This year I really wanted my Christmas decor to feel warm, collected, and full of texture, so I decided to build my mantel around one of my favorite end-of-season treasures, dried hydrangeas. They have the prettiest antique color once they dry on the bush and they blend beautifully with Christmas greenery. I loved the idea of using them to create a lush, old world garland and it turned out even better than I imagined.

If you want to try this look in your own home, here’s exactly how I did it.

Step 1: Let the Hydrangeas Dry on the Plant

At the end of the season I leave my hydrangea blooms on the bush until they naturally dry out. Once they feel papery and the color shifts to that warm golden brown, I clip them off and bring them inside. There’s no special prep. They’re ready to use as soon as they’re fully dry.

Step 2: Build a Full Greenery Base

To get that really full, drapey look, I layered several different garlands together.

I started with one thick, super realistic greenery garland I bought years ago from a website that sadly doesn’t sell them anymore.
Then I added two Amazon garlands to each side to extend the shape and give it more length and movement.
I also tucked in a few leftover sprigs of greenery, I had lying around, to add more layers and texture.

This combination creates the perfect base for dried hydrangeas because the branches give them lots of places to nestle in without any wiring.

Step 3: Add Your Dried Hydrangeas

Once the greenery was in place, I tucked the hydrangeas throughout the garland, concentrating on spots that needed a little more fullness or color. They add so much volume and richness, and because every bloom dries a little differently, the whole garland takes on that perfectly layered, collected look.

Step 4: Style the Mantel with Collected Pieces

Once the hydrangeas were in place, I layered in the rest of my decor. Almost everything on this mantel is secondhand, which is exactly why I love it. I go to estate sales and vintage shops any chance I get, and those pieces always bring so much character to a space.

Why Hydrangeas Work So Well for Christmas

They’re free, they’re beautiful, and they last all season. The dried texture pairs perfectly with classic Christmas greenery and adds dimension you just can’t get from store bought florals. If you want a mantel that feels curated and timeless, hydrangeas are the perfect addition.

This ended up being one of my favorite Christmas projects this year. It’s simple, it’s natural, and it makes the whole room feel warm and collected. If you have hydrangeas in your yard, definitely save them at the end of the season. They make the most stunning holiday decor.