I like to mix it up just a little each year, but I really underestimated my childrens’ propensity for traditionalism. Because upon entering this space after a long day at school, my middle asked {approvingly} “Why is it Whoville in here?” and then immediately after: “WhErE’s ThE cHaLkBoard?!} Because in the past versions of this mantel, I’ve always busted out the chalkboard. But alas, the chalkboard has been relegated to another space and we have this fun colorful version. Today, if you’ve been looking for permission to use color in your holidaisical decor, this is your sign. Because we’re sharing our Joyful Christmas Mantel!

A little bit has changed this year, and a whole lot has not. As always, we went for fun this year. Honestly, I think this mantel gets more ridiculous each year, and I’m okay with it. While we have a “main” tree, this is where we do our Christmas each year. The kids have declared it their fave spot in the house. So it’s definitely a fun gathering area that’s perfect for the whole family. Especially on Christmas day.

We loved adding these flocked trees years ago. {Similar find here.} And I think we just kind of built off each year from there. This year, we added a combo of these garland pieces layered together with one of these and these lights {+ cords}. It’s really fun to do something so colorful with a nostalgic twist. 

The ornaments are a combo of purchases over time, but I just try to keep them colorful, and unbreakable. {similar finds since mine are no longer available.} I’m slowly weeding out the glass ones we’ve had for years so that we have less accidents packing and unpacking each year. This year I added some fresh ones that are really simple to make that I’ll be sharing a full tutorial for next week. 

The trees are a combo of random finds, {similar} and bottle brush trees that I have scattered around the house. 

This fall, we made a fun mirrorball mirror and I love the light that it brings to our brightest space in the house. It feels even more ornate at Christmastime. 

And I put together this fun wreath, again… sharing that how-to next week as soon as I can, just in time for the slower holidays. It’s the perfect little project to gather around with family. 

Because we get a lot of questions about our mirror ball – we sourced this one here. It’s always great when that sunlight comes in, especially in winter. It’s a permanent fixture. We also added these for more sparkle. We break out these candle holders each year: {tutorial for the multicolored one is here. + colorful candles here. We love the warmth it brings in enjoyable ways!}

{Check out our stained glass monograms here! } Perfect for ornaments, gifts, and more. However, I didn’t feel good about adding them to our already-crowded {in the very best maximalist way} mantel. I loved adding this freestanding stocking holder here. Similar stockings here. 

Now that we’ve seen the “pretty stuff” here are three things that I love to make decorating and then managing all this easier: {silly, but I think they help.}

• These hooks + wire. – The hooks hang nicely, don’t leave marks, and the wire wraps easily without scratching.

• I love using our Kasa app + plugs to control all the lighting. I seriously can’t have enough of this in my house, but it’s perfect for holidaisical lights. Even if you aren’t home, you can turn it on with a press from your phone. 

• Oh, and Alien Tape – it’s an absolute game changer. I actually don’t have it here, but I have to share. I’ve used it everywhere since I found it, especially outside to hang all the garland. 

I know we went early sharing Christmas things this year, but I’m a reformed purist and sometimes it helps my stress level to just get it up and out of the way so we can enjoy it a little longer. Life is short… do what you want. Thanks so much for stopping by for our little mini tour today. As always, let us know if you have any questions! Have an inspired day!

{Obligatory disclaimer: I receive a small compensation for some of the links that I share here, to help with the upkeep of this site. Thank you for understanding!}