Nativity Scene Decorating Guide

This elegant nativity scene, created by our in-house designer Carol Erath, is sophisticated and yet traditional. Following a few simple rules, a beautiful display like this can be put together in just a few minutes.



First, Carol chose a color theme, borrowing from the overall color scheme of the room. The soft, off-white colors of the nativity figures, which she chose as the focal point of the display, stand out nicely against the caramel background colors of the room. A golden sparkling wreath, cone-shaped trees and magnolia flowers lend a festive touch and tie all the colors together. A velvet table runner in a dark maroon with golden tassels visually separates the white mantle from the fireplace and serves as the base for the display.



To add interest and depth to the display, Carol included cone shaped glitter trees of different heights. Some of the nativity figures kneel while others stand, further enhancing the overall sense of depth. Carol notes that it is very important to keep the sizes of all the objects you are using in your display proportionate to each other. In this case, the nativity figures are tall enough so as not to be overpowered by the wreath and trees.



A large mirror with an ornate gold frame, hung above the mantle, beautifully reflects the display and gives the illusion of depth and enlarges the room.



Lighting plays an important role in decorating and can set the mood of a room. Carol used two table lamps on either end of the mantle to illuminate the nativity scene. Their off-white fabric shades emit a soft glow, while taper candles in golden candleholders add a special Christmas flair.