I like to explore unique Christmas decoration ideas every year, and this year I decided on a Scottish theme for my fireplace mantel. I fully embraced the tartan plaid, rich gold, deep colors, and lush greenery to create a gorgeous vignette that I hope would make any Scotsman feel at home.

Tartan plaid fireplace

We went bold right from the start with the fireplace. Remember the faux fireplace we made from an old cabinet? We painted it a deep red color, and then covered the front with Royal Stewart Tartan Clan Plaid Wallpaper that we bought from Spoonflower.

NOTE: This is a faux fireplace with an LED electric log set that does not emit any heat, therefore the paper wallpaper is not a fire risk for us. Please do not use wallpaper on a heat-emitting fireplace.

Scotland-inspired Christmas decor

To decorate the fireplace, I went shopping at several stores to get a collection of decor pieces that fit the Scottish Christmas theme. I found rustic bells and a charming stag, both in a rich gold color. I chose cable knit stockings in blue and green to match the plaid, and found some coordinating tartan ribbon to bring it all together.

Rich greenery for the mantel decor

To pull everything together and make it fit the Christmas mood, of course I needed lots of greenery. I chose the Yorshire Fir 4-pc set from King of Christmas that includes a wreath, garland, and two topiary trees.

We decorated the two pre-lit trees with velvet bows, pinecones, bells, and small ball ornaments, and placed them to one side of the fireplace.

I placed a large gold mirror on the mantel, leaning it against the wall, then hung the wreath over it. With a big plaid bow, more round ornaments, and some red berries, it looks gorgeous all lit up.

To offset the trees on the left, I doubled over the garland and placed it on the right side, for an asymmetrical look. I added another big velvet bow and those large, rustic, gold bells. We tucked in plenty of pinecones and berries and hung the stockings in front. Gorgeous!

Finishing touches

With the garland and major elements done, I just added a few finishing touches to round out this Scottish Christmas decor. That big gold stag looks perfect on one side, and some gold candles in a tall candelabra give it all a warm and cozy glow.

And of course, the LED Electric Log Set inside gives just the right amount of ambiance without any heat, which is exactly the combo we needed for our faux fireplace!