Creating that perfect festive fireplace is all about the accessories. We love to gather greenery, be it real or fake, and drape it over the mantelpiece. Try ivy, eucalyptus, firs or holly to add a little life to the setting.

Candles are one of the easiest ways to create ambience – add a cluster of different sized pillar candles to the edge of the fireplace, or add a few tea lights to the mantelpiece. If you love scented candles, make sure you invest in a cinnamon or festive-flavoured light.

For a modern take on fireplace styling, theme your decorations. Try adding a couple of white baubles to the mantelpiece for a Scandi-cool look, or keep all of your mantelpiece decorations gold for something more traditional.

There’s nothing cosier than a stack of freshly cut logs resting on the fireplace – the scent alone will create that festive cosiness.

By Jo Linehan & Caroline Foran | GAFF Interiors | Follow Jo & Caroline on Instagram

There are only three things you need for a wonderfully-decorated fireplace:

1. A garland – get a good quality one that looks real.
2. Some baubles – hang them from the garland. Anything that glitters will pick up the lights.
3. Some fairy lights – wrap them around the garland. Battery-operated ones give you more flexibility.

Make sure everything is well out of the way of any open flames, then sit back and admire it with a glass of mulled wine.

My favourite way to decorate a fireplace is to work with a theme – last year I chose copper. I draped a garland over the mantelpiece, wrapped it with copper wire string lights, and decorated it with a mix of glitter and matte copper baubles in a range of sizes.

By Jenna Crotty | Homeware Huntress | Follow Jenna on Instagram

I think the best décor is not made of things one can buy in a shop, but the thought and effort that goes into it. Here are a few ideas on how to create an authentic seasonal decoration and feel good about it.

Buy a few wooden picture frames of assorted sizes in a charity shop. Apply wood glaze in silver or metal gold on the most prominent parts of frames for a rustic effect, or paint it over completely for a sleek look. Then wrap garland lights, ribbons or lace around, depending on your primary theme.

Images By: Tanya Vacarda

If you fancy less adorned log-cabin style, use hessian and cotton ribbons in natural colours and wooden Christmas toys to decorate around the frames. You can also hang your favourite baubles on a golden thread from the top of the frame. Place these on your mantelpiece by alternating frames in height and overlapping on the sides.

Another simple trick is to use old framed mirrors as candle trays. The mirror surface will reflect light movements, making the scene more romantic.  You can either place it on a mantelpiece or by your stove on the floor. Decorate with beaded garland for a more luxurious look.

By Tanya Vacarda | Yellow Crane Studio | Follow Tanya on Facebook

In simple terms, asymmetrical means that both sides of the mantle are not mirrored.  Create balance by grouping items of similar size together with larger items on one side.  This can have a great impact as the eye will move naturally across the display moving from the larger section toward the lighter part.

If hanging a garland from the mantle, stick Command Hooks (with the hook facing towards you) on the top of the mantle and tie the garland with gardening wire.  That way the garland is securing from falling down and the hook is easy to remove without leaving marks on the mantle.

Image By: Emerald Interior Design

Candles sticks or hurricane vases set into the foliage are a great addition and also help “anchor” the arrangement. Group candlesticks in odd numbers for a contemporary look and vary height for interest.

By Karen Hughes | Emerald Interior Design & The Interiors Association | Follow Karen on Facebook

Decorating your mantelpiece is important because it is the focal point of the room. For Christmas, I like to create a cosy, calm and relaxed atmosphere with a touch of glamour or if young children are about maybe include some of their favourite figurines: unicorns, fairies or a nativity scene, and not forgetting a generous amount of sparkle throughout.

I normally start with a selection of holly and ivy from the garden or the hedges at the side of the road. If you can include some scented greenery then even better: eucalyptus and rosemary work really well for this. A can of silver or gold spray with a hint of glitter lightly sprayed in some areas can really lift the arrangement. I try to restrict my colour palette, this year I am loving soft green with some white, gold and soft pink and of course don’t forget lots and lots of twinkling fairy lights. A couple of lanterns either side finish a perfect “frame” for the mantelpiece. Opt for the realistic, battery-powered candles.

