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Christmas is just a few weeks away! When the big day arrives, all eyes are on the Christmas tree, but today we are focusing on the cozy charm of the fireplace. The trend this Christmas season is to fill our homes with a warm sense of nostalgia. We're yearning for the simple joy of pre-pandemic, pre-inflation, pre-housing crisis celebrations. The aim is to create a warm, intimate atmosphere like those in we've admired in our favorite Christmas movies!
Whether the decorations this season bring to mind classic Christmas stories or simply trigger cherished memories of your past holidays, nostalgia is the central theme in this year. If you're wanting to add a vintage touch to your hearth, consider incorporating these stylish and eco-friendly elements.
Oversized Garland
This year, the garland on the mantel is getting a larger and more lavish than ever, featuring heaps of greenery overflowing the edge and embellished with pine cones, ribbons, and berries. The intent is to rouse a feeling of abundance. To make this happen, using last year's smaller garlands, grab some picks from Michaels or go all natural by gathering your own from the yard and sliding them into the open spaces of your base garland. Mixing in some lighter tones will add dimension and give the illusion of bulk without all the weight. Garlands dripping from the fireplace leave little room for anything else, so offset it by letting your greenery waterfall down the side of the fireplace, making room for a nice collection of tapered candles.
Hand Made or Dried Natural Decor
Making this implied opulance eco-friendly is another trending element of Christmas Decorating in 2023. Dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, holly sprigs or moss from your own yard used in your decor will ensure that at the end of the festivities your biodegradable goodies will not need to take up space in your attic or the landfill! Involve the kids in creating your homemade treats. It'll be a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone. They will love how everything smells when it is fresh and there is just something comforting about making decorations using timeless methods passed down through the ages. The connection to life and each other will be refreshing!
Candy Decor
Nothing captures that delightful, childlike excitement from the past like the current trend of using candy-themed decorations. Enhancing your mantel with candy elements, positioned behind lovely bead garland, twinkling lights, and nestled into sparkling glassware, is guaranteed to evoke joy on Christmas Day! Candy canes and peppermints are not only classic, but are a multipurpose, eco friendly addition to the holiday! Set out jars of your favorite fudge, or grandmothers potato candy log to instigate happy story telling and add a cozy visual for the living room. Try including in the mix a pretty glass container jar of recipes typed onto folded strips of paper for quick sharing with friends and family! Now thats the gift that keeps on giving!
I hope this Christmas season is off to a great start for you! Going natural is a good way to add charm and minimize clean up come the New Year. May your mantel not only be a reflection of your unique style but also a backdrop for cherished moments that make this time of year truly magical. Embrace joy, and soak up connection this Christmas season! God bless you all!