Are you a real garland person or a faux garland? I love the look and smell of real garland, but I hate to spend so much money on something just for it to die. So, for this post, you will be seeing how I styled a modern Christmas mantel using faux garland, but you can easily swap it out for real.

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Garland

I knew I wanted the garland to be the main focal point, so I started building around it. I used three strands of garland and cedar stems and eucalyptus stems for this look, all from Hobby Lobby (links below).

I started by figuring out how I wanted the garland to lay, then layered the three strands. I used 3M Hooks and tucked and stuffed until I got the look I wanted. After I got the garland strands secured, I took a few eucalyptus and cedar stems and cut them down, and placed them sporadically throughout the garland.

• TIP: Garland can be expensive, so I like to buy one or two strands each year. Last year I scored two beautiful strands of garland 90% at Hobby Lobby, after Christmas. Don’t worry, if you are impatient, Hobby Lobby always marks their Christmas down to 50% off in November, so you have plenty of time to score and save

Texture

Next, I wanted to add some more texture…. as if three strands of garland wasn’t enough texture, ha! A couple of years ago I made a DIY bell garland that I’m still obsessed with. I could kick myself for never making a tutorial on it because it’s so good. Maybe I’ll just buy more and make another one! I bought these antique bells from Amazon and used twine to create this antique bell garland.

Stockings

I purchased these stockings last year and knew I wanted to use them again this year. Give me ALL THE TEXTURE… am I right? I found the two fur stockings at Hobby Lobby and the two knit ones at Marshall’s. I couldn’t find links to either one of these, so I will link similar ones at the bottom of this post.

Unfortunately, I also can’t find a link to these wooden beaded stocking hangers, but I found those at Hobby Lobby as well. I haven’t seen them yet this year, but it’s only the grinning of November, so they may come out soon!

As for the chunky tassels, this was a DIY I did last year. You can find the tutorial here!

Mantel Top

I went back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth on this. I wanted something simple and modern. I didn’t want to add too much and take away from the garland. I also hated having things on each side of the mirror. I decided on using six-iron candlesticks across the center. I love the way it turned out.

• TIP: These candlesticks are currently 50% off. They go 50% off every other week, so definitely wait until they go on sale to buy!

I also purchased some battery-powered, flameless candlesticks from Amazon. They haven’t arrived yet, but when they do, I might place candles in each one. I kind of like the way they look without candles, so I may not. To be determined…

Follow me on Instagram for more budget-friendly DIY and home tutorials. Here you will find me in stories sharing live step-by-step tutorials, and you are the first to know what’s new and coming to the blog! Hope you see you there!

If you use this modern Christmas mantle look, I would love to see it! Tag me on IG @rusticrosehomestead or use #rrhdiy so I can share your work.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links I will make a small commission the help maintain this blog and fund Instagram projects.