By Emma Johnston | Emma Johnston Interior Design | Follow Emma on Facebook

A beautifully decorated mantel can set the tone for Christmas just as much as your tree. Here’s a standout look that can make any fireplace more festive in minutes.

Get creative with your scissors and cut out layers of paper pine trees or get the kids to work on making a garland of their own creation which can then be accompanied by silver stars and even some mirrored silver baubles. Last but not least display an array of candles of all shapes and sizes but keep to the theme of a frosty white for a mantel that is simple & sophisticated.

Image By: James Merell

One of the greatest things about Christmas is the opportunity to incorporate natural elements from your garden into the decorating of your home from holly with it shiny green leaves, fresh scented pine branches slung over the mantelpiece to a log filled basket with scented cones. Get creative with the glitter and decadent gold spray to add a touch of understated sparkle.

By Rachael Robb | John Robb Interiors | Follow Rachael on Facebook

Decorating your fireplace is all about layers and levels, whether you love balanced symmetry or quirky asymmetric angles. When styling your fireplace, start with something tall. Try using a candle stick or a vase of flowers. Then start adding accessories with different heights and textures.

The key to a perfectly styled fireplace is layering. Place taller objects behind shorter ones. This creates more depth and visual interest. The alternating heights will lead the eye around the design.

It’s always a bonus to use items that are personal to you. Add a family photograph, shells from an unforgettable holiday or trinkets that have been handed down to you. Styling your home should be all about showcasing your personality!

By Ciara Rees | Rees & Hunt, Irish Interior & Lifestyle Store | Follow Ciara on Instagram

At home, we love to get a little ad hoc – so have a look at what you have to hand in the garden, kitchen drawer or the attic.  You’ll be surprised what you can do with a little gold spray, fishing wire, old pearls, candles, foliage and fir cones!

Whether your fireplace is contemporary or traditional, don’t be afraid to mix the size and style of decorative objects – this will add a confidence and eclectic style to your space.

Although the symmetry of the mantelpiece creates a harmonious and calming effect, sometimes a little asymmetry can work if you’re trying to create a more off-beat look.  An asymmetrical arrangement might contain a dominant element on one side, which could be balanced by a couple or more lesser focal points on the other side.  This look can be more difficult to perfect but will evoke feelings of modernism and movement!

Images By: Blue Moon

Another trick to keep in mind is dressing the ends with an eye-catching feature – this will carry the eye to the width of the mantelpiece.

You can choose items for your display which refer to the colours in your room, or you could choose to stand out with contrasting colours – this year we are loving teals, sage, indigo… and of course there’s nothing as good as gold!

So, basically don’t be bound by tradition, and whether you are bold as brass or good as gold…let your creative juices flow! Happy creating!

By Rachael Lindsay | Blue Moon Event Design | Follow Rachael on Facebook

Cosying up around the fireplace with a glass of mulled wine and your favourite pud is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Here are three fireplace mantelpiece decorating ideas to get you into the holiday spirit and wow your guests this Christmas.

Traditional Touch – For most of us, Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and friends, with festive gatherings reminiscent of old traditions. Bring character and vintage charm to your mantelpiece with antique- and traditional-style decor touches in bright reds and greens in lively seasonal patterns.

Image By: thriftyandchic.com

Marvellously Minimalist – The no-fuss festive look is becoming increasingly popular. This style is all about hygge simplicity, celebrating nature and tradition in a subtle way. It’s a freestyle, calming look that uses subdued natural colours, fresh greenery and organic touches, with an unmistakable dark Scandinavian colour twist.

Image By: Vanessa Schmidt

Natural Noel – The all-natural look is the easiest to source and replicate in your home. Forage from tree cuttings in your nearest forest or garden centre to fashion your own garland, use fresh flowers and greenery, add organic touches such as pinecones and burlap ribbon, and lots and lots of candles and lanterns.

By Diana Valentine | HomeLust Concept Store | Follow Diana on Facebook