It is always a thrill for me to decorate the mantel at Fox Hall because, as I do, I wonder how others have decorated it for over 220 years.
Having a party? Remember to embellish your mantel because the fireplace is the focal point for any room!
Recently, a darling millennial bride asked my advice on how to decorate her Living Room mantel for an upcoming cocktail party. Here are her questions:
How do I decorate a mantel in a classical style?
Symmetry is key! Symmetry plays a key role in classical design. I like to start with a centerpiece. Choose something that is meaningful to you and also complements the room's theme. Then, work out in pairs by flanking the centerpiece on either side. Continue to work out in pairs, at varying heights, to add interest. The length of your mantel will determine how many items can be displayed.
What are the two key elements that adorn the Living Room mantel at Fox Hall?
A pair of vases for flowers.
Flowers are like earrings to a dress on a mantelpiece! They will add a quiet sense of occasion for your guests. Cut flowers, either from the garden, a farmstand, or a store, simply arranged, will gracefully enhance your mantel while adding just the right touch of color. During the Christmas holidays, evergreen roping, sprigs of holly, and pink poinsettias always hop onto our mantel, too!
A pair of candlesticks.
In the evening, candlelight on the mantel always adds a touch of magic. The flickering candle flames are the “fairy dust” that sets the scene for your guests.
What kind of candlesticks should I use?
This depends on the room's formality or informality. I like to choose from either silver, brass, pewter, porcelain, or crystal for candlesticks. Traditionally, one would only use classic white wax candles. The wicks are always “blackened” on candles that are displayed inside the house. The unwritten “old-school rule” is that candles are meant to be used and are not just for decoration!
NOTE: Be careful not to have the candle flame too close to the artwork on the wall over the mantel, as the heat or fire could be rawwwther damaging!
What should I hang on the wall over my mantel?
Conventionally, either a mirror or a painting is hung over the mantel. The decorative elements displayed on the mantel, specifically in the center, will dictate how high or low you may hang your artwork… so keep that in mind before you hang your artwork!
What is the difference between a mantelpiece and a chimneypiece?
Both refer to the shelf over a fireplace and the decorative framework that surrounds the fireplace. In Britain, a mantel is called a chimneypiece.
Our Hunt Room has an apple-wood fire going most of the time in the winter. It is the cozy place for our competitive family backgammon games!
Take a peek at a previous newsletter here on “How to Dress your Firebox” (the space where the fire is) when it is not in use, specifically during the summer months!
So, how do you decorate your mantel?! Here is a video on how I decorate the mantel at Fox Hall.
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