A Christmas Mantle Collection

Over the weekend, we went as a family to find and cut down our first family Christmas tree (we had a fake one last year)!  It is so exciting, and although the tree is still in the garage (hopefully we can put it up tonight after my husband gets home from work), I am already thinking how we should decorate it.   Another task that has been heavy on my mind, is our mantle.  I am stoked that we have a real fireplace and mantle now, and I have been brainstorming how I should decorate it.  Of course, whenever such a decision needs to be made, I turn to pinterest.  I have a "Mantle Idea" board with over 25 inspiring photos.  I thought I would collect my favorite, and post them here.  Maybe some other people need mantle inspiration as well?

Up first, from It's the little things that make a house a home, a beautiful red and green mantle.  I love they way she displays the wreath over the mirror, and adds the ornaments for a pop of metallic.  I also love the Christmas sign above the mirror.  This looks wonderful!

Then there is this beautiful mantle from Better Homes and Gardens.  Repurposing the piece of fence gives this look a very creative aspect. I love the wreath hanging here as well.  The decor adorning the shelf of the mantle is simple and elegant.

This mantle, from A Diamond in the Stuff, is definitely more of a fun mantle!  She was super creative and made an ornament hanger out of an old window that had been sitting in her garage- genius!  I love her ribbon trees and the festive green Noel sign in the middle!  Check our her site as she has a year's worth of mantles on display!

The mantle below is so unique and unlike any other Christmas mantle I have come across.  It is festive and elegant, and I love the incorporation of the lights and the gold and silver. Heather, at the Lovely Cupboard had a great vision with this mantle and I love how it turned out.

This mantle gives me a little bit of the same feel as the one above.  The light colors give it a very elegant feel, and I love the incorporation of several mirrors.  So many stockings hanging as well! I love it (unfortunately I couldn't find a source for this picture).

This is a beautiful and modern mantle from HGTV's collection of mantles.  I love the black, green, and metallic here.  Those Merry Christmas ornaments are the perfect addition.

The mantle below is actually from one of my friends, who was kind enough to let me share it!  She did a beautiful job decorating her tree and mantle.  I love the NOEL stocking holders! Thanks for sharing, Stacey!

Another HGTV mantle, this one seems fun and thrown together. I love the mirror and the Red and white poinsettias that adorn the top of the shelf of the mantle.  The simple stockings made the perfect hanging decoration.

I saved my favorite for last!  This mantle, also from HGTV, seems to be the most traditional and decadent!  I don't think I would be able to pull this off at my house, but it is so beautiful.  I could definitely cozy up next to that fireplace with a good book and some hot apple cider!

There you have it!  I love all these mantles and think they give much inspiration for tons of different Christmas looks.  How are you decorating your mantle for the holidays?