My Farmhouse Style Christmas Mantel

An inspiring picture and a few more seasonal touches is all you need to design a fireplace mantel vignette you'll want to see all Christmas season.

CHRISTMAS | Updated November 12, 2023

So, are your stockings hung and the tree decorated yet?

I know so many started decorating after Halloween and the stores are quickly becoming sold out of holiday merchandise, but I am pretty much in the group of those who don't start with the red and green until after Thanksgiving.

Even though I don't start putting out my Christmas decor, that doesn't mean I don't like to be inspired and plan ahead for the decorating.

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While I'm not someone who likes to purchase a lot of items to decorate with, there are times when something catches my eye and I know it is for me. It sounds strange and not everyone is the same, but I feel as though I am a person who listens to her heart when she shops.

I don't necessarily buy based on what is trending or that I see my favorite bloggers using. Instead I buy what "speaks" to me. And when there is something specific that I'm looking for, it normally takes me awhile to find it as I refuse to settle for "good enough."

A few months ago while shopping at Hobby Lobby, I fell in love with this picture of an old barn and knew immediately that it was what I needed for my Christmas mantel this year.

It reminds me of driving through rural areas and seeing the old farmhouses and barns that are still standing after so many years and generations of family living there.

We live in a world where everyone seems to be craving the "modern" farmhouse with nothing out of place or in need of repair. But I actually love seeing real working farms where things might not always be pretty or perfect, but rather lived in and loved. A place where beauty can be found in the aged barn wood and screen door that squeaks when you close it.

As we are decorating for Christmas, it is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking everything has to be perfectly placed and done just like everyone else.

But I hope that this year you can listen to your heart, buy things that you will truly enjoy year after year, and decorate in a way that may not be perfect, but allows you and your family to feel love and experience the joy of the season.

When putting my vignette together, I wanted to stick with a more rustic, cozy theme.

The barn in the picture was reinforced by this pretty snowy red barn. And then I added a few more red touches with the berries in the greenery and plaid on the stocking.

The metal lantern gives a little height by sitting atop a wood box with chippy white paint.

And to add a little cozy texture and warmth to the objects, I decided to use my new denim and faux fur tree skirt (from Hobby Lobby) in a thinking-outside-of-the-box sort of way and instead draped it over the top of the mantel.

Nothing too complex or perfectly placed, but I really love how it all came together. What was created was a place where I'm all too happy to curl up beside with a cup of hot chocolate!

Christmas Fireplace Vignette

Some Other Christmas Posts You Might Enjoy

RUSTIC WOODLAND TABLESCAPE - A non-traditional Christmas tablesetting that would be perfect throughout the winter season.

HOLIDAY HOUSEWALK WITH BALSAM HILL - Summary

EASY CHRISTMAS VIGNETTE - In 5 minutes, you'll have a perfect centerpiece for your dining table or coffee table.

RUSTIC CHRISTMAS MANTEL + DECORATED TREE - Summary

MORE CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION

My friends below are sharing their own decorating ideas, DIY projects, and recipes for the holiday season. Please take a moment and visit some of the links for more even more ideas!

CHRISTMAS DIY