Vintage & Whimsical

To get this look, begin with faux snow instead of heavy garland. Center mason jars, either colored like ours or clear ones, in the front and fill with various glass ornaments.

Next, display antique decorations such as vintage reindeer, snowmen, and miniature wire bottlebrush trees. Scatter old glass ornaments in shades of blue and silver and in all shapes and sizes. Place sparkling snowflakes among the snow.

Complete the look by draping a holiday greeting. This "Merry Christmas" garland is vintage, but it's easy to create your own from cardboard letters that are easy to decorate with silver glitter.

There's no need to ditch your normal mantel display for the holidays. Instead incorporate standards such as sconces, mirrors, and decorative plates.