How to Decorate a Thanksgiving Mantel Around Your Huge TV!

There’s no ignoring the ginormous black box perched above of our mantels. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in my distain for the placement of TV’s above fireplaces. But I do love my TV. I have pleaded to have the monstrosity moved to another location but to no avail. Nevertheless, I was determined to have my cake and eat it too mantel and decorate it too! I’ll show you how to decorate a mantel around your huge TV… and love it!

1.) Use scenery Blu-ray videos.

Do an internet search for “scenery Blu-ray” and a multitude of options appear for you to choose from. Most are choreographed to beautiful classical music, and the photography is stunning. There are also videos for every holiday available. These videos are especially nice during dinner parties.

2.) Use side displays to create balance and symmetry.

Because the TV is centered over the fireplace, there is little space on either side of it, if any. Draw attention outward by using those spaces for two similar displays. They don’t have to be the same, but should carry the same visual weight. The human mind finds groupings of 3 visually pleasing, along with symmetry and balance. The eye likes “visual triangles”.  Can you locate the 5 visual triangles in the picture below?

 

3.) Bring the focus downward using garland.

Garland is no longer just reserved for Christmas time! There are garlands for every season and holiday of the year. These beautifully beaded Indian Corn garland can be found at Home Goods.

4.) Decorate the hearth.

Pull up a chair along side the hearth for a cozy sitting area and add decorative items. These items should be grouped in odd numbers also, but should be larger items you might have around the home. A large vase or urn, grouped with smaller objects is a good choice. Of course keep things far enough way from the heat. Also, pile a few logs on the hearth arranged in a basket, even if you have a gas fireplace! I think it helps give the fireplace a more realistic appearance.

The zebra chair was another one of my favorite Overstock.com purchases. I love it! And the little turkey made of straw and reeds was from Target last year.

With these 4 tips I hope you won’t have to battle the big screen above your mantel, but embrace it! Well, at least make it look the best it can AND keep the peace with remote-controller (spouse) in your family!

If this helped, let me know! I love to hear from you all!

Kim

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