Tired of perfectly symmetrical, predictable holiday decor? Shea McGee is shaking things up, and you won't believe how stunningly simple her approach is! She's proving that imperfection, when done right, can be the ultimate form of elegance, especially when it comes to your Christmas mantel.
In a recent Instagram video, design guru Shea McGee, known for her ability to blend comfort with elevated style, revealed her asymmetrical Christmas mantel design. The result? A look that's effortlessly chic and surprisingly easy to achieve yourself. But here's where it gets controversial... Are we really ready to ditch the perfectly balanced mantel we've known and loved for so long?
‘To get this huge statement on my mantel – which is very large – it needed a lot of garland, so I did five,’ Shea explains. She uses a dramatic cascade of greenery from McGee & Co. – a lush mix of realistic-looking pine, pinecones, white berries, and eucalyptus. Think of it as a wild, wintery explosion, but in a totally controlled and stylish way. ‘I pulled three into this corner and then did an additional to kind of taper it off on each side, because I wanted that buildup in the corner.’
The vignette is intentionally undone, radiating a relaxed, organic vibe. One side boasts a full, cascading effect, while the other is lighter, creating a beautiful waterfall-like flow. It reads as both sculptural and editorial – an effortlessly cool, off-kilter balance that looks incredibly impressive, yet remains surprisingly simple to recreate. And this is the part most people miss... It's not about haphazardly throwing things together; it's about intentional asymmetry. It's about creating a visual journey for the eye, leading it from the heavier, more dense side to the lighter, more airy side.
Now, let's talk stockings. Forget perfectly spaced, evenly hung stockings. Shea embraces the less-is-more philosophy here too. ‘I get so many questions about how I hang stockings on my mantel because it has this really thick profile,’ she says. Her secret weapon? Simple 3M hooks, likely already lurking in your junk drawer. She cleverly hides them beneath the garland, creating a seamless, floating effect. Naturally, she clusters the stockings to one side, perfectly balancing the lush greenery on the other. It's a visual seesaw, and it works like a charm.
And because it’s 2025 – and we're still riding the decorative ribbon wave – Shea completes the scene with an ivory satin bow. She doubles it up for extra drama, tying it loosely to one side in a delightfully coquette style. The bow adds a touch of whimsy and softness, perfectly complementing the natural textures of the garland.
Shop Shea's Asymmetrical Christmas Mantel
Ready to ditch the symmetry and embrace the beautifully imperfect? You've got the blueprint. Now, let's gather the ingredients to recreate Shea's artfully undone Christmas mantel.
McGee & Co. Manderine Still Life by Pascal Giroud:
Above Shea’s holiday mantel hangs a moody still-life that looks like it was discovered at a Provence antique sale. Its gilded wood frame and gallery-wrapped canvas add gravitas, making the piece feel worthy of this prime slice of over-mantel real estate. It's the perfect anchor for the entire display, adding a touch of history and sophistication.
McGee & Co. McCallister Stocking:
Five of Shea’s McCalister Stockings hang, of course, on just one side. Their cranberry stitching against soft neutral fabric doesn’t clamor for attention but earns it anyway. They ground the asymmetry, playing together beautifully while still understated enough to blend with whatever else you’ve got in your holiday mix. The key here is the understated elegance; they don't overpower the other elements but rather complement them.
McGee & Co. 6' Pinecone & Berries Faux Garland:
We’ve learned that big mantels demand big reinforcements. Five garlands somehow don’t feel like overkill here. For those of us with more modest hearths, you can get a similar effect with three: two cascading on the fuller side, one tapering off for balance. Remember, it's all about creating that visual weight on one side and allowing it to gradually fade out on the other.
HUIHUANG 4" Wide Satin Double-Faced Satin Ribbon:
If there isn’t at least one bow in your living room this year, is it even festive? Shea doubled up on her ivory satin ribbon for emphasis. The extra yardage goes a long way, so use what’s left to tie off bare Christmas wreaths, or loop around the backs of dining chairs for cohesion. Don't be afraid to experiment with different textures and colors of ribbon to add your own personal touch.
McGee & Co. Tottenham Taper Holder:
On the coffee table in front of the fireplace, Shea placed a pair of vintage-inspired taper holders to echo the heirloom feel established by the artwork and stockings. They’d look just as chic up on the mantel, though. Instead of the usual symmetry – one on each end – try clustering two together on one side. Think of them as miniature sculptures, adding height and visual interest to the overall display.
Crate & Barrel Burgundy Dipped Taper Candles, Set of 2:
What’s a taper holder without the candles? Shea threads in a deep burgundy, a moody counterpoint against the lush, mixed-foliage garlands lining the mantel. But know they're also free agents – tapers are the punctuation mark every holiday surface (and candle sconce) needs. Consider using different heights and colors of tapers to create even more visual depth.
Speaking of rewriting the holiday rulebook, Shea McGee is proving she knows exactly which traditions to bend – and make look better in the process. Next up: her ten-foot Christmas tree, styled not in the living room, but in the entryway. Talk about making a statement!
So, what do you think? Are you ready to embrace the asymmetry this holiday season? Or are you a die-hard fan of the perfectly balanced mantel? Share your thoughts in the comments below! I'm curious to know if you believe this trend is a fleeting fad or a genuine evolution in holiday decorating. And, dare I ask, could this approach be applied to other areas of home decor beyond the holidays?
