Shea Mcgee's tips on creating a classic holiday mantel couldn't be simpler – it's all about the layering for a 'luxe look'

Shea McGee always captivates me with her classic and elegant approach to design and how she decorates her home for the holidays is no different. Timeless, inviting, and effortlessly luxurious, her Christmas decor is a lesson in simple, yet beautiful styling.

This week, Shea shared her tips for decorating a Christmas mantle, a key spot in any home to add some festive cheer. As always her tips are easy to replicate, yet super effective and always result in a charming, cozy, chic look. 'If you want to create a more classic mantel look like this one, here are a few things we did to get this look,' begins Shea...

1. Start with the right garland

Shea starts her mantel decor with a garland – the natural place to start, the right garland will create the perfect base for whatever decor you want to layer with it. Here Shea uses McGee & Co.'s Pre-lit Blueberry and Juniper Garland and she doesn't just stop at one.

'We didn’t just use one garland, we used four,' explains Shea. 'And full long lush garlands are the key to a luxe look. It drapes all the way down. I think that you could still achieve this look with something a little bit shorter if you are measuring your own mantle at home, but the key is a long drape. This garland was designed so that you could have it fall over the front and get this really organic texture happening.'

Faux garlands can look so realistic if you pick the right one, but also if you arrange it correctly. Nothing gives away faux greenery than it looking too perfect. As Shea shows you want to it fall very naturally so take your time with this step and arrange your garlands so they look as organic as possible.

2. Mix and match but keep things cohesive with color

No mantle is complete without the stockings and I am noticing how this year it's not just about the design of the stocking itself but there's a Christmas trend for statement stocking holders. They are like jewelry, just elevating the stocking and adding extra interest.

New to the McGee & Co Christmas range this year is the Erika Single Stocking Holder, and Shea explains, 'We did a new stocking holder design this year which I am really excited about, I love bows and these are amazing.' Bows are another trend that's big again this year and these holders are a subtle, classic nod to that trend. You can use it as a motif to tie in the rest of the room too.

Then Shea moves on to the stockings themselves – the Houndstooth Linen Stocking adds subtle color, pattern, and texture to the design. 'We’re getting all the pattern and the color with the stocking,' she explains.

Lastly, Shea explains 'We left this area more subdued with the Bottle Brush Trees that have a really interesting wood base, the cream tone just keeps it calm.' You can see the creamy tones found in the stockings are tied with the same tones in the trees. There's plenty of interest and texture going on with this display but the cohesive neutral palette keeps it timeless.

3. Bring in some non-holiday decor too

Remember that your Christmas mantel doesn't need to be overloaded with typical holiday decorations. You can use items that are already in your home, like framed pictures or a wall hanging. This gives Christmas decor more of a laid-back, effortless look. Shea's gone for the Window to the Mountains print as the color ties in with the green shade of the garland. The natural landscape calls to mind cold winters and will accentuate the cozy feel of your fireplace.

'On the other side is a scenic landscape with a really great double matte detail, which is a really high-end look. I could hang this up in a house all year round but add it to this look so the deep green in the artwork starts to feel more holiday,' explains Shea.

An empty mantelpiece over the holidays is a sorry sight. They are such easy places to decorate and have such an impact as they are often the focal point of any room. Shea's tips are timeless, so easy to replicate, and can be adapted to suit whatever style of Christmas decor you like – you could introduce more color, add in lights, bring in more ornaments, really make it your own.