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DIY: Quick Holiday Showpiece

December 16, 2014 By Lena

When it comes to holiday decor, I’ve always been a believer that “more is more”.

Oh sure, simple and streamlined works for everyday life, but Christmas only comes once a year! Hence, I revel in the splendour of the season, and that includes holiday touches at every turn.

This year, I wanted to create a simple showpiece for the fireplace mantle that could double as a table centerpiece or side table decor. And thanks to my friends at The Home Depot, I was able to find everything I needed to make a stunning display. It’s not too late to find everything you need for the holidays in-store and online at www.homedepot.ca.

First, I hung up my brand new wreath – a Home Accents 32 inch Holiday Wreath With Silver Balls. I love that it’s incredibly large with a full, thick appearance. It fills the wall over my mantle in proportion to the allotted space, making it a great investment for corner fireplaces.
DSC_0052However, that’s not the DIY – just the inspiration behind it. You see, I’ve been playing around with mixed metals – wearing a gold watch with my platinum rings, coordinating a rosegold clutch with a bronze belt. And for the most part, I am loving the look. So it’s only natural that I channeled the same inspiration for my decor, and decided to a mashup of brown, copper, silver and gold. 

So what about that showpiece? Well, I started out with a planter’s crate that I had lying around the house. I love the rustic look, and how it is in stark contrast to the jewel-toned decor.
DSC_0061Next, I filled the crate with what I call my “B List” ornaments – from the ornament bundles I purchased here and here, I simply removed the ones that would likely not see a tree branch. B List ornaments are also great for filling vases or big, festive bowls.
DSC_0063I found these big, beautiful ornaments sold individually at The Home Depot for about $3 each. I arranged them in a carefully random pattern (I love a good oxymoron) in hues of brown and gold.
DSC_0065Once again, going very freestyle with my technique, I draped this Martha Stewart Living Copper and Brown Bead Garland around the perimeter of the crate. Very festive, wouldn’t you say?
DSC_0067Alas, once this step was complete, I realized that my mashup of metals was imperfect; as there was no brown or copper in the wreath, and a strong presence of those two tones in the showpiece, the two elements were not in harmony.

So, I simply grabbed a few brown and copper ornaments, and literally jammed them into my wreath. No fancy fixatives; just a good old fashioned push.
DSC_0086Then, to create balance in the force, I added a few silver ornaments to the top and sides of the showpiece. Et voila! A perfect example of how mixed metals can take on both a contemporary and rustic feel. Like shabby chic. Or haute hobo.
DSC_0089DSC_0093DSC_0094I finished the fireplace mantle with a vase and candlesticks from my dining room. Then, I draped a Martha Stewart Living 9ft X 10in Glittery Garland across the front, and completed the look with Martha Stewart Living Silver Satin Stockings.
DSC_0240DSC_0241(If you love the tree, it’s a Martha Stewart Living Pre-Lit Decorated 6.5-Feet Colorado Pine Tree. It’s nowhere near as glamorous as our 8-feet tree in our living room, but I like the idea of having a tree near our dining table as we enjoy Christmas dinner. Plus, this means that Santa has two trees to leave presents under!)

Of course, since my home was featured in a recent photo spread for Fisher-Price, you already know what it looks like at night ;)
IMG_7711This Christmas, make a simple – yet extravagant-looking – holiday showpiece for your fireplace mantle. You’ll find everything you need at The Home Depot.

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: DIY, holiday decor, holiday showpiece, mixed metals, The Home Depot Canada

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    December 17, 2014 at 7:11 am

    where did you get the crate i was looking for one. the big 22 people meal I had to do was for my daughters wedding. it turned out great. hard work most of it was done by just me.

  2. Judy Cowan

    December 17, 2014 at 11:12 am

    That looks amazing!!! Do you want to come help me decorate? lol

  3. Erika Belanger

    December 17, 2014 at 7:28 pm

    That looks absolutely stunning! Beautiful decorations! I love Home Depot! I love this time of year!!

  4. loucheryl

    December 17, 2014 at 7:52 pm

    Your fireplace mantel is beautiful! I just love decorating for Christmas. :)

  5. heidi c.

    December 18, 2014 at 12:12 am

    I really like the colour palette you have used. Very elegant and just sublime.

  6. Soozle

    December 18, 2014 at 7:25 am

    Gorgeous pieces! I really love the color choices you went with – it’s not traditional, so not something I would have thought of – but it looks amazing

  7. Marissa

    December 18, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Lena, your holiday décor looks awesome! You are very creative and have such good taste!

  8. Athena

    December 18, 2014 at 10:06 pm

    Beautiful decor :)

  9. MrDisco

    December 19, 2014 at 12:50 am

    well that’s quite festive and coordinated

  10. Lee Pearson

    December 19, 2014 at 8:30 am

    Wow, these pictures look incredible. You have a flare for decorating. Love the colour combinations!

  11. Treen Goodwin

    December 19, 2014 at 7:25 pm

    love it ..looks so festive … awesome ideas thanks for sharing :)

  12. loucheryl

    December 19, 2014 at 8:26 pm

    Quick note: my 5 year old son saw this post and told me he loved your Christmas balls! :)

  13. Stephanie LaPlante

    December 20, 2014 at 8:36 am

    Wow everything looks stunning

  14. MrDisco

    December 20, 2014 at 10:35 am

    I really like the use of old wooden planks for that rustic, country look

  15. Florence C

    December 21, 2014 at 4:14 pm

    So beautiful and festive. I love it.

  16. Tricha F.

    December 22, 2014 at 10:30 am

    Beautiful holiday decorating! You are a pro! I do love the idea of the planters box.

  17. Branka Stefanovic

    December 23, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    Stunning… thanks for sharing :) Merry Christmas

  18. Margaret Imecs

    January 8, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    I love the decorations, simply elegant and festive.

  19. Maggie C

    January 10, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    I love the rustic look as well. Thanks for sharing.

  20. Victoria Ess

    January 21, 2015 at 9:41 am

    I love that colour scheme! It’s so elegant!

  21. Stephanie Dawe

    March 8, 2015 at 2:23 pm

    This is so cute and looks really easy to do!

  22. kathy downey

    June 21, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    I really love the color you chose,its looks so beautiful

  23. kathy downey

    October 25, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    I see Walmart is adding the Chrstmas decorations all ready,i can wait to get some natural colored items this year

  24. kathy downey

    November 21, 2015 at 2:06 pm

    I must say you certaimly have an eye for color placement,detail and arrangement

  25. chris lee

    March 4, 2016 at 12:35 am

    I would not mind doing laundry with the LG twin washer !! Your décor pages are absolutely stunning.

  26. chris lee

    March 4, 2016 at 12:37 am

    And your decorations are sweet, Makes me wanna redo my whole house

  27. kathy downey

    June 24, 2016 at 9:40 am

    Fireplace mantel is beautiful!You sure have an eye for perfection.Have a fun weekend !!

  28. kathy downey

    September 20, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    I need to start picking up some items to have my mantel decorated this year !

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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