Holiday Mantels 2014

Get Wordy

Below are some great examples of mantels that use words to bring some cheer to the home! 'Joy' seems to be the most popular - try to mix it up by using Noel, Merry & Bright, or Peace.

**Winner** 

This use of rope lights is genius! 

Bring in the Reindeer! 

If you are like me, you probably try and incorporate faux taxidermy in ever corner of your home. It is a big trend to have antlers in your house and what a better time than to utilize it during the holidays? On Prancer! 

**Winner** 

I am attracted to this room completely with all the use of green - but the statement antlers, which clearly stay there all year, with just a touch of white garland, makes this mantel simple, yet jolly.

Simplify it

Sometimes the best fit for your home is to have clean, crisp mantel that keeps it's Christmas spirt without getting too cluttery. 

**Winner** 

I have to say, the wire ornament tree above is gorgeous! - so easy to do! All you need is wire, ornaments (get cheap mini ones at Target) and a nice deep oak frame. Twist and Hang!

Just do it for the Kids

Sometimes when you have several little ones in the house you want to add some youth to your holiday decor - Don't worry! You can still do it without losing your sense of style.

**Winner**

The bright red with the pop of the white snowflakes is what allows this mantel to take the holiday cake! 

 No Mantel? No Problem! 

You don't have to have a fireplace to have a mantel for Christmas. A lot of people utilize other spaces in their home - Desks, entryway tables, shelves, even the top of a piano! 

**Winner**

I love the garland on this creative cupboard top! The star is symbolic as well for the holiday season, with cheerful lights - you can't go wrong!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

It is rare that you find a mantel without a mirror atop of it these days. Use that mirror to spice up your Christmas spirit! 

 **Winner** I love the mirror in and of itself - but the old fashioned stocking and the ornaments hanging down from the ceiling are beautiful touches.

 Stick with a Color Theme

Using colors you already have in your home can help make for a creative and unique holiday mantel

 

**Winner** 

For being most unique! I love them all in this section - but to incorporate purple into your Christmas decor is quite the task - and it was pulled off perfectly! 

xo

H

How To Wear Sequin Pants

Just in time for the holidays, or more specifically, New Years Eve - I have the 'how to' guide on the latest trend, Sequin Pants. 

1. Go Peplum

This look would be best for an evening out, whether going to a fancy wedding, or ringing the new year in - Stay with a neutral color - black or white seem to work with most sequin pants - pair with some simple heeled sandals and you are ready to go! 

2. Go Monochromatic 

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Sticking with a color in different variations is a safe way to play down the sequin pants look. Above you will see two casual outfits that stay in the gray color family.

3. Word Play

Graphic T's with words on them are a big trend right now. Using a casual t-shirt with text is another way to keep in trendy, yet casual. Go for a kitten heel to take it up a notch - or flats to have a more rocker-vibe. 

4. Be Cozy

Although I recommend staying away from any prints on the top - the 2nd photo above pulls off the look with a festive holiday feel. Be careful when choosing a print - do not pick one that is to big or too busy. Sweaters can make the look polished, or comfortable. If you have great legs, and oversized sweater may be a perfect selection, if more of a pear shape - Stick with a fitted, but longer sweater. 

5. Complimenting Color

Using the mauve pink with the navy is a risky combination that paid off! Play around with different soft tones that resembles neutrals to get a safe look without sacrificing color. Also, a fun way to add color is the go black or white on top - with a fun color in the shoe. Pantone color this year, seen above, is wine! 

5. Blazers

Blazers can dress up the sequins without looking losing your professionalism. Now, MAYBE you work for a company where this would be a totally awesome look for the holiday party...maybe not. Use your judgement on that one - but like me, I love a good blazer and pairing one with sequin pants is a classy/festive look for any occasion. 

6. Bustier Top 

This is my favorite look which I will use to inspire my New Years Eve 2015 look. A neutral bustier paired with a blazer or sweater and pumps is a simple, yet elegant look with the sequin pants. This is also good for pear shapes as the long sweater/blazer helps disguise wider hips.

xo

H