How to: Style your mantel for Christmas

StartFragmentShrink your normally lavish Christmas decorations down to one wall, with a couple of stand-out, scandi-inspired ornaments and decorations for a bright festive look.EndFragment

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Here’s some inspiration for dressing up a small mantel or wall in your apartment.

A shelf of some kind can also act as an accessory for hanging a stocking and draping some greenery, so get creative with how you style up your abode in time for Santa.

StartFragment1. Choose a neutral theme for this lookEndFragment

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Natural elements can give your Christmas mantel a more relaxed feel.

StartFragmentTimber, free standing decorations will work a treat. Place the trees to one side of the mantel – clustering objects to one side will help to create a balanced display.EndFragment

StartFragment2. Centre the printEndFragmentStartFragment

This might be a piece of art that you already own or you may be able to find an affordable option.

It’s also important that the print colours don’t overpower the other homewares. It should complement the theme.

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StartFragment3. Light up the printEndFragment

StartFragmentFor a point of difference, try winding some round, battery-operated lights around the picture. It will make the whole mantel glow at night. Go for gold over silver because it’s a warm metal.EndFragment

StartFragment4. Bring the mantel to lifeEndFragment

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Dress up a Christmas-themed mantel. Picture: Erinna Giblin

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StartFragmentDrape ivy and some white floral pieces around a letter light box to bring an elegant feature to the mantel.EndFragment

StartFragment5. Fill the gapsEndFragment

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If the mantel seems a little bare, include some simple decorations in the gaps such as a duo of wooden stars with a blue tinge. The timber works well with the neutral tones.

Style tip: Try adding metallic baubles to a glass vase for some warmth and pop them on top of a stack of books or magazines. This is a quick and affordable way to dress any piece of furniture for Christmas Day.

StartFragment6. Real pine lastsEndFragment

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Real pine not only smells wonderful but will last for weeks as part of your mantel decoration. Picture: Erinna Giblin

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Add some traditional Christmas features like a real pine along the bottom of the fireplace. It will last up to two-three weeks so don’t be afraid to get this styled early. Your flowers will need to be added closer to your event.

To add a rustic feel, you could arrange some chopped bircher logs amongst the pine. Top them with battery operated candles. This is a much safer option than the tea light version.

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