Gorgeous Autumn Mantel Styling

So, we are moving. That means it’s time to start packing the boxes again and selling things that will not serve us in our new home. HOWEVER. I cannot let this last Autumn season in the farmhouse slip by without adding a small nod to the season. I love Autumn, especially here at the farm. The colors are so vibrant, the weather is perfect. It seems like a crime not to bring the outdoors in just a little. Decorating for Autumn might not be a thing you want to do or think should even be a thing. Believe me, I never really considered it till we moved here! But this house loves being made pretty. So in today’s post, I’m going to show you how to create a gorgeous Autumn mantel. Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to bring a little bit of the season into your home too. (When it finally arrives. Most of Australia is still hot as Hades!)

Elements to Create the Autumn Mantel

You know I’m all about using natural elements in decorating wherever I can. Of course, this might change as we move to the cottage soon and there is NO garden! But I am a great one for foraging on the side of the road, so hopefully, our new home will have seasonal spoils I can pillage.

There are a number of really lovely Autumn inspired garlands available online which would make a good base for a mantel like this but I chose to wander the garden looking for any leaves and branches that gave me that Autumnal vibe. (I was tempted to stop on the side of the road but didn’t this time. Ha!

Anyway, to create a mantel like this you are going to need the following

• branches of various kinds in autumnal shades. I found hawthorn (with berries), peony leaves, Josta berry branches, and some burgundy native we have in the garden
• apples and pears
• cold candlesticks and candles
• faux maple leaves

To Decorate the Autumn Mantel

Put the candlesticks and candles into the place you want them to be, then begin layering the branches around them. Snip off any branches that are poking out on one side first, so you have a flat branch to layer along the mantel. I put the hawthorn on the mantel first because it was the most structured. I then threaded the softer branches and leaves through it.

Once you have the base, add filler details in the apples, pears, and faux leaves. Dot them amongst the branches evenly. It’s a bit like decorating a Christmas garland.

I don’t like these fake leaves by themselves but when they are tucked in amongst the other real branches they look completely different. I bought mine at our local $2 shop but you can find the same ones here.

What do you think of the mantel? I personally love it. The best part is when I’m ready to pack everything away we can eat the fruit and put the branches in the compost! Win, win.