My Rustic & Luxe Christmas Tree and Mantel Reveal
For my final Christmas post this year, I’m sharing the finished look of my tree and mantel. Truth be told, I meant to post these photos weeks ago, but the holiday rush kept me behind schedule, and I’m sure many of you can relate.
I started out intending to decorate the tree with only chalkboard-style and handmade ornaments — no glitter allowed — and I even bought a gorgeous chalkboard ribbon for the plan. In the end, the wreath I made for the foyer and a beautiful foil print I received inspired a more glamorous direction, so the final result became a blend of rustic and luxe.
Once I had the wreath in place, the rest of the room fell into harmony. The wreath is a DIY take on a catalog design: a twig base with a light dusting of white spray paint for a snowy look, finished with burlap-style mesh, sprigs, pinecones and a sparkly deer accent. A quick spritz of adhesive and a touch of glitter gave it just enough shimmer.
For the tree topper, I used a galvanized deer weathervane element and tucked it near the top with a few branches from different sprays and some pretty feathers. The weathervane tip peeking out adds an unexpected architectural touch and draws the eye upward.
I mixed four ribbons on the tree to create texture and movement: a wide burlap-style ribbon, a Burberry-inspired stripe, a black-and-white checked ribbon, and a glittery tape-like ribbon. They weave and trail through the branches, making the overall design feel layered and intentional.
The ornaments are an eclectic mix of rustic and refined — natural elements, hammered metals, mirrored accents and a few handmade pieces. Together they create a warm, collected look rather than a perfectly matched set.
At the tree base I arranged presents wrapped in kraft paper, silver-striped kraft, chalkboard-style paper and a few specialty wraps. Simple ribbons and handmade tags keep the packages feeling cohesive. Some gifts sit on a vintage sled I found at a yard sale, others are tucked into an olive bucket filled with a natural garland to echo the mantel, and a few rest on a cherished little chair that’s been in our family for nearly a century.
Some of my favorite ornament groupings showcase the contrast between raw textures and metallic shine — a collage of rustic and luxe details that read beautifully from across the room.
The mantel and hearth were designed to echo the tree. I draped a natural-colored garland across the mantel and wove the same black-and-white ribbon from the tree into it for continuity. I placed a pair of repurposed shutters behind the mantel as a backdrop, lightly spray-painted in soft gray to add depth. On the mantel I added old deer figurines that I spray-painted and lightly glittered, burnished gold trees, and candlesticks that I had used for autumn decor — all layered with frosted pinecones and matching sprigs for a cohesive look.
One side of the hearth holds a galvanized bucket filled with wrapped gifts and an olive-toned garland, while the other side features a basket with more presents. This year I actually filled the packages with real gifts instead of using empty boxes for styling — a small but satisfying achievement!
The finished scene ties the tree to the mantel through shared ribbons, repeated textures and a palette of natural tones paired with warm metallics. While I did end up shelving the chalkboard ribbon idea for now, the overall result feels deliberate, cozy and celebratory — a rustic-luxe holiday setting that reflects both DIY effort and a few purchased accents.
Thank you to everyone who follows along and leaves such kind comments. I’m grateful for your support and wish you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful holiday season as we celebrate the reason for Christmas.