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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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November 22, 2014

Cabin in the Woods Tour ~ Our Parent’s Home!

You know, there aren’t many children who can say that they literally do go ‘over the river and through the woods’ to get to their grandparents’ home. But mine can!

And as you go through the gate…

fall gate atthepicketfence.com

Down the narrow road covered in leaves…

road covered in fall leaves atthepicketfence.com

And up the steep driveway, the anticipation builds.

driveway in the fall atthepicketfence.com

It’s then that you get that first peek at it through the trees.

Can you see it there nestled among the old growth forest?

cabin in the woods at fall atthepicketfence.com

When our parents decided to purchase a home in Oregon, they definitely embraced the spirit of the Pacific NW.

And while, on the outside, they’re home might look like a ‘cabin’ in the woods, on the inside it is light and bright and filled with elegant touches.

My mom has managed to seamlessly blend the more rustic elements of their home with a more modern flair and it all comes together in the most warm and welcoming way.

front door with woodsy wreath atthepicketfence.com

When they sold their home in Arizona, the new owners purchased all of it’s contents…furniture…towels…bedding…right down to pictures on the walls! Crazy, huh?

So, starting from scratch has been a bit of a daunting task.

glittery Christmas trees in tray on coffee table atthepicketfence.com

But not only have they completely transformed this home in a very short period of time, my mom also managed to get it all decorated for Christmas prior to leaving to spend Thanksgiving with Heather in Georgia!

white reindeer on mantel atthepicketfence.com

Everywhere she has lived, my mom has always made all of the pillows and draperies. She’s an amazing seamstress who, until recently, was still using the same sewing machine that she used to make her wedding dress almost 50 years ago!

But, this time, she decided to try out some ready-made pillows for her living room.

Online Fabric Store ready made pilllows atthepicketfence.com

These beauties come courtesy of the new ready-made pillow line from Online Fabric Store and added just the right touches of color to her neutral furniture.

ready made Online Fabric Store pillows atthepicketfence.com

Not only are they so incredibly well made (even my seamstress mom was impressed!) but they are incredibly reasonably priced!

winter white living and dining rooms atthepicketfence.com

Mom went neutral in her Christmas decor and the colors in her new pillows blend in perfectly.

white paper Christmas trees atthepicketfence.com

The tree absolutely sparkles and my kiddos were pleasantly surprised to find some presents under it with their names on them.

Each year my parents give them a new ornament and they were thrilled to have a little bit of Christmas fun even before Thanksgiving!

Christmas tree in blues and golds atthepicketfence.com

After I took these photos, we sat down for an early Thanksgiving dinner together. It was such a sweet time of laughter and fellowship.

pine wreaths on french doors atthepicketfence.com

Later on, as my mom and I stood in the kitchen slicing up the pumpkin pie, I found myself reflecting on the fact that while I’ve never lived in this home, it still feels strangely like coming ‘home’ to me every time we are there.

Save for this little Nativity scene (which was the same one we had growing up!), there is nothing that is from my childhood.

Not the same furniture, not the same dishes and not even the same Christmas decorations.

Yet, it still feels like ‘home’ to me.

vintage nativity scene atthepicketfence.com

And I realized in that moment, that my sense of going ‘home’ had nothing to do with an actual house, or furniture, or dishes or even Christmas ornaments.

My sense of being home has everything to do with the two people who raised me.

They are my ‘going home’.

mom and vanessa

 

Because we all know that the feeling of being at ‘home’ has less to do with a house and everything to do with the people who live in it!

“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” 

Maya Angelou

Vanessa signature

Here is just a sampling of some of the other ready-made pillows you will find at Online Fabric Store!

pillow 1

pillow2

pillow3

And be sure to take advantage of their awesome Cyber Monday Sale!!

