Be inspired by this DIY Christmas village mantel. Learn how to easily create your own for a beautiful display you can leave up all winter long.

My favorite area of the house to decorate is our family room mantel. We spend so much time here and when we entertain, outside of the kitchen, this is where everyone gathers. As you can see this year's Christmas mantel is quite simple. It's also easy to recreate if you love the look.

But that's not all, today I'm joining some blogging friends for a Celebrate Christmas Home Tours Blog Hop hosted by Leen of Sand Dollar Lane. All this week someone will be sharing fun and interesting ways to decorate your home for Christmas. If you are coming over from Our Crafty Mom, welcome! Doesn't Michelle's mantel look great?
How to Create A Christmas Village Mantel

Making Yarn Trees
I had quite a bit of chunky yarn left over from my chunky yarn winter wreath and it was so pretty I thought it would make great yarn trees.



- Start off with some paper mache cones. I got mine from Hobby Lobby.
- Next, use a little hot glue at the tip and wind the yarn all the way down covering the cone.
- Finish with another dab of hot glue at the end of the cone shape.
- You could wrap more yarn around the base or paint it but I like it the way it is.

Making a Wooden House Village
If you are handy with woodworking tools you can make simple houses like these and even cut out the windows.

However, I am not. So I picked these wooden houses up, also at Hobby Lobby.

First, line up your houses on the mantel and move them around until you get a display that you like. Take a picture with your camera for reference.
Then paint them in different shades. I used a mix of white chalk paint, black craft paint, and brown craft gel stain.

Instead of cutting out windows use some heavy paper or card stock and cut out rectangles and/or squares. I used a paper cutter for this part. Use the shapes as templates to trace around. Then fill in with black paint.

As a finishing touch hang some glitter snowflakes with clear thread or fishing line from the crown molding or ceiling. The result is a simple Christmas village mantel that will look good during the holidays and throughout the winter months.
Next up on the tour is the talented Leen of Sand Dollar Lane, with some inspiring dining room decor. Also listed below you will find links to all of the bloggers and their amazing holiday posts for the entire week.


Celebrate Home Tour All Week Long


Zucchini Sisters // Postcards from the Ridge // Southern Crush at Home // Amy Sadler Designs
Pasha is Home // Simple Nature Decor

Worthing Court // The Tattered Pew // Cottage in the Mitten // DIY Beautify
Thistle Key Lane // At Lane and High // Feet Under My Table

White Arrows Home // Aratari at Home // White Lilac Farmhouse
Cottage on Bunker Hill // Bricks 'n Blooms

My Family Thyme // Southern Home and Hospitality // Songbird // Shiplap and Shells
Chalking Up Success // Pure Happy Home
Wendy
I just love your little wooden houses! They are so cute. And they look amazing on your mantel with the brick! Simply gorgeous.
Tammy
Patti, those houses and trees are adorable. I love the look of them in your space.
stacy
Patti what a great idea for a mantel! I love the little village and small trees. Merry Christmas!
Jayne via Chalking Up Success
Your mantel looks so pretty, I absolutely love the Christmas village. That's a great tip for making the window too, much better than trying to cut them out! Happy Christmas Patti!
Melanie Ferguson
Patti ~ Everything you do is amazing and I'm loving these rustic textures you used. I’m so honored to be doing this blog tour with you! Thank you for sharing your talents! Merry Christmas my friend!
Leslie Watkins
I love those houses! Great job. Loved hopping with you.
Cindy
Patti, what a sweet mantel! I love your cozy yarn trees, but those little houses stole my heart! The cardstock windows are genius and make them extra special! Happy Christmas friend! xx
Michelle | Thistle Key Lane
Patti, you have the best creative ideas. The yarn trees are so perfect for a mantel, and I'm thinking about making some for my daughter's home. Love the wood village too! Pinning!
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
I'm loving your DIY Christmas village mantel, Patti! Those yarn trees are just the cutest. Thanks for sharing how you recreated those adorable little houses. Merry Christmas!
maria
You are so creative. I love how you make everything look so easy. Such a sweet and simple idea for the mantel. Enjoy seeing you and being in this event.
Kristy Mastrandonas
Your Christmas mantel is so beautiful, Patti! I love the DIY Christmas Village and adorable trees, and how you've styled everything!
Kim
Your mantel looks so great! Love your yarn trees too! Merry Christmas!
Leen Curinga
Your mantel looks great, Patti!
what a cute little Christmas village. Great tip for making the windows from cardstock!
I really love your pretty yarn tree!
Vicki and Jenn 2 Bees in a Pod
Oh my gosh, Patti - your Christmas Village Mantel is lovely! Thanks so much for sharing your smart and creative tips on how to recreate the houses.The are a perfect focal point. The cute yarn trees look perfect displayed with the houses. Merry Christmas!
Kim
Patti, I look forward to your mantel displays, they're always inspiring. This one is amazing!! I just adore those little houses. I want to run to Hobby Lobby this morning to grab a few and create a village of my own!! Thank for the inspiration!!