Christmas Mantel: College Apartment Version

So, I really don't have a "mantel".  But I still wanted to be apart of the link party! I created a fake-mantel-credenza-lookin'-table in our family and although it's nothing like these beauties:



....I'm okay with that.  Now, at my house in California, my mom and I go ALL out with our mantel...so check back next week to see it!

As for my "fantel", here it is! 


I got a mini Christmas tree from Trader Joes which was conviently all wrapped in lights already.  Then I found a garland wrapped in white lights.  I bought some fresh greenery to stick in with the fake stuff...a great way to make it look alive and smell wonderful, too! The candles and clear vases are from Ikea and we change the candle color with whatever season we're currently in.  My grandma bought me two pretty ornaments to go with our color theme of purple and turquoise and for a final touch, I bought some fresh flowers for the small vase on the left.




And what, do you ask are those lights reflecting in the mirror?!  OH...those are our cute little snow flake lights from Ikea!  Only $14.99!


{A close up}

For our second little "Fantel" area above the TV, I found some small stockings.  We used our candles with our initials to hold them in place.




A little Christmas bear to hold our chick flicks upright sits on top of some fresh greenery.


My aunt bought me this adorable silver glittered Christmas tree.  It's perfect for the space, as it gives it a little height and sparkle!


So, I'm here to prove that you don't need a big budget to create a fun Christmasy space.  College girls can decorate, too!  If you really want to see some fun Christmas decorations, stick around because next week I'm going home for the Holidays and we're pulling out all the stops (:

What's your mantel (or fantel) look like this season??

I'll be linking to Layla's mantel party (:

Love and Fake Mantels,

34 comments

  1. gorgeous! speakin of chick flicks...was dear john any good? im afraid i would cry like a baby in that movie!! also, i love those first stockings!!

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  2. ah, this is so cute and creative!!

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  3. Very cute idea - just as good as any mantle! I plan on doing something similar with a floating shelf :)

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  4. How cute! It all looks great :)

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  5. Loving it! I remember my first apartment... it didn't have a Mantel and it was maybe 600sqft at best but during the Holidays I would decorate the [poop] out of that little space.

    Loving your decorating! :)

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  6. Aww, I love it! It looks so cozy!

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  7. i am so with you! college apartments can be so hard to decorate. i don't have a mantel either, so i usually just use the counter that divides the living room from the kitchen. i just hope no tinsel falls into my food :)

    love your glittery tree!

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  8. It looks great. You must love being in that space. My college dorm never looked that great. Beautiful job. Love those ikea hanging lights.

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  9. I love that you still get in the spirit, even in your college apartment! Your "mantel" looks great

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  10. I love your ideas and decorating on a dime.

    My daughter starts college this Winter quarter, your college ideas will keep me ahead of the game.

    following

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  11. Thanks ladies! It is fun having a little apartment to decorate (:

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  12. i think all of your holiday decor looks great girly!! i have been a slacker this year, and don't have anything up yet! ah! i need to get on it:)

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  13. I think you did great! Love the little sparkly tree!

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  14. Fake mantel lovers unite! Love your makeshift mantel. Enjoy the holiday season!

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  15. I too love your make do mantel. You have great Christmas spirit in making your 'away from home', more like home.

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  16. Your "fantel" looks so cute! Everything does! I am really digging your curtains!

    Luvs!

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  17. we don't have a mantel either... I need to make a fantel somewhere. yours is great!

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  18. you have such a cute place for a college girl especially! You've obviously chosen a career that suits your talents!

    :)
    Dana and Daisy

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  19. College apartments are so tricky to decorate sometimes. I think you did a great job with the space!

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  20. Oh college girls must certainly decorate! Very nice. It can't be all project boards and foam board models with all nighters!~ That is how I remember Interior Design school! Good luck and Merry Christmas.
    Sherry

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  21. I love the fact that you didn't let not having a real fireplace stop you from decorting at Faux one. It is nice to add the holiday touch to your apt - makes it festive. You did a great job.
    My best- Diane

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  22. Love it!! I need to make a fake mantel too!! peace, love and fake mantels for all.

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  23. Thanks so much for visiting my mantle post and commenting. I love that neither of us have a mantle but we do the best we can without one. I love the lights and how you did so much with the little you did have. Merry Christmas!

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  24. your fantels turned out very cute! love your idea for the initials! i also love those lights in the window! i want some!!

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  25. Your fantels are great! What fun to be in your first place! I love the snowflake lights, I think I see a visit to Ikea really soon!
    Happy Holidays! karen....

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  26. Very pretty!!! Love the snowflake lights!

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  27. I love what you've done with your "fantel"!! You did a fabulous job bringing Christmas into your college apartment.

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  28. so fun -- way to get creative with your space!!!

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  29. Oh my goodness its so gorgeous! The mantel is just adorable like you my love :) xo Well done!

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  30. Looks so cute. And I especially love the hanging lights :)

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  31. Great work, girl! Your fantels look great...who needs a real fireplace for decor, anyways :)

    BTW, your snoflake lights are super cute too, and I couldn't help but notice the beautiful curtains that frame that window. They're so pretty!

    *Tania @ Passport2Design.com

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  32. Thank you Tania (:My grandma made those curtains in the summer. I designed them then she sewed them up! I just adore them (:

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  33. Thanks for stopping by to see my mantle! Sometimes it's fun to have the challenge of making the most of what you have. Great job!

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Thank you for stopping by! If you have a specific question, please email me at hello@michaelanoelledesigns.com. I always reply to emails! Have a blessed day! xoxo

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