Wondering Where to Put Turkey Decorations? Think Mantels!

Courtney Pierce·November 07, 2023

The leaves are changing, there’s a crispness in the air, and the holiday season is rapidly approaching. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to think about how to infuse your home with the warmth and cheer of the season. While table settings and door wreaths may immediately come to mind, there’s a prime piece of real estate in your living space that shouldn’t be overlooked—your mantel.

If you’re in the market for a new mantel to enhance your holiday decor, CAPO Building Specialties offers an array of stunning mantel options that are perfect for any home.

The Mantel: a Focal Point for Festivity

Turkey decorations on a white mantel with pumpkins.

The mantel traditionally serves as the focal point of a room. It draws the eye, serves as a gathering place, and often holds significant items that reflect the homeowner’s style and tastes. During the holidays, it can transform into a visual anchor for your Thanksgiving theme, offering the perfect stage for your turkey decoration ideas.

As families congregate and festive moments unfold, your fireplace mantel decor can embody the very essence of Thanksgiving joy, becoming a backdrop for cherished photos and memories. Moreover, with the right arrangement of adornments, your mantel can narrate the story of the season, reflecting not just the beauty of fall but also the warmth and generosity synonymous with Thanksgiving.

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Turkey Decor

Fall decorations on a mantel with green wall paint.

When selecting a turkey decoration for your mantel, size is an essential consideration. A mantel gives you the opportunity to go for a statement piece—a sizable turkey figurine can serve as a majestic centerpiece. If your mantel is already home to other items, a smaller turkey can nestle among picture frames or candlesticks without overcrowding the space.

Keep in mind the scale of your room and the height of the ceiling when choosing your turkey; a larger room with high ceilings can handle a more grandiose display, whereas a more intimate space calls for modest decor to maintain balance and harmony. Ultimately, the chosen turkey should complement, not compete with, the existing mantel ensemble, creating a cohesive and inviting holiday atmosphere.

Texture and Color: Creating a Thanksgiving Scene

Glass turkey and pumpkins on a mantel

Your turkey shouldn’t stand alone. Consider pairing it with textured elements like autumnal leaves, pine cones, and berries to create a mini Thanksgiving scene. Intersperse these with candles to add warmth and reflective light. When it comes to color, balance is key. If your turkey decoration is colorful, complement it with more subdued tones. If it’s more traditional, don’t be afraid to add pops of color with bright fall leaves or vibrant gourds.

Textural contrast can also be achieved by introducing smooth metallic elements or rustic wood accents, which can provide an unexpected and sophisticated twist. Additionally, layering various shades of autumnal hues from burnt orange to deep reds can make your mantel display come alive with the essence of the season.

Layering: Depth and Dimension on Display

Layering is a designer’s secret weapon, and your mantel is the perfect place to employ it. Start with a base, like a rustic burlap runner or a festive seasonal garland. Then add your turkey decoration, followed by additional elements of varying heights and sizes. By layering decor, you’re adding depth and interest, which will draw the eye and keep it moving across your mantel display.

Ensure each piece complements the others by varying textures and colors for a cohesive look. Strategically place smaller items in front and larger items in the back, or overlap them slightly to create a sense of unity and flow within your Thanksgiving vignette.

Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: What’s Your Style?

Turkey decorations on the wall with pumpkins on a mantel.

Some prefer a symmetrical setup, where the turkey decoration might take center stage flanked by matching candles or stacks of mini pumpkins on each side. Others might enjoy the whimsy of an asymmetrical arrangement, giving the scene a more organic feel. There’s no right or wrong way to style your mantel; it’s all about what feels like home to you.

Embrace your personal taste and let it guide your arrangement, whether it’s the balanced harmony of symmetry or the dynamic energy of asymmetry. Remember, the goal is to create a space that resonates with your own sense of comfort and celebration, making your Thanksgiving gathering all the more special.

Lighting: Setting the Mood

Lighting can make or break your mantel decor. Soft, ambient lighting can cast a warm glow over your turkey and accompanying decorations, making your living space feel cozy and inviting. Consider using string lights tucked among the decor or placing candles (real or LED) strategically to illuminate your display when the sun sets.

The flicker of candlelight or the soft twinkle of fairy lights can add a touch of magic, enhancing the textures and colors of your decorations. For an extra layer of warmth, opt for lights with a golden hue to simulate the soft radiance of the autumn sun, enveloping your room in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for gathering and giving thanks.

Final Touches: Personalize Your Space

Turkey decorations on a mantel with beige wall paint.

The best part about decorating your mantel is that you can personalize it. Incorporate family heirlooms, like a hand-me-down turkey platter, or add artwork created by your children or loved ones. Your mantel should reflect who you are and what’s important to you, especially during the season of gratitude.

Personal touches might also include a collection of family photos from past Thanksgivings, or a quote that resonates with your sense of thankfulness. These additions ensure your mantel isn’t just a display, but a heartfelt expression of your family’s history and the joys you share.

Mantels from CAPO Building Specialties

Magra Hearth · magra hearth surrounds and wall boards.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving, remember that your mantel can be more than just a shelf—it’s a showcase for the season’s joy. Whether you opt for a grand, gobbling turkey or a quaint, quirky one, dressing up a high-quality mantel from CAPO Building Specialties can be a delightful tradition that adds to the magic of your holiday home. So, this year, when you’re wondering where to put those turkey decorations, look up—the mantel awaits.

Explore the beautiful collection of mantels from CAPO Building Specialties here and find the perfect foundation for your festive decor this Thanksgiving.