Fireplace Decorating 101
When it comes to Christmas... many people would say I tend to go "slightly" overboard... What can I say? I love all things Christmas!
When it comes to decorating, there are no rules. But for those of you where the idea of decorating gives a chill down your spine, I'm here to break it down in a simple, easy, and fun way. In this post, I'll show a few ideas of how to decorate a fireplace, including a step-by-step guide as well as a mini-tutorial on making bows.
CHRISTMAS TREE:
Typically I would place our Christmas tree next to the fireplace (clearly making it easy for Santa to unload his presents...), but since we didn't have room in our very narrow fireplace room, we had to think outside the box. We made Santa work off those extra cookies this year by placing our tree in the adjoining room instead. For decorating tips, inspiration, some comic relief, and a tutorial on decorating a Christmas tree like the professionals... click HERE (coming soon!).
For a few sneak preview...
Christmas Tree: Hobby Lobby
Ribbon: Michaels
Ornaments: (Mostly) Hobby Lobby
Window Frame: Barn Sale
Wreath: Custom Made by Me
Tree Skirt: HomeGoods
Wrapping Paper: HomeGoods
FIREPLACE:
To begin, I'll first show you a few pictures of our finished fireplace setup, and then I'll break it down into a step-by-step guide at the end, including a mini-tutorial on how to make bows.
Since this is a rental home, we have limited options for hubs' TV location. The "TV above the fireplace" kind of threw off my original game plan and the Christmas fireplace vibe I was going for, but nonetheless, I was able to make it work...the best I could...
For the fireplace, I kept it traditional with lighted garland adorned with silver and champagne accents, glass beaded stems, silver glittered pinecones, and champagne bows. The stockings were hung with care...not really...more like dangling from some garland for now until I find some proper hooks.
Typically I hang this wreath above the fireplace...but since the hubs and his TV had other plans, it found a new home this year. Click the link to see its new home and more of our Entryway Decor.
To give you an idea though, here is an example of the fireplace garland with the wreath in my previous home.
A fireplace is not a fireplace without a fire... This cozy view is just waiting for some hot cocoa, comfy blanket, and a good book...
I also added one last wintry touch by adding some more eucalyptus garland, pine branches, and pinecones to the mirrored tray on the ottoman to keep it simple yet seasonally appropriate.
Garland: no clue (This is a cherished hand-Me-Down from Mom) :)
STOCKINGS: Pottery Barn
SILVER ACCENT BRANCHES: Hobby Lobby
PINECONEs: Hobby Lobby (Glitter Accents Compliments of My Craft Storage)
Glass Accent Beads: Hobby Lobby
Bows: Custom Made by Yours Truly (Ribbon from JoAnn Fabric)
Eucalyptus Garland: Hobby Lobby Pine Branches: Michaels
OTTOMAN: Haverty's Furniture Store
Rug: Haverty's Furniture Store
Silver Tray: HomeGoods
Candlesticks & Candles: HomeGoods
Faux Plant: HomeGoods
Geometric Star: HomeGoods
Picture Frame: HomeGoods
Fire: Compliments of Singed-Hair Hubby Hub-A-Lot
FIREPLACE SETUP TUTORIAL:
Now I'll break down how I created this look in a few simple steps.
1.) I first measured 4 spots of equal distance for the garland to hang on the fireplace. I then hung the garland from 4 small screw-in utility hooks. Since the garland was stored all year in a plastic tote, I had to "fluff" the garland to separate and unsmash the branches.
2.) I then added the silver glittered ball stems.
3.) Next, I inserted the small glass beaded stems to reflect the lights and add a little extra glam.
4.) To add a rustic touch, I then added the champagne and silver glittered pinecones that I had made a few years back. I also found a few champagne beaded stems from the previous year, so I inserted these into the garland as well to tie in the champagne color in the room.
5.) Finally it was time for the bows. I selected a sparkly, champagne-colored wired ribbon that was easy to bend.
a.) To make the bows, I first folded the ribbon back and forth until I had about 7 loops on each side.
b.) I then tied a piece of floral wire around the middle and secured it tightly closed.
c.) Next, I fanned out the loops to separate them.
d.) Last but not least, I separated the loops by moving and adjusting them in various positions so that it filled out the front and looked like a bow. I threaded an extra piece of floral wire in the back of the ribbon to use it to fasten onto the garland.
e.) I added a few extra long pieces of twisted ribbon to the two bows on the ends of the garland to cap off the ends and make the garland look complete.
And there you have it! A fireplace that's decorated and ready for the holidays! Now all it needs are the stockings!
ABOVE MANTLE GARLAND:
To hide the cable box (or whatever that large black box is under the TV), I scattered eucalyptus garland, pine branches, and pinecones in and around a wooden basket to mask the ugly box and eyesore cords the best I could.
EVEN MORE...
See Hot Cocoa Bar for even more inspiration and to learn how to easily create one for yourself without breaking the bank!
Check out my Christmas Decorating page for other ideas and "how-to's", including easy, step-by-step guides on wreath making, planter and floral arrangement creating, chandelier decorating, garland making, and more!
