5 Steps to a Simply Beautiful Holiday Mantel

Style Me Pretty founder Abby Larson is an expert on elegant decor, so we were thrilled to learn of her holiday decorating routine. "There is a day, normally just after Thanksgiving, where we light a fire, put some hot chocolate on the stove, turn on holiday music . . . and decorate our home for the holidays, as my family has done for years," shares Abby. In less than an afternoon – and in just five surprisingly simple steps – Abby and her family transform their ordinary living room mantel into a holiday focal point. She shares how she does it below.

01
Bring Out All the Decorations

Bring Out All the Decorations

Step one is to gather holiday decor in one place. "We bring out all of our old favorite pieces, plus a few new ones that we've picked up for a fresh look, and the whole family gets the house into the holiday spirit," says Abby.

02
Hang the Stockings

Hang the Stockings

Start decorating with stockings; Abby explains, "First, we hang our stockings, like these cute ones from HomeGoods!"

03
Line the Garland

Line the Garland

Next, line the fireplace with a garland. "Quick tip: we use a fake garland that we add real clippings from our trees to for a more lush look."

04
Dress Up the Garland

Dress Up the Garland

Spice up the greenery by adding in some festive holiday touches. Abby loves candles and ribbon, such as this velvet red strand from HomeGoods.

05
Swap in Holiday Accent Pieces

Swap in Holiday Accent Pieces

Last but not least, "we swap out our throw pillows and blankets with more festive ones to complete the look," says Abby. "In just a few hours, our family room is totally transformed! The kids look forward to it every year.”