After using the same traditional Christmas mantel decor for several years now, I decided to change things up with a design I hoped would be striking and modern.

My design was inspired by a simple centerpiece I made several years ago — a glass bowl full of red ornaments and beads.

My new plan was incredibly simple. The tough part was having enough glass containers and the sparkly stuff to fill them up.

I was lucky that last year I bought bunches of beads, garland and ornaments on clearance after Christmas. In fact, I’d completely forgotten about most of the purchases until — while pulling out my storage boxes after Thanksgiving — I came across one marked “new ornaments.” Woo-hoo!

I also changed the color scheme of my porch Christmas tree this year — from white, red and silver to copper, orange and gold. That left me with some white and silver ornaments and garland to use.

I did need to buy some bowls and vases. I had a few already and then a quick trip to Walmart took care of the rest. I bought a couple trifle bowls, hurricanes and small desert cups. I think I spent less than $20 for about six glass containers, which nearly filled out the mantel.

I added a couple gold candle holders and tapers for height, laid a couple strands of garland around the containers and then added a few sparkly stars and snowflake ornaments along the base.

Finally, I hung the evergreen garland and lights that I usually put on top of the mantel in front of it, using some Command adhesive strips. I love those things! Then I wrapped a bow and ribbon around a top corner of my mirror, a little touch to once again bring in some height and sparkle.

I love the results and it’s always fun to have a little something different at Christmastime.

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