Christmas Fireplace Decorations

Stockings Galore and More for Mantels

The most traditional decorating idea for a fireplace is to hang Christmas stockings from the mantel. Decorative hooks in the shape of snowmen, Santas, or that spell words like “JOY” or “PEACE” are excellent ways to add interest to your stockings. For a slightly different interpretation, you can also choose to hang stockings from a stand on the hearth, and place a garland swag or mini stockings along the mantel.

The mantel is a perfect place to display your Christmas village. Adding some faux snow or wrapping garland and lights will highlight your collection of figurines and houses. Collectibles can also be displayed on the mantel; consider grouping them by theme (Santa and reindeer, or various snowmen) or color (white figurines, green figurines).

Place a miniature Christmas train atop your fireplace mantel. Spread the cars out across the top, or set up a small track for the train to run on. The size of your mantel and your train will determine if it is feasible to set up an entire train set.

Create an elegant mantel by simply using large round ball ornaments, garland, white lights, and a few bows. Intertwine the garland and lights and lay across the top of the mantel. Scatter the large ball ornaments within the garland. Place bows or small wreaths at the ends of the mantel and in the center. Christmas candles can be substituted for lights, but be sure you supervise them carefully when lit.

Homey Christmas Hearth Décor

Christmas decorations do not have to end at the mantel of the fireplace. Use the space around the hearth, too, to add some interest to the entire fireplace. After all, a fireplace is often the focus of a room, so dress it up.

Things to place along the hearth include:

• Gifts of various shapes and sizes
• Miniature faux trees
• Large holiday plush
• Holiday hearth rug

You may also want to display favorite holiday photos from past Christmases along the hearth. One or two large photos, in sizes 10x13 or 11x14, along with an 8x10 or 5x7 add a personal touch to the hearth. Frame them in simple black or metallic frames that fit with your decor. Simple photos or posed photos look best, although any of your favorites will work.

If you choose to light a fire in your fireplace, move any decorations away from the fire to avoid sparks landing on the decorations.

Decorating Above the Fireplace

You are not limited to decorating the fireplace itself. Get creative with the space above the fireplace. Most people have a large mirror or painting in this area, so a nail/hook is already available for hanging up decorations.

Hang up a large Christmas wreath, tapestry, or painting that features a winter scene. Even if you want to leave your current hanging above the fireplace, wrap some garland around the hanging to make it more festive.

You can also create a look yourself instead of relying upon a large main piece. Swag garland and let it hang down the sides of the mantel. Add bows or wreaths to the swags. Incorporate a few lights and oversized ornaments, and voila! You have a unique holiday fireplace display.

Christmas Fireplace Decoration Inspiration

Check out these images of various fireplaces decorated for the Christmas holidays to get some inspiration for your home:

• Mantel with stockings, garland, candles
• Plush- and figurine-based fireplace décor
• Rustic fireplace decorations
• Christmas mantel

Even if you still find yourself stumped regarding Christmas fireplace decorations, there is one surefire way to make your fireplace look festive that is cheap, too. Simply display all of your holiday Christmas cards along the top of your mantel. Start from the center and work your way to the edges, placing smaller cards and top-open cards in front of taller and larger cards. This is a great way to show off your Christmas card collection and save some money during the holiday season.