Christmas Mantel Mixing Faux and Fresh Greenery with grey accents

I have been eagerly anticipating this day since June. Our open-concept living and dining room underwent a massive makeover when I was selected as a Featured Designer for the spring One Room Challenge. One of the key features added to the room was this fireplace!

Look for a link-up below to all of my talented blogging friends who are sharing their mantle inspiration today too!

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With all of the moulding and the slim nature of the mantelpiece, I knew wanted to decorate the mantel rather simply with holiday greens. Each year though, I find myself disappointed with fresh greens that go brown and brittle by the time Christmas morning arrives. Do you feel the same let down?

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I didn’t have a full plan set out but back in September, but I ordered Faux Cedar Garland from Terrain. I had been warned they sell out quickly every year. Of course, they did sell out and I don’t have a great link to share. This is very unfortunate for me too, as I wanted to order one more for next year so it looks a bit fuller. (I think the cedar garland from Terrain was an investment piece I will use year after year, but I do wish it was a little fuller. I’ll be sure to order early next year!)

I found a few nice looking options to share from Amazon in case you are still hunting. Everywhere else seems to be sold out.

68″ Cedar Garland Snowy Cedar 6 feet Boxwood garland

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See the mantel come to life in this Video

In addition to the faux cedar, that I find dries out the fastest, I added simple, inexpensive real pine garland from Home Depot.

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I hung them both in a slightly asymmetrical fashion. Then I balanced the look with a large bow and long hanging tales and grey sweater stockings.

The ribbon was from the bridal ribbon section at Joann’s this year. The stockings were also from Joann’s but a couple of years ago. I did see red ones just like them this weekend.

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Initially, I was going to hang all four of our stockings but it felt too heavy. But that’s okay, our stockings are usually so heavy come Christmas morning, Santa sets them on the hearth every year anyway!

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Lastly, I tucked in some juniper berries and a string of lighted bell garland I picked up a few years ago.

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Check back next Friday, when I join my Seasonal Simplicity friends for my Christmas Home Tour! I am only about 70% finished as of today, so I still have some work to do to spread more Christmas cheer around the house.

Today I’m joining some of my talented blogging friends for the Christmas Seasonal Simplicity Series. We’re all sharing our holiday mantel decor with you – be sure to check out these fabulous Christmas mantel decor ideas by clicking on the links below each image.