November 27, 2017

Mantleless Stocking Displays

Rachel Weems

“’Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there,” wrote the nineteenth century poet Clement Clarke Moore in the iconic opening lines of his poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas.  While A Visit from St. Nicholas was first published in 1823, Moore did not claim authorship until well over a decade later in 1837.  An interesting fact considering the popularity of the poem that has now become synonymous with the magic of Christmas.

So with all that attention devoted to a poem, Moore’s words got us to thinking… while it’s been almost 200 years since A Visit from St. Nicholas was first written, the Christmas Eve ritual of hanging our stockings for Santa to fill with sweet surprises has remained a treasured tradition, relatively untouched by the passing of time.

But with the variety of homes we live in today, a chimney and mantel aren’t always part of the package.  However, don’t let a little architectural obstacle dim your home’s holiday sparkle!  The creative concepts below prove any home can still take part in the stocking festivities and make it a modern day Christmas of your own.  We feel like Moore could be a little more flexible with that chimney part anyway…. Sure Santa won’t mind either!  Happy holiday decorating!

Effortlessly recreate this rustic farmhouse inspired stocking holder with the frame of an antique window and antlers.

 

Rustic Farmhouse Mantleless Stocking Display

Source: Flat Creek Farmhouse

 

Stop Santa in his tracks with this cute and clever stocking post that you can actually build yourself courtesy of this step by step tutorial!

 

'Santa Stop Here' sign serves as a stocking hanger, too!

Source: Jamie Costiglio

 

Feeling crafty this holiday season?  Create a customized photo frame stocking holder with your family’s pictures via a little handiwork and this tutorial!

 

Personalize your mantleless stocking display with adorable photos of each child in your family.

Source: Reality Daydream

 

Seeking something simpler?  This greenery and branch stocking holder might be the answer!

 

Rustic minimalist Christmas stocking holder using a branch and greenery

Source: The Merry Thought

 

No mantle?  No problem with these two ideas using vintage skis to hang your stockings from!

 

Pottery_Barn_Kids - Mohawk Home - Mantleless - Stockings - Holiday Decor
Image from Pottery Barn Kids & seen on The Wicker House Blog alongside other posts about holiday decorating with vintage skis

 

 

Home Bunch - Mohawk Homescapes - Mantleless - Stockings - Holiday Decor
Image found on HomeBunch.com


Do you have an old wooden ladder in your garage or access to some thick branches or wood scraps to make your own?  Not only does this stocking display provide a rustic look but it also can be repurposed for more creative decorating opportunities after Christmas (one suggestion is to hang your throws over the rungs of the ladder)!

 Everyday Home Blog - Mohawk Homescapes - Mantleless - Stockings - Holiday Decor
Souce: Everyday Home Blog as part of A Farmhouse Christmas

 

 

Cookies, Crafts and Chaos - Mohawk Homescapes - Mantleless - Stockings - Holiday Decor
Source: Cookies, Crafts and Chaos. Make your own no sew burlap stockings to finish the country look with the blog’s tutorial too!

  

Or you can even hang your stockings in the window!

 Love My Earth - Mohawk Homescapes - Mantleless - Stockings - Holiday Decor

Source: Love My Earth

 

Take a cue from Moore’s iconic poem with this sweet and simple stocking holder, available on Etsy.com, or create your own with supplies from your local craft store!

 

Christmas stocking hanger wall mount

Source: Etsy 

So… how will your family hang your stockings with care this Christmas Eve?  There are countless of ways to creatively decorate your home this holiday season!  Do you have any other “alternative mantel” ideas to share?  Drop us a line… we’d love to hear ‘em!

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