From Holiday Cozy to Valentine’s Day Chic: An Easy Mantel Transition + DIY Garland
When the Christmas tree and holiday décor come down, the mantel can feel a little bare. The good news? You don’t have to jump straight from full holiday sparkle to “nothing until spring.” A simple seasonal swap keeps your home feeling styled and intentional—without starting from scratch.
This Valentine’s Day mantel is the perfect in-between: soft, festive, and romantic, yet clean and uncluttered. The star of the show is an easy DIY heart garland made with lacy paper hearts, ribbon scraps, and yarn. It’s lightweight, customizable, and quick to make—perfect for adding just enough seasonal charm.
Below is a simple material list and step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Take Down Christmas Without Leaving the Mantel Empty
Before decorating for Valentine’s Day, do a quick reset that avoids that awkward “decor limbo.”
An easy transition formula:
- Remove anything obviously Christmas—stockings, red-and-green décor, Santa pieces, ornaments, or mini trees.
- Keep neutral anchors that work year-round: mirrors, artwork, candlesticks, lanterns, simple vases, books, or non-seasonal greenery.
- Add one seasonal statement (the garland) and keep everything else minimal.
This keeps the mantel looking fresh and intentional—without feeling cluttered or overly themed.
What You’ll Need for the DIY Valentine Garland
Materials:
- Heart-shaped paper doilies (pink, red, and white)
- Assorted ribbon (thin ribbons work best—patterns like hearts, gingham, “XOXO,” or “love”)
- Yarn or sturdy string
- Hole punch
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
Step-by-Step: DIY Heart Garland (Beginner-Friendly)
1. Choose your color pattern
Lay out the paper doilies and decide on your color order. Punch two holes near the top of each heart.
Lay out the paper doilies and decide on your color order. Punch two holes near the top of each heart.
2. Cut ribbon “tails”
Cut ribbon into strips to create streamers for each heart.
Cut ribbon into strips to create streamers for each heart.
- For a fuller, layered look: cut ribbons 12–14 inches long (they’ll be folded in half).
- Bundle three different ribbon patterns together.
- Use one ribbon strand to tie the bundle in the center.
Mixing ribbon lengths adds movement and that boutique-style feel—no need to measure precisely.
3. Prep the string and mantel
Place small nails or removable hooks on each side of the mantel. Decide whether you want a relaxed droop or a tighter hang.
Place small nails or removable hooks on each side of the mantel. Decide whether you want a relaxed droop or a tighter hang.
- For a gentle swoop, measure the mantel width and add extra length for drape and tying.
4. String the hearts
Lay the yarn flat and thread each heart through the punched holes in your chosen order. Space the hearts evenly so ribbon clusters can be tied between them.
Lay the yarn flat and thread each heart through the punched holes in your chosen order. Space the hearts evenly so ribbon clusters can be tied between them.
5. Hang and adjust
Drape the garland across the mantel and secure the ends. For a finished look, add a slightly larger ribbon cluster at each end—this also helps disguise nails or hooks.
Drape the garland across the mantel and secure the ends. For a finished look, add a slightly larger ribbon cluster at each end—this also helps disguise nails or hooks.
Styling the Finished Mantel (Simple, Not Overdone)
Once the garland is up, you’re almost done. Let it be the statement.
Easy styling tips:
- Keep the mantel mostly clear so the garland stands out
- Add small ribbon bows to nearby décor for cohesion
- If you want more height, use neutral candlesticks or vases on each side—nothing too bold
Why This DIY Works So Well After Christmas
This garland is the perfect seasonal bridge because it:
- Adds color without the heaviness of holiday décor
- Uses soft textures that still feel cozy in winter
- Is quick to make, easy to store, and reusable year after year
Best of all, it looks festive without screaming “party decoration.” It’s charming, polished, and totally doable—proof that a simple swap can carry your home beautifully from winter into Valentine’s Day.