Winter Fireplace Mantel Decor That Lasts Past the Holiday Season

Looking to decorate your mantel that will last past the Christmas season? Here’s our fireplace mantel decor ideas to last all winter long.

You know that feeling right after the holidays, when the tree comes down and suddenly your home feels… a little empty? You’re not alone.

Every year, once the sparkle fades and the ornaments are packed away, I look around and think: Now what?

That blank fireplace mantel always stares back at me — and I know it needs something. But we definitely not ready for spring. I just want my home to feel calm, warm, and lived-in.

If you’ve ever felt the same way, I’ve got you. Let me walk you through how I decorate my mantel with pieces that feel wintry and welcoming — and can stay up long after Christmas is over.

Winter Mantel Decor That Feels Cozy
(Even After Christmas Is Over)

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Last year, right before the Christmas season, we gave our fireplace an update.

We put a new finish on the brick called Lime Slurry and then we replaced our gas log lighter with some gas logs.

It was so wonderful being able to finally sit in front of the tree with the fire going enjoying the lights from the tree!

But once we took the tree away, my room felt so empty!

With the season we have faced personally, I knew I wanted simplicity this time of year. And what would be easiest for us is to set out winter decor that will last long after the Christmas decorations have been put away.

So I knew I was going to have to fix that empty feeling and find a solution that would work all winter long.

I went on a mission to make that change so that way this year everything can stay in place.

Start with Soft, Natural Greenery

The first thing I reach for? Faux cedar garland. It’s simple, elegant, and doesn’t scream “holiday.”

I found mine at Hobby Lobby – and lemme tell you, it goes fast. The texture and color are just so good and everyone knows it. I suggest you grab it once they start setting out their holiday decor.

I do have some alternates that you can check out!

It drapes beautifully across the mantel, giving that cozy, evergreen touch without the tinsel and ornaments.

Pro Tip: You don’t need it to be “holiday garland.” Look for pine, eucalyptus, or mixed greenery that feels fresh and wintery.

Once I had the garland in place, I wanted to add some lights.

Add a Little Light (Without the Hassle)

Our fireplace doesn’t have any outlets nearby, so I had to get a little creative.

I use battery-operated fairy lights with a remote control tucked into the garland.

I honestly love them more than pre-lit ones!

They give off this gentle twinkle, just enough to make the room feel warm at night without shouting, “It’s Christmas!”

You simply add batteries to the pack and then string lights into the garland.

I placed the battery packs right in the middle hidden behind the greenery.

They have some little sensor wires that you use to point the remote to turn it on and off.

Just make sure that those sensor wires face out.

Just one click of a button and both come on at the same time and everything glows.

I just love that look! Twinkly lights make everything special! It’s a great way to add that perfect cozy feeling.

I even added some lights to some wooden lanterns we keep by the hearth.

One lantern didn’t quite hide the battery pack — and you know what? That’s okay. One lit-up lantern is still magical.

It’s simple, peaceful, and something I’ll leave up well into February.

Bring in Candlelight for Cozy Comfort

When you are decorating your mantle, you want to make sure that you have varying heights, usually with the large pieces somewhat anchoring the space as the main focal points.

This year, I added this black iron candelabra (a Hearth and Hand clearance find this past summer!)

I just filled it with white candles and it helps add that height on one side of the fireplace.

The simplicity of it works beautifully. You could easily swap in red tapers for the holidays and switch back to white or cream after New Year’s.

And if you don’t want open flames, these battery operated candles are a great option. Some even flicker like real ones.

Add a Vase with Greenery

On the other side of the mantel, I placed a DIY textured vase filled with faux evergreen stems.

This vase is a DIY project that I made earlier this year using the same Lime Slurry finish as the fireplace to create a fun textured look on an old terracotta vase I had.

If you’ are looking ‘re hunting for quality winter greenery that doesn’t look plastic or overly ‘fake,’ I’ve rounded up some of my favorites in this post:
• My go-to faux winter greenery

Such a simple way to set up your holiday decorations once so that lasts all the way through – probably till the end of February.

I’m always looking for ways to save time, save money and save energy.

Optional Extras to Make It Even Cozier

If you’re in the mood to layer a bit more warmth, here are a few simple ideas:

• Add natural elements: Pinecones, birch logs, or evergreen sprigs add texture and natural beauty
• Incorporate baskets: A basket of cozy blankets near the fireplace makes everything feel more lived-in
• Create a winter village: A mini winter village with white houses and soft candles looks charming and peaceful
• Add your own personal style: And of course, vintage treasures you’ve collected — because personal pieces always tell a better story
• Keep it simple: Remember, a little goes a long way, so a simple mantel is one of the best design ideas to keep in mind.

The Goal: A Home That Still Feels Full

At the end of the day, this mantel is more than just decor — it’s a small way to bring peace and presence back into our home after the whirlwind of the holidays.

It takes just a few simple pieces to go from empty and cold to warm and intentional. And once it’s set up, you don’t have to touch it for weeks.