Suddenly, I start longing for the fireplace that I don't have; wishing that I could warm my toes by the hearth and that I had a stunning mantle to decorate. Luckily, these fireside ideas can easily be adapted for use in other areas of the home. Got an empty buffet top? How about a shelf? Or maybe, a media cabinet that could use some attention? Whatever your fireplace status, these designs are sure warm the cockles of your heart and to kindle the festive fires within.
Oh, and you fireplace owners? I'm not bitter...really. But be forewarned - I may invite myself over soon. (Don't worry though... I'll bring the wine!)
Shown Above:
1. House to Home
2. SF Girl By Bay
3. Better Homes and Gardens
4. Emily Henderson
5. Anthology
6. Small Bird
7. House to Home
8. The Holiday Guide by Emily Henderson
9. I Suwannee
10. Bees Knees Bungalow
11. Living Etc.
12. Crate & Barrel
13. Sweet Paul
14. Design*Sponge
15. House and Home
16. House to Home
17. Ideal Home
18. Centsational Girl
19. West Elm
20. Better Homes and Gardens
Images: As credited above.





















White Enamel Four-P...
I have the candleholder shown in the first photo. It looks supercool. Only problem is it does not hold the candles very straight -- and it gets candle wax everywhere.
I love these roundups. #12 and #18 are my favorites. Absolutely gorgeous, but not overdone.
Those slipcovers in the first photo are hideous.
AGH! Those wreaths in the first pic are gonna catch fire!!!
BUSY, busy, Busy, BUsy, bUSy, bUsy, BUSy, bUSY, BUsy! too many intensely decorated mantles for me!!
There's some great inspiration here - I spied a few things, that I already have, that I'd never thought of adding to my mantle before - thanks!
Great roundup.
I put a favorite menorah on the mantle (but not to light, since it's in front of a large painting).
Any idea where the wine glasses in the house to home picture are from? They're too cool!
As someone who actually heats her home with wood (two woodstoves), my first thought at seeing number two was "U R doing it wrong." BUT then I saw number five, with books in the fireplace, and had to shudder. So relieved to see actual fire in some of the later fireplace examples.
Still, all in all, a nice round-up with plenty of inspiration.
I usually go a little more spare, but there is a lot of good inspiration - I'm thinking about building a white on white wreath next year, and these reassure me it will still be festive. Really like C&B #12, too.
I'm curious about how many people go as "all out" as these rooms when they decorate for the holidays...
I add a tree, I add some (faux) pine garland, lights and ornaments to the mantle along with the carved dragon and finials already there, and put a few small things around elsewhere, but I wouldn't even think of replacing existing art with something seasonal (including replacing the painting over the fireplace with a wreath or whatever...)
Do you "redecorate" for the holidays, or just add some decorations like me?
Love the candleholders in the first photo and I know someone above said they have them, but didn't say where they are from. Can you tell me whose they are?