How do I decorate a fireplace mantle?

here are some of our mantles through the years! basically, anything goes!

https://www.burlapandblue.com/?s=mantle

Fireplace mantels are fun to decorate because they can be as personal or as generic as you care to make it. Some people use family pictures or trophies, while others love to create swags, candle sticks, or show off exotic art/sculptures or statues they found in some garage sale. Look around and see what kind of decorations you prefer and if you want to create a special swag, wreath, or decorate a mirror. We have a family oil painting above ours and I vary it with plants and candles or seasonal decor. If you go to "explore projects" then "decorate" then "mantels" you can find a number of ideas to give you an idea to add of your own in your home. I chose one for you, but there are many of them on the page you might like: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/whitewashed-brick-mantel-fireplace-fall-5395428

My Whitewashed Brick Mantel for Fall

This will give you some ideas. https://lifeonsummerhill.com/how-to-hang-baskets-on-walls/

I have lots of mantel decorating ideas on my blog. You can start with this and then search" mantel" on my blog. https://thehoneycombhome.com/living-room-update/