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{How to attach garland to a fireplace mantel}

Ok.. this is totally an “in progress” picture.  My mantel isn’t quite finished, but I’m loving the direction it’s headed!  I wasn’t going to post a pic of it yet, but when I shared a few progress clips on IG stories I got so many questions that I thought it would be easier to just explain how I got this look here on my blog.  Seriously doesn’t this greenery look SO real!?  I could not be more impressed with it.  It’s this faux cedar garland but it unfortunately sold out!  Below are some other beautiful garland options that I love!

First question: “How many garlands did you use to create this look?”  I used five!  But remember.. this fireplace mantel in my family room is HUGE.  It’s so big.  Too big!  I always struggle to decorate it.  For a standard mantel I would recommend buying at least two garlands so that they can meet in the middle and drape off the sides.  I would buy three if you want to lay one more on top to give it a fuller look like I did.

Second question: “How did you attach the garlands to hang like this?”

I used white command hooks that support 5 pounds (larger hooks just to be safe!) and green vine twist ties.

I snapped some quick cell phone pics tonight to show you!  I used three of the command hooks and placed them on the top of my mantle towards the front.  One in the middle and one close to each end of the mantel.  *Sidenote.. my candles looked too short so I set them on a cutting board to elevate them!  I told you this huge mantel is tricky for me. ;) 

I just laid the first two garlands across the mantel (they met in the middle and draped off the sides), but the second two garlands I wanted to hang down a little lower so I used the command hooks to hold them.  (Then I obviously covered the white command hooks with greenery.. easy to hide!)

Then I used the green twist ties to tie the two garlands together in a couple of spots.  After the four garlands were attached, I laid one more across the top to give it an even fuller look.

{Brass Candle Holders/Similar Stockings/Flameless Wax Candles/Faux Cedar Garland/Wood Bead Garland}

I love how it turned out!  And I know.  Buying multiple garlands is pricey (I have a few more I’m adding in another room!), but I feel like for me they were such a great investment.  Now I can use them them year after year in different ways.  I can decorate for Christmas three months early if I want!  And keep it all up through February!  Not that I would.. but it doesn’t sound half bad. ;)

This pic above is of my stairs about 4 years ago at Christmas with real garland.  I LOVE the look of real greenery but HATE the mess.  I just can’t handle the dry needles all over the place two weeks later!  Drives me crazy.  This was the last year I messed with it and I’ve been looking for good faux options ever since.  This faux cedar garland is the answer to my Christmas greenery prayers.  Ha. ;)

(Btw.. I always hang our past Christmas cards on my stairs.  A fun tradition some of you might remember I started years ago!  You can see more details about it in this post.)

{Bed/Chandelier/Lamps/Merry and Bright Pillowcases/Similar Reindeer Sheets/Similar Red Pillow Shams/Similar Duvet Cover/Similar Red Throw/X base stools/Rug/White Tray/Reindeer}

In other fun holiday news I got our guest bedroom Christmas sheets on and still love this look I created last year for our guests!  My cute reindeer sheets were from PB but I found almost identical sheets for such a great price!  I also found some other fun Christmas sheets on-line I’ll link below.  I’m in love with these little green pine tree sheets and debating them for Kole’s room this year!

CUTE HOLIDAY SHEETS:

All is right in the world when your sheets are covered in red prancing reindeer and your pillow cases say Merry and Bright. ;)

Date night tonight!  I snapped a quick pic in my bathroom before we walked out the door (sorry about the bad lighting!).  This cozy sweater I’ve been loving and wearing every three days is on sale!  This is a GOOD sale weekend you guys.  I’ve rounded up some other favorites that are marked down below and my SHOP PAGE is updated with favorites too. :)

Kenny and I grabbed some Mexican food and enjoyed an un-interrupted conversation that will hopefully sustain us until we can talk again next Saturday night.  Sad but true!  We are going a million miles a minute in this stage of life with our kids.  I know many of you can relate!  But it’s all good because LIGHTS ARE UP ON THE PALM TREES!  It’s officially Christmas in San Diego.  Christmas lights on the Palm Trees and a fun dinner with my husband.  Those are the two things that are going on my gratitude card for today. :)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!

{POST SOURCES and FUN WEEKEND SALES!}

Favorites on sale this weekend at Anthro (20% off all HOME!)

Favorites on sale this weekend at Nordstrom

Favorites on sale this weekend at PB and other stores are all linked on my updated SHOP PAGE!