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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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December 13, 2011

Banisters and Foyers~Welcome to Vanessa’s Home

As I said in my Doors and Porches Party Post last week (the link is still up by the way so come join in the fun!), I would love nothing more than to fling open my front door and invite you all in for a cup of coffee or hot apple cider…not all at once though…cause that would be A LOT of coffee and cider! 
But, this will have to suffice for now so please, come on in.
Last year I went a little more “blingy” when decorating my banister.
But, this year I just decided to keep things a bit more simple. 
Bows done up with a buttery yellow ribbon provide just a soft touch of color and sparkle.
I used berry garlands (cut down to size) to create these little wreaths at each pick-up.
For some extra umph I wrapped the berry garland around the greenery just at very front.
Smaller berry wreaths are used in between the bigger ones.
Simple and soft.
Two wreaths hang on the doors leading to the office (to the right of the front door).
A simple piece of linen adds softness to my entry table.
Faux Paper Whites take on a more realistic look when placed in a silver soup tureen ( a wedding gift from my grandmother) with moss tucked around the base.
I didn’t even bother to polish it! 
And, an apothecary jar filled with faux cranberries finishes it off.
Walk a little bit further and peek around the corner and you will find my built-in china cabinet.
Simple touches add some Christmas cheer here too!
Thank you so much for coming by to visit me this morning!
Come back this afternoon when Heather will be welcoming you to her home!
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This post is partying here:
DIY By Design: Fall into Fall Party
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party\
Ivy and Elephants: What’s It Wednesday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday


31 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Holidays

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Previous Post: « Chalkboard Frame Tree Topper
Next Post: Heather’s banister gets in on the act! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marina {Yummy Mummy) says

    December 13, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    Beautiful! I’m happy we don’t have stairs with a toddler in the house… until I see beautifully decorated banisters like this 🙂

    Reply
  2. The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ says

    December 13, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Simply Gorgeous!!!!!! Stunning with a capital S! hugs…

    Reply
  3. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says

    December 13, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    Your home looks beautiful Vanessa! I love the banister with the pretty bows and berry accents. Well done!

    Pam

    Reply
  4. Richella says

    December 13, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    STUNNING, Vanessa! You’ve inspired me to do a little more to my foyer–there’s no second chance for a first impression, is there? I love the welcome you’ve created!

    Reply
  5. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    December 13, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Vanessa, your home is absolutely gorgeous all decked out for Christmas! Every detail is so beautiful!

    Reply
  6. Myric says

    December 13, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    Your home is beautifully decorated! You did an awesome job! You’re amazing!
    🙂

    xoxo
    Myric

    Reply
  7. Shelia says

    December 13, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    Simpy gawjus, Ms. Pretty! 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  8. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    December 13, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Everything is so pretty! Love your banister and front door!!!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  9. Lisa @ Before Meets After says

    December 13, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Your home is beautiful Vanessa! I love the simplicity of the garland and how you can see the cute wreaths on the doors 🙂

    Reply
  10. Kelly says

    December 13, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Your garland turned out so pretty! It doesn’t look like you skimped on it at all! I like the added berries on it too.

    Reply
  11. Traci says

    December 13, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    It’s really pretty!

    Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    December 13, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    So beautiful. From the entry on. There are so many good ideas here.

    Reply
  13. Veronica says

    December 13, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    It’s looking de lovely and elegantly festive!! I still need to do my bannister!Oi!

    Veronica
    Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds

    Reply
  14. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    December 13, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    BEAUTIFUL Vanessa! Your staircase looks fabulous and I love the beautiful vignette on you round table. I love the shot looking into your living room where you can see your tree! Martina

    Reply
  15. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    December 13, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    Your entry is stunning Vanessa, and all of your decor is beautiful. I love the pretty little wreaths and the lovely yellow bows. So pretty. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  16. Brooke @ Inside-Out Design says

    December 13, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Beautiful Vanessa! Really makes me wish I had a banister to decorate!!

    Reply
  17. Ruby Jean says

    December 13, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    So Very Pretty and Festive… Thank you so much Ladies for Making mention of my Linky Party and Joining in as well… Have a blessed week!!

    Reply
  18. Robin says

    December 13, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    Beautiful! I love the stairs garland. It’s so pretty.

    Reply
  19. Ange says

    December 13, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    Wow! Love the banister, that is just a showstopper! The berry wreaths are such a pretty addition. Also those two wreaths on the french doors, those had me at hello! Great job girl!

    Reply
  20. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    December 13, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    This is really lovely, Vanessa! I love that picture from the entry where you can see the staircase and your tree in the living room.

    Reply
  21. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    December 13, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Beautiful Vanessa!! I love your pretty staircase all draped in garland!

    Reply
  22. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    December 13, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    Both you and Heather have done such an outstanding job this Christmas season. You girls are so talented and I think it is the coolest that you do this together, yet are far apart. Love it all!

    Reply
  23. Judy says

    December 14, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    Your foyer and banister look absolutely gorgeous. I love the berry wreaths and the faux cranberries. I am in love with your silver tea set. I have been wanting that forever. It always looks so elegant.

    Reply
  24. Stacy Curran says

    December 14, 2011 at 2:04 AM

    Absolutely beautiful Vanessa!
    Stacy

    Reply
  25. Marianne says

    December 14, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    Vanessa, this looks just gorgeous. You have done a wonderful job decorating your home for the holidays!
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  26. Eliesa says

    December 14, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    Beautiful!

    Reply
  27. mrshinesclass says

    December 16, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Your Christmas decor is so inviting. What a beautiful way for guests to be greeted!

    Sharon

    Reply
  28. Sue says

    December 16, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    Vanessa, what I like is that you’ve placed the garland on the inside of the bannister. So different a look. The foyer looks really inviting. Merry,Merry, my friend! Sue

    Reply
  29. Sandi says

    December 4, 2013 at 10:31 PM

    Enjoying all the beautiful past and present pictures of your home and realizing your entryway wall color is exactly what I’m looking for. Can you tell me the color name and brand?

    Reply
  30. kelly osbourne weight loss says

    August 26, 2014 at 6:56 PM

    I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this
    post was great. I do not know who you are but definitely you’re going to
    a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Heather’s banister gets in on the act! says:
    January 27, 2013 at 5:35 PM

    […] 14, 2011 By At The Picket Fence 25 Comments Vanessa shared her gorgeous entryway and banister with you early today, and while alas I really don’t have a “true” foyer like Vanessa does I […]

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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