping for free!
Hang them at varying lengths for a cascading effect that draws the eye downward, creating a sense of balance.
For you more advanced guys and gals, mix brass with other metals like silver or copper. This blend will add depth to your mantel with minimal effort.
Incorporate Coastal Artwork
Sources: Norfolk Pine Real Touch Garland | Brass Bells | Blue Ribbon (1″) | Knit Stockings | Pine Cone Sprays (similar) | White Wool Tree | White Fabric Tree (large) | White Fabric Tree (medium) | similar white bottlebrush tree | Large Woven Cone Tree | Abstract Coastal Artwork | Neutral Rug | White Nightstand
Integrating coastal artwork into your mantel design not only ties the room together but also serves as a focal point.
The good news is that you don’t need to swap out your existing art for holiday-themed pieces; simply use what you have as part of the cohesive design.
Neutral Christmas Trees
White Wool Tree | White Fabric Tree (large) | White Fabric Tree (medium) | similar white bottlebrush tree
If colorful is the name of your game, absolutely have at it! That’s the best part of coastal design is that you can make it your own.
For those of us who may want less color but still want the feel, neutral Christmas trees are a versatile way to fill out your mantel decor.
Choose mini trees in white, cream, or natural materials like rattan. These understated pieces add height and texture without overwhelming the smaller space of a single mantel.
I love the coziness of winter whites during Christmas time, and mixing & matching trees in the same color is not the least bit boring if you vary the textures of them like I did.
Integrate Pops of Blue
There are many ways that you can bring in the colors of the sea into your coastal Christmas mantel decor.
Adding blue ribbon is my absolute favorite way to incorporate blue color tones into a coastal Christmas mantel, and it’s probably the easiest! I love the organic look of this blue cotton ribbon from Amazon and the subtly frayed edges give it a casual, non-fussy look! I used the 1″ thickness, but you can really use any thickness that you’d like!
Stems with blue winter berries are another way I like to incorporate blue into my Christmas mantel. I originally purchased these small juniper sprays with berries from Afloral, and just inserted them into the garland. However, Afloral no longer make the mini spray size – but they DO now have beautiful garland with blue berries already incorporated, which is such a nice option!
I’ve also purchased these juniper cedar sprays, and while they aren’t as high-quality as Afloral’s (in my opinion), they are still a great option! I use them as filler in decorative bowls!
Decorating a coastal Christmas mantel is all about balancing simplicity with intentional details. By focusing on a light, airy palette and integrating elements that reflect the sea and shore, you can create a holiday display that feels both fresh and inviting.
