Create: Holiday Mantel

To get started, create a template for the mantel. Place cardboard on top of the mantel and mark the ends. Creating a template is especially helpful when working with a mantel that has decorative edges, like ours does.

Use the utility knife to cut out the cardboard template, following the marked lines. Once finished, double-check your template by measuring the length and width of the mantel and comparing it to the measurements of the cardboard template.

Now place the cardboard template on top of your unfinished lumber and trace the contour. We chose a thinner lumber to help the board blend into the mantel more easily.

Once the board is marked, use the saw to cut the shape from the lumber.

Next, paint or stain the piece of lumber. We recommend picking a color that matches your existing mantel, but any paint or stain is fine.

Cut a thin, soft piece of fabric or carpet slip to your mantel’s shape to use on top of your mantel. This fabric will protect the surface of your mantel before you place the painted piece of lumber on top.

Now for the fun part! Secure the garland to the board using Arrow’s TruTac TT21 stapler. The thickness of your garland strand will determine what size staple to use for your mantel. For our mantel, we used JT21 3/8” staples for the garland and the shorter JT21 1/4” staples for thinner decorations. We recommend stapling every 5 to 6 inches.

Continue to place and fasten decorations as desired, securing with the TruTac.

Finally, add some lights for a classic and festive appearance. We chose battery-operated lights to keep our mantelpiece tidy and cord-free. We placed two 8’ light strands on the top portion of the mantel and one on the middle ledge.

Enjoy your decorated mantel throughout the holiday season knowing that you haven’t damaged your mantel!