Make Your Own Fireplace Mantle Village

/ Bluebird Gardens/
Fireplace mantle mice village at Bluebird Gardens.

Fireplace mantle villages can be made with a collection of mis-matched but complimentary items.

Make Your Own Fireplace Mantle Village

For years, these were very popular holiday decor items. They could be purchased at major department stores, with new homes or business being released every year.

Mom and I collected a number on sale after Christmas and sent them next year to my brothers for their model train layouts. 

I thought about getting a set for myself but never got around to it. 

Then one year, I was given a couple of little gifts - literally - that inspired me to make my own little fireplace mantle village. Since cats are part of our family, the little mice family seemed like a natural addition to hang around the sleeping cat stocking hangar.

Another year, the little snowman gardener joined the snowman stocking hangar. As with most suggestions for decorating, start with a focal point and go from there. Each of these little fireplace mantle scenes have a little cardboard house that anchors them.

A collection of gift snowmen now have their own little corner in my fireplace mantle village.

A collection of gift snowmen now have their own little corner in my fireplace mantle village.

The little village scene changes from year to year. Christmas cards get added in the back to add dimension and to be a memory marker of friends who have been part of our lives.

You can start by combining what you have and see if you can start your own little vignettes. If not, keep it in mind through the year as you treasure hunt antique malls and yard sales. The best time to buy Christmas decorations and decor is in the summer.

I refurbished this nutcracker by gluing missing parts and adding a bluebird on empty wheels.

I refurbished this nutcracker by gluing missing parts and adding a bluebird on empty wheels.

Too much trouble? Have something special you already particularly like or holiday traditions you like to follow?

Start with that, or with a stocking holder, and look for things that can create a scene around them. Doesn't have to be complicated, this little Santa nutcraker got repaired and added to a fireplace mantle corner with a rocking horse stocking holder.

There were only wheels left for whatever vehicle Santa had but I took care of that by adding a bluebird. Looks very personal now, doesn't it, as if it was made just for me...

Charlotte