Say Goodbye To Garlands: A Fuller, More Unique Way To Decorate Your Fireplace Mantel

A fireplace is often the anchor or focal point in a room, which often leads to its mantel taking center stage (you can even install a fireplace mantel yourself if your fireplace doesn't already have one). That's why mantels tend to hit the top of some homeowners' decorating to-do list. And when it comes to seasonal décor, many choose to drape the mantel with real or faux floral garlands that reflect the time of year. If garlands are your go-to, and you're wondering why your faux ranunculus–draped mantel never looks quite as lush and beautiful as the ones you've seen professional designers achieve, it might be because the garland you're using is too sparse and too uniform when used in multiples. Instagrammer organic.neutral.home might have just the fix you need for your mantel-decorating dilemma.

In her reel, she doesn't hang a ready-made faux garland. Instead, she mounts 3M Command hooks and then slides individual stems and sprays in, one hook and flower at a time. She alternates blossom and stem ends left-to-right, overlapping them in spots to cover the stems, adjusting their angles, and varying the heights to avoid a uniform and symmetrical appearance. The result is a faux cascading garland that looks full, natural, and drapey.

Before buying anything, measure the width of your fireplace mantel to figure out how many flowers you'll need at minimum. Next, pick up the faux florals in stem, spray, pick, or bush formats at prices you're comfortable with (because you'll need a lot!). Dollar Tree has a good budget-friendly selection, including this Floral Garden 5-Stem Artificial Hydrangea Bush for $1.75. Michaels also carries stems that look a bit more realistic but also cost more, such as this Dried Peony Stem by Ashland priced at $6.99. However, Michaels often has hefty sales, so check online first. 

To determine how many flowers you'll need, don't go by the stem's total height and instead measure the blossom height. Divide your mantel width by that measurement, and you'll have an approximate number to purchase. Pick up the same number of Command hooks as well. Back at home, plan the configuration and hook placement first. Then get started on arranging your own lush garland, sliding each stem into the top of each hook.

Consider further customizing your garland by incorporating some companion-plant sprays. These can also help fill some spots that you think still don't look full enough. Or add faux berries and nuts, depending on the season. For instance, fall garlands look great when adding artificial acorns, mini pumpkins, or autumn leaves. (Check out more pairing ideas in our guide to fall floral arrangements.) In the winter, you can go traditional with pinecones and poinsettias; in spring, change them to cherry blossoms or tulips; and in summer, decorate with vibrant tropical flora. However, if you aren't a fan of faux flowers and greenery but don't want to leave your mantel bare, try one of these farmhouse mantel decorating ideas as an alternative.