I am winding down the sessions I have left to edit so I am finding a little time to squeeze in some holiday decorating. Most years, I set up our Christmas tree in our family room but have always wanted my tree in the front bay window and have set it up there this season. Missing the twinkle lights as I cozy up with my family in the evenings, I decided I needed to add some holiday decor with lights to my TV room mantel.

Thankfully, I have some incredibly creative friends who share their ideas on social media for me to copy! This idea is completely stolen from my dear friend, Ami, owner of Ella Mella Market. She is an insanely talented artist {and also, she looks so much like me that everyone thinks we're sisters}. I give her all credit -- my only idea was to photograph the steps and blog it for all to share!

Gather your supplies!

• 5 yard sticks (Ami's tip: buy them from the paint section because they are the least expensive. I paid $.98 per stick at Lowes!)
• White Paint - I had Annie Sloan Old White paint on hand
• 100 Christmas lights
• Hot Glue

Then go on IG while you wait for the paint to dry. Like IG? Me too. A LOT!

Flip sticks over and paint the back. My star was going to go up against a mirror so both sides needed to be white. If you're just backing to a non-relfective surface, skip this step!

If you feel you need more time on Instagram, go ahead and let the paint dry under your careful supervision. :)

Paint a second coat, if you'd like.

Once everything has dried, set your yard sticks up so they form a star. Then hot glue the pieces together. Seriously, does it get any easier!?

Then, run to Target because you will need white lights on a WHITE string. And that didn't come to mind until just.this.second.

Wrap those white lights all around your star.

If you're feeling you need some greenery, hook up that mantel with some fresh garland.

And some Mason jars with white candles. I love Mason jars. #masonjarallthethings

Voila!! Super easy, super inexpensive twinkly lights for the mantel!