Still a focal point within the house, here are 6 ideas on how to dress your mantle.
While many homes no longer have an open fire, most have a mantle of some sort.
This is the time of year to make the most of this precious real estate to show off your décor.
Use tealights, real candles, real berries and leaves to bring the outdoors in. Eucalyptus leaves also add a subtle fragrance.
Velvet to ground the scheme
A curvaceous take on the traditional Chesterfield sofa, the Regency pairs deep artisanal tufting, diamond seam detailing and signature scroll arms for a heritage look.
A three-seat velvet sofa in boutique velvet, shown in blue, but also available in plum, costs about €1,299, to order from DFS stores.
The soft fabric used for the ribbon allows it to drape down over the fireplace.
Amazon sells a 29 cm wide polyester ribbon that extends to 20 metres, giving you plenty of length to swag as you wish. It costs about €13, ex delivery from Amazon.
Try the 10cm wide wired velvet ribbon that you can mould as you see in the top pic. It costs about €3.60 per linear metre, ex VAT and delivery from Etsy.
Berry smart
Foraged holly berries and ivy tendrils form the base of this elegant and easy-to-replicate look.
But what makes it pop is the powder-coated metal pumpkin-shaped candlesticks, €28 each, from UK-based Birdie Fortescue.
They also come in a festive green or a blue colourway and can be used from harvest through the winter to spring.
On reflection
Use candles to reflect their warm glow in an overmantle mirror back into the room.
This is demonstrated really well here in this set-up from the US site CB2.
These Elle crystal ornaments, which come in clear or amber colour options, will cost about €200 each, ex taxes.
Tropical flavour
Bring in some tropical evergreens to create a low-maintenance look.
The palmate palm leaves are what give this its architectural look.
Add velvet stockings such as these Brandis designs from US-based Lulu & Georgia, available in champagne, sangria or the green shown, from about €60 each.
Consider above and below
This set-up makes use of the space both above and below the mantle’s surface.
Hanging below are Elemeri and Ocellis, mouth-blown glass baubles, €22 per pair, that are interspersed with hanging acorns, costing €35 for five.
Standing tall above the mantle at differing heights are a series of candle holders, Chianti artichokes, €40 per pair, leopard, €45 per pair and the hand-finished parrot, €50 each.
All come from UK-based Oka. Battery-operated lights have been threaded through the eucalyptus leaves, which can be sourced from any good florist.
Instant warming glow
Paul Costelloe was a man who knew how to add immediate impact.
This 2.4 metre long densely layered garland has clusters of faux berries, striking silver bows, gleaming tonal baubles and LED lights interwoven throughout.
It costs €60 and will have your mantle dressed in minutes.
The large hurricane lanterns, seen on the coffee table, cost €40 each from Dunnes Stores.
Bring in the story of the season
The nativity is the story of how Christmas got its name.
For those that like to include that element in their décor, the hand-painted pottery of Villa Bologna includes a series of seven-piece nativity sets in red, green, blue or brown colourways and costs about €271, ex delivery.
Such cribs can look lovely set atop a mantle.
