Christina Aguilera's mantel pairs a festive wreath with flameless pillar candles against a white fireplace. The limited selection gives the display a clear focus while allowing the architecture to remain visible. It is an approachable example of using light and greenery instead of a large collection of ornaments.

The arrangement can be adjusted after Christmas by changing the wreath for a less explicitly festive design. Candle heights and spacing provide other opportunities for variation. Begin with a small grouping, assess it from elsewhere in the room, and add only the pieces that improve the balance of the display.