We’re in the thick of it, people. The holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas or some other holiday at this time of year, there’s something undeniably distinct about the December mantel. Right? I mean, it’s kind of a bit of pressure, decorating your mantel just the right way, keeping it fresh and fun and festive. (I blame the stockings’ presence for that pressure. But you might disagree.)

But the good news is, with its inherent symmetry and position of prominence in the living room (or wherever), the mantel can be one of the most fun and rewarding pieces to decorate, with your own personal style stamp.{images source:1and 2}.

Speaking of symmetry, if you’re in a position where symmetry works for your space – go for it! A few taller pieces on the sides, one large attractive bit in the middle (hello, holiday wreath, you’re looking perfect for the job), and a few candles in between will make the mantel sing. And, bonus, symmetrical vignettes are one of the easiest to pull off.

Of you can make things whimsical and downright fun by choosing some flourishes and unexpected pairings. Tiny trees paired next to enormously chunky candlesticks, for example. Both provide a fun backdrop to some oversized polka dotted stockings. And a chalkboard message can set a different tone each year.

Simple and elegant. That’s all I can say about a rich hue (like fern-green velvet) paired with lots of white and some modern metallic touches. This mantel is, indeed, merry and bright.{found on thelovelycupboard}.

A reclaimed wood- and burlap-centered mantel is a fun contrast to the otherwise modern fireplace. If you go this route, provide depth with some great-smelling pine boughs and other bits from nature, like pinecones. And whatever you choose, don’t forget the white twinkle lights for a magical touch.{found on thelilypadcottage}.

Beautiful greens are a perfect complement to an inherently ornate and detailed mantel and fireplace surround. Again, symmetry helps provide structure and order to the décor, and white star “ornaments” hanging everywhere are a simple but visually effective (translation: beautiful) addition.

Keeping it simple with just a bit of shine on a garland, this mantel is a study in fresh, modern Christmas. It’s neither overdone nor oversimplified. A perfectly bright and cheerful fireplace spot for the holidays.

Don’t feel like you have to decorate the entire surround to have a great holiday mantel. This example proves that a few vivid choices can be all you need to make the impact you want. The circular shapes throughout this Christmas mantel décor are cohesive and fun, and they play perfectly against the lines of the fireplace itself.{found on site}.

Who doesn’t love red and green with a bit of natural-something-or-other mixed in? This mantel proves that the color combination is so timeless for a reason – it’s bright, it’s festive, and it’s versatile. But it’s the reindeer statues on this mantel that I love the most. Oh, and an ornament garland is a fun visual buffer between your mantel vignette and the fireplace, too.{found on site}.

I don’t think you could go wrong by using a Scandinavian-inspired mantel design for your Christmas. It’s simple. It’s colorful. It’s festive. Happy mantel decorating!{found on blovelyevents}.