Before the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, you'll want to make festive your fireplace mantel, the second-most adorned and adored holiday spot (the first being the tree, of course!). There are so many lovely ways to spruce up the mantel, and regardless of your home's décor, it really comes down to your own holiday style. We scoured Pinterest and found some great ideas in a variety of styles to help you best reflect your holiday spirit. 

Rustic & Natural

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Perfect for a cozy den or family room with a stone fireplace, either with greenery or without, natural elements like pine cones and berries combine with earthy tones in burlap evoke a mountain cabin or ski chalet. Candles and metallic elements bring a hint of shine to elevate the look. Bring on the cocoa! 

Winter Wonderland

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An all white collection is clean, fresh and can read cozy or elegant, depending on the elements you select and arrange. Regardless, there is little more exciting than a forecast for snow -- a perfect mood to evoke in a holiday setting. 

Creative Color

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The holidays aren't just about red and green, or even silver and gold. A more colorful take on the season brings the joy, and can work in casual or formal settings. Here we focused on aqua, but you could do this with any color story, really -- teal, gold, or any other jewel tone would be unexpected yet still "on brand" for the season. 

Evergreens, Simple or Abundant

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Greens are a great choice because they can really make a statement whether placed abundantly and sparingly. Pine is the traditional choice, especially if the mantel is near the tree. Magnolia leaves are another holiday favorite, and lovely for their hint of shine. 

Festive Fruit

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Fruitcake, fruit baskets, and a partridge in a pear tree -- there is a case to be made for fruit at Christmas, and garlands as lovely as these demonstrate there's a good reason think outside the (gift)box. For those who believe, including fruit in your decorations is a nod to the Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit. 

Curated Collections

Whether ornaments or candles, Christmas trees or poinsettias, a gathering of your favorite holiday items is a great way add a personal touch to your holiday décor.