As the holidays approach, we are certainly inspired to find fir and spruce, soft-white flower bulbs and stockings or menorahs to decorate our mantels here in New Orleans. This season, however, consider that winterizing your mantel adds a warmth and natural design scheme that can last for months, rather than weeks.
We asked florist extraordinaire, and owner/chief operator of The Judy Garlands, Ben Miller, to teach us how to create stunning winter mantel-scapes.
When did you start The Judy Garlands?
“The Judy Garlands began in 2022 and pops up every holiday season to offer the finest, freshest greenery around,” Miller says, of his company that began as a fun project, which evolved to be a full-service holiday styling studio at the back of Merchant House, on Magazine Street. “The team of Judys can help with everything from turnkey installations to sourcing guidance and creative direction for homes, parties and events.”
If we want to create all-winter looks for our fireplace mantels, where should we start?
“Find your hero reference,” Miller says. “I almost always have one or two images that guide a whole design scheme, whether that’s about a mood or a palette; it serves as the North Star. Think about where you can play with scale and textures, giving the eye some interest to take in and helps keep things from looking flat.”
Before you even buy anything, take all your measurements. “Snap a photo and make some notations of overall width, height, and depth of your mantel. It’ll come in handy when shopping,” he says.
For gathering, you can even begin in your backyard or wild spaces prior to heading to an actual purveyor.
“Mother Nature is the best stylist of all,” he says, “so bringing touches of the outdoors in always cozies up a space. I love adding texture through pinecones, dried botanicals, branches, and, of course, garlands. That feels like winter without screaming ‘holiday.’”
He advises starting with a base of good greenery. “Then,” he says, “add in accents like satsumas, magnolia, or moss, finish with some ribbon for a bit of Southern winter.”
Once we have our supplies and measurements, how do we create?
“Start by establishing your anchor point,” he says. “It could mean creating an asymmetrical design with a built-up area and some negative space, or a balanced, centered look. Work outward and add texture that flows naturally.”
As to a color scheme, you don’t have to stay in a certain lane, either.
“Green is my favorite color — surprising coming from a guy who’s all about greenery, right?,” he laughs. “I’m seeing a lot of really great greens in our future. Hunter greens, bluer teal greens, fresh minty greens, even acidic chartreuse greens.”
What’s new with The Judy Garlands for 2025 and 2026?
“I’m excited to be offering new ways to get a piece of The Judy Garlands this season with a one-off styling service. You can select your garlands or wreaths, then head to the workshop to layer in berries, ribbons, and other textural elements to fit your budget. Leave them with one of the Judys, and we’ll handle the finishing touches so they’re ready to place or hang.
Year-round, Ben Miller Studio is my home base inside Merchant House where all sorts of creative projects come to life. You might find me working on installations, floral commissions, or our next holiday,” he adds. “While The Judy Garlands is focused on the season, I’m available throughout the year for events, special occasions and just about any creative collaboration.”
