French Inspired Christmas Mantel – 3 Ways

Are you one of those folks who loves a good quick change in decor? Oh good. Then this post is for you.

This post involves a fireplace mantel. A eucalyptus wreath and garland. Candles. Twinkle lights & lanterns. And a vintage cherub.

Except when it doesn’t.

It is Such a simple way to show just how changing 1 thing can change the whole look and feeling. Ready to delve in?

Where to start

I started by dressing the mantel as I always do- with a garland. With this tree in the little cottage, I was really craving a simple, elegant backdrop on the mantel. This one feels very European to me as well- which I love.

Tip: Be extra when it comes to garland and use one that is longer than needed to frame the mantel and add extra drama. You can round the ends for an elegant look- or simple let them land where they do.

The garland is a 15′ custom ordered mixed eucalyptus from my favorite greens maker at the SF Flower Mart. What I love about eucalyptus is that it looks incredible when it is fresh- and will last and last when it dries as well.

Add a bit of cozy

Tip: Use twinkle lights in the firebox to light up a non working fireplace mantel.

After adding a bit of cozy with the candles and twinkle lights. I placed 2 sets the twinkle lights in the firebox for a bit of shimmer- these are battery operated and are super inexpensive (affiliate) so go big and order several sets for even more oomph.

On the mantel- battery operated taper candles are perfect. DO NOT use real candles when using fresh greenery like this- (we were out of batteries for my faux candles so lit these Just for the photos while I was working) Once the eucalyptus is dry it is a huge fire hazard- so stay safe and stay with faux. my favorites are out of stock currently but these tapers have a realistic flicker and flame– and are on the shorter side which I prefer.

You can also bring in some lanterns for an extra amount of rustic charm around the firebox as well.

Eucalyptus Wreath

Our first look is simple and elegant. A dried eucalyptus wreath is creates a stunning focal point above the fireplace- and has just that perfect amount of old fashioned charm.

Cherub centerpiece

This feels very antique and classic to me. This cherub belonged to my grandmother and I can remember that she had two of them on a wall in her home while growing up and I always thought they were so pretty. I imagine this one is probably from the 60’s but am not sure. But found a similar look one for you if you want to recreate.

With just a simple cherub taking center stage- it feels so regal and elegant. The focus is less on the greenery and other elements of the mantel- and the cherub creates a simple elegant focal point that really makes me think of some of the churches and buildings in Europe.

Wreath and Cherub

So taking both of those elements- the fluffy sage green texture of the wreath and the charm of the cherub- I put them together to create a mantel focal point that was the best of both looks.

For this- I simply hung the wreath on the wall- and placed the cherub right inside of it. Love how this one looks too- simply French elegant.

So there you have 3 looks- which one is your favorite?

See more and shop the look of this Balsam Hill Tree here:

Sanibel Spruce

Star Garland