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This holiday season, make your mantel as festive as your tree. Take what you have now and make
it go wow with mantel decorating tips from Jim Marvin, the designer in charge of holiday
displays at the White House. For 17 years, Jim Marvin has been decking the White House
halls for the holidays. If anyone knows how to make your mantel merry and bright, it's
Jim. To start, group objects like candles, vases and sparkling trees of varying heights
along the mantel. Jim recommends using two or three groupings to get the most impact.
Garland is the real showstopper on any mantel. Use a heavy object like an urn at the corner
of the mantel to hold up your garland and avoid adhesives or nails. For that final touch
of wow, use wire to string shiny ornaments into a cluster. A glue dot under each cap
ensures the ornaments stay in place. Add a cluster or two to the garland for a bubbly
fun finish. With these festive holiday wows, you'll be celebrating the season in style.