Thanksgiving Mantel Decorating Ideas

Thank you all so much for your kind words about my One Room Challenge Makeover!  You guys made my day!

Today I wanted to share some tips for decorating your mantel and my Thanksgiving Mantel before everyone gets in full-blown Christmas mode.  It seems like it gets earlier and earlier every year!

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Tip #1 – Go tall on the outsides. I use these candleholders (on long term loan to me from Mom) in almost all of my mantels. Sometimes I change out the candles to match the season or the rest of the decorations. But most of the time, I use these wide beige ones. Here’s a similar set I found on Amazon for a decent price.

Tip #2 – Base the mantel décor around a large background.  For me, it’s this massive mirror.  You could also use a large piece of art or rustic shutters or any large backdrop that balances out vertically with the fireplace.

Tip #3 – Add seasonal items.  Since this is a Thanksgiving mantel, I’ve used this large chalkboard sign that says “Give Thanks,” pumpkins and a gold bowl.  The gold bowl is nice because it also adds a different texture to the design.  I usually use whatever I have on hand for my mantels.  The pumpkins were leftover from my Halloween decorations and I had the bowl in another room.

Tip #4 – Add bunting.  I can’t get enough bunting!  It’s so easy and cute.  It adds a festive party feel to your decor.  I cannot remember where I found this Thankful bunting but it probably came from Michaels or TJ Maxx after Thanksgiving last year.  It’s made of burlap which also adds an additional texture to the design.  Bunting is really easy to make but here is a cute example I found on Amazon if you don’t feel like making your own.

Bam!  You’ve got yourself a mantel!

Check out a couple of my other mantels!  If you look closely you’ll notice I use this same formula for most of them.

• Pink Spring Mantel
• Halloween
• Christmas (a few years back)

The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to buy a lot of stuff every year to decorate for the seasons.  Use what you already have in a new way!

p.s.  I’m linking up to Home Stories A to Z, What Treasures Await and Tatertots and Jello.