Christmas Mantel Decorating Ideas: 4 Easy Rules
Short answer: hang one stocking for each person, lay a lit green garland along the shelf, add candles at different heights, and repeat one color from the tree.
Updated November 2026 ยท By the FestivEra team
One stocking for each person
Stockings are the main event on a Christmas mantel. Hang one 17 inch stocking for each person, and space them evenly. A different character on each one tells everybody which is theirs.
A green garland with warm lights
Lay the garland along the shelf and let the ends hang down a little on each side. Warm white lights look best next to a fire. Tuck a few velvet balls into the green for color.
Candles at different heights
Group candles in threes: tall, medium and short. Flameless candles are the safe choice above a working fireplace and near a garland.
Repeat one color from the tree
Pick one color from the tree and use it again on the mantel. Red stockings with burgundy velvet on the tree is the simple version.
No fireplace? Use a shelf
A bookshelf, a console table or a staircase rail does the same job. Mini stockings hang well from cabinet handles and shelf edges.
