holiday mantel

The calendar has flipped to December, so if you haven’t decorated already, it’s time to get started! Whether you go all out around the house or just add a few decorations here and there, the mantel is one of the best and easiest places to add some holiday cheer. Wreaths, signs, stockings, garlands, mini trees and more can be strewn about to make a festive display. However, you don’t have to spend a ton of time or money to pull it all together. Here are 20 DIY projects you can do this season to make your holiday mantel merry!

Garlands

Garlands are fun and simple to make, add layers of interest to a one-dimensional display, and bring a sense of festivity to any space!

Ornament Garland

1 Ornament Garland Source: Centsational Girl

Multi-colored ornaments strung onto wire make a classic yet chic statement that’s high on color and sparkle.

Pom Pom Garland

2 Pom Pom Garland Source: My Sparkle

Looking for a more cozy and toned-down option? Pom-pom garland can add doses of texture while adding a cozy and vintage flare.

Paper Tree Garland

Source: Nalle’s House

Paper tree garlands hung vertically are a fresh and modern take on the traditional garland, adding major holiday impact in a unique way.

Merry Christmas Banner Garland

Source: Vicky Barone

Simple and sweet: a classic-colored banner sings the sentiment of the season!

Christmas Light Garland

Source: The Cards We Drew via I Heart Naptime

Colorful paper lights strung together make for an adorable and kid-friendly decoration! All you need for this one is the free printable, a pair of scissors and some string.

Felt Snowflake Garland

Source: Holly Brooke Jones

If you have extra patience and time this season, this delicate snowflake garland will make any space feel like a true winter wonderland.

Wreaths

Wreaths are a big-impact way to bring color and texture above a mantel (or anywhere around the house!) The options for supplies are endless, allowing you to customize a wreath to your home’s style and color palette.

Ornament Wreath

Source: Four Generations Under One Roof

Ornament wreaths can be made in a variety of color combinations and textures, resulting in either a classic or whimsical addition to your decor. Select ornaments that match your décor to add a sparkly focal point to any display.

Snowflake Wreath

Source: Onekriegerchick

If you want to bring the snowy outside in, try making a gorgeous wreath out of sparkly paper snowflakes.

Wrapping Paper Wreath

Source: Centsational Girl

Making your own wreath doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Even holiday wrapping paper folded and taped just the right way can make for an adorable holiday accessory!

Paper Straw Wreath

Source: Paper Source

For a unique look, use unusual holiday items to make a wreath. Candy-cane colored straws come together with some hot glue to make a show-stopping wreath!

Signs

If wreaths feel too expected or traditional, a holiday sign with a festive sentiment can also fill a blank space above a mantel!

Rustic

Source: Serendipity Refined

Painted wood letters and snowflakes come together to complete this adorable rustic holiday mantlescape.

Wooden Star

Source: Unskinny Bobby

A wooden star can be crafted in any colors you desire, making it perfect for the holiday season and beyond into the New Year.

Marquee Sign

Source: A Beautiful Mess

If bright and bold is your goal, nothing feels more festive than a marquee sign!

Trees

Faux mini trees are a quick, affordable and oh-so-good-looking way to fill up an empty mantel. Get creative with ornaments, glitter, feathers, paper and more to give your little trees some major style!

Paper Trees

Source: Landeelu

Folded and layered patterned cardstock make quick and adorable trees that can adorn a mantel or any surface around the home.

Paper Cone Trees

Source: Tatertots and Jello

The selection of wrapping paper during the holiday season knows no bounds, and so too can your paper trees! Wrap cardboard cones in whimsical papers that match your décor for and instant show stopper.

Cardboard, Feathers and More

Source: Beautiful Matters

Get creative when covering cardboard trees. Feathers, acorns, and sparkly trims combine to create a dazzling forest collection.

Stockings

Last but not least, no mantel is complete without a slew of stockings for Santa to fill up with goodies on Christmas Eve! Instead of buying off-the-shelf stockings, spend a few hours this holiday season whipping up some unique homemade creations that the whole family can take pride in year after year.

Name Stockings

Source: Teal and Lime