When decorating a mantel for the holidays, there's a classic tried and tested method many of us follow. Naturally, it involves adorning the mantelpiece with greenery, ornaments, garlands, candles and more. It's prime real estate for Christmas decor, so going all out and making it a focal point is often the aim.
But there's more than one way to make your fireplace a statement over the holidays, and designer Drew Michael Scott (A.K.A Lone Fox ) has given us all a reminder that trying something new and unexpected often pays off.
The designer has been posting plenty of inspiring videos as we build up to Christmas which are filled with clever, creative ideas. We've been enviably eyeing every video up but absolutely had to shout about his alternative take on a Christmas mantel.
Drew's beautiful a-symmetrical arrangement dramatically frames his fireplace. The display evokes joy, festivity and a truly wintery feel. Luckily for us, Drew has posted his step-by-step guide that outlines his creative process. Let's take a peek at his five main tips for the ultimate 'holiday mantel of my dreams that was way easier than I thought'.
1. Use strong birch branches as a base
Drew begins by placing a woven basket at the base of his fireplace. Interestingly, he chooses the left spot rather than the center as it will allow for a pronounced arch that overlaps from one side to the other. Baskets are a practical choice as they're sturdy and will happily hold your branch display for the entire holiday season.
Once the basket is set up, you can begin to place your longer branches inside as these will act as the base for your later layers of garlands and decor. Drew explains, 'I got these magnolia branches which I wired together to create one large branch and just hammered it to the wall with a few small nails. I then went in with my faux garlands which I'm just going to drape and layer across the branch that we added.'
You'll need to purchase (or find) pretty long, strong branches if you want the display to drape all the way up around the perimeter of the fireplace, from hearth to mantel. Drew uses large poles of willow birch like these ones from Etsy.
2. Build with the faux foliage first
Foliage is crucial for this look as the mantel would feel sparse without the lush greenery of fir or pine stems. This second step is most vital to achieve a lush, natural feel that sings against the metallic and red of the accessories.
Drew uses fluffy garlands of foliage that easily weave around the frame of the thick birch branches. Using floral wire means the foliage stays securely fastened to the base branches. These leafy vines make the ideal neutral backdrop for the mass of garlands, lights, and ornaments you'll go in with later.
Drew highlights that by choosing a real branch base, you can now mix faux decor on top. He explains, '[I'm now] going in with my faux garlands which I'm just going to drape and layer across the branch that we added. I’m also adding in some blueberry stems here and the key to this mantel is mixing faux and real so everything overall looks real in the end.'
Drew weaves a leafy garland like this Real Touch Norfolk Pine around his birch branches. Pine makes the perfect layer for a vibrant, natural base.
Drew has a selection of faux stems on his website. This Evergreen bunch is 'Style 1', frosted with silver and threaded with mini pinecones.
This Blueberry garland from Wayfair is deep purple and delicate much like Drew's choice, adding depth and variety in colour palette.
3. String up the lights
Arguably the most important step – the lights. No Christmas display is complete without the all-important twinkle of warm, glowing bulbs.
For this mantel look, it's best to go for a long set of string lights so they can drape all the way around your foliage without needing to worry about running out. A top tip is to incorporate lights that have a dark green wire so they seamlessly blend into the shrubbery and prevent any artificial inconsistency. You could also try branches that are pre-woven with lights, making it so simple to slot in as you go without worrying about over-bulking your delicate creation.
The layering process is what's great about this look, it means you can swap out one of Drew's step for your own alternative. In the case of the lights, why not try a colorful red for a real festive statement?
These classic warm white string lights from Amazon are similar to Drew's choice and will allow for lots of weaving and winding.
Pre-decorated branches with LED lights are easy pieces to slot in your mantel display wherever you see fit. This one is adorned with festive berries and leaves.
This vibrant set from Walmart will do just the trick, sprucing up your mantel display with colour and warmth.
4. Go in with the real foliage
'This is where the magic happens', Drew says. Using an asparagus fern like this Perigold stem, he combines the faux with the real to create a natural feel.
He says 'This is called an asparagus fern and it looks like a tiny little pine needle, like Christmas tree needles. They are so cute and add so much fullness to this garland.' This step is key in achieving that light, fluffy width around the mantel, varying foliage textures and color. Drew then goes on to explain, 'I just plucked off a couple of branches and tucked them into the garland base itself until it felt really full and exactly what I was going for.'
Another natural foliage piece Drew uses is dried Amaranthus which he hangs sparingly around the central garlands and birch. The flower has a drooping quality that adds to the overall width and fullness of the display. Drew's choice of white Amaranthus is effective as this both varies the color palette whilst mimicking white snow or icicles. Amazon's Preserved Amaranthus Hanging Flower is dried meaning you needn't worry about it drying out as it will happily hang all holiday.
5. Embellish with garlands and ribbon
The last step is all about using finer decorations that will catch the light. Layer small metallic garlands and additional decorative pieces like baubles for a varied textural display with sparkle and depth.
Drew selects a couple of vintage-style gold garlands and weaves them up and around the main bulk of foliage. It's key to avoid creating a harsh empty space, so bring some of your garlands across your mantel so the opposite side isn't entirely bare. He says, 'I then added in a star garland and a couple of ribbons along with some stockings which completed this mantel transformation.' While the stars bring an element of sparkle, the bows create a festive palette of red and green. Like Drew, you could also try hammering some hooks or nails along your mantel to hang ornaments or stockings.
Drew places a charming brass bell garland on his mantel, much like this tarnished one from West Elm. Adding a layer of shine, these little bells will chime all Christmas long.
This look can be achieved by layering all types of garlands over your foliage. The Lone Fox website has a range of decor, but these folded paper trees are elegant and rustic and will provide the perfect delicate touch.
Red velvet ribbon is the ideal accent that will provide a pop of color to your festive foliage arrangement.
Drew's simple steps are easy to follow at home, but remember to combine both real and faux foliage for an overall natural look that has fullness and vibrancy. Drew says 'It's my favorite Christmas mantel to date' and we can see why.