24 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Home Tour Tagged With: decorating, house tour

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Comments

  1. Judy McMillon says

    November 22, 2014 at 4:11 AM

    If this is not appropriate, please feel free to delete. Your sweet mom and I went to high school together. I was at her bridal shower (I was out of town at the time of her wedding) and remember how impressed I was that she was making her own wedding gown. Coincidentally, my grandchildren also go over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house. We have recently reconnected through Facebook and I love seeing what her family looks like as well as enjoying your blog. Her home is simply beautiful. I enjoy mixing a little rustic along with the sparkle as well. I hope your family enjoys a blessed Thanksgiving.
    Please say hello to your mom 🙂

    Reply
  2. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    November 22, 2014 at 4:49 AM

    Beautiful home! Looks like such a warm and welcoming place! Life to the full! Melissa

    Reply
  3. Kerry Purcell says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:18 AM

    What a beautiful story. Thanks so much for sharing! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  4. Linda H. says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:35 AM

    We lived in the same house for 20 years and each grandchild loved that house and hated it when we built a new home in the same town. BUT they soon realized that the new place felt like Grams and Grandpa’s place too…and now 8 years later they have adjusted to it…and we are planning yet another move. All of the 11 grandkids are age 15 on up to 24 now…except for our 7 yr. old grandson…so this move will not be as hard on them as the last one.

    Home is where you make it, and how you put yourself into it! Your parent’s home is lovely…and your mom certainly has beautiful taste in decorating! I love her neutral Christmas touches…and my tree looks very similar!

    I enjoyed my visit here today!

    Linda H. @ Truthful Tidbits

    Reply
  5. Nancy Sharp says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:44 AM

    As adults we appreciate going to our parents homes so much more. Enjoy those days as much as enjoy your children because the end of that comes way too soon.

    Reply
  6. Stacey says

    November 22, 2014 at 6:01 AM

    What a beautiful home!!

    Reply
  7. Anne@DesignDreams says

    November 22, 2014 at 6:30 AM

    Very pretty home, so inviting!!

    Reply
  8. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    November 22, 2014 at 7:49 AM

    That’s such a nice picture of you and your Mom, Vanessa. It was funny to read that they went the other way in moving – from Arizona to Oregon. A lot of people would have gone the other way. : ) I’m sure it is great having them nearby now. Your Mom’s home looks great. My husband says if we ever move again, especially out of state, we would just sell everything and start over. I don’t think he realizes how hard that could be!

    Your parent’s property reminds me of a lovely woman I used to know back on Long Island. She taught me a lot about plants and such; she was like a third grandmother to me. She had a driveway very much like your parents and I always felt like I had to put my foot down on the gas pedal to make sure I got up it!

    Reply
  9. Michele says

    November 22, 2014 at 7:54 AM

    What a wonderful post. I loved everything about it – and seeing where you and your sister get your pretty looks – the apples didn’t fall far from the tree.

    Reply
  10. Darrielle Tennenbaum says

    November 22, 2014 at 8:06 AM

    What a cozy and comfortable home! Happy Holidays to you!

    Reply
  11. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    November 22, 2014 at 9:06 AM

    I love seeing a picture of the woman who raised you and Heather to be the fabulous women you are!!! When I get around you girls all I want to do is hug you… and now your mom! The apples do not fall far from the tree!!! I love your mom’s decor style!!!
    Beautiful home… beautiful post!

    Reply
  12. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    November 22, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    Such a special and loving post. Your mom has done an amazing job decorating her home. Beautiful.

    Reply
  13. Nancherrow says

    November 22, 2014 at 9:21 AM

    What a lovely and secluded place. I love your mum’s style too. Thanks for sharing, Vanessa!

    Alison
    Nancherrow

    Reply
  14. janice says

    November 22, 2014 at 9:42 AM

    I miss your mom and dad here in Arizona…She is so talented,It’s not surprising that the house has the beautiful and homey feeling to it. You have colored leaves, what a great change. I’ll be in Georgia next week as well, maybe I’ll get to see them while I’m there.

    Reply
  15. Jane says

    November 22, 2014 at 10:09 AM

    This brought a tear to my eye, Vanessa! I know what you mean about coming home and Christmas seems to be that time when all of our memories come to the surface. I no longer have my parents and our family home is now “home” to someone else. I do have a small collection of old ornaments that would appear every year to grace our Christmas tree. They are precious to me!

    The “cabin” is simply gorgeous. I thought you were going to say at any minute that your mom was an interior designer. Just lovely!!

    Jane xx

    Reply
  16. Cheryl Ann says

    November 22, 2014 at 10:30 AM

    Love this story…family is what we are most thankful for. We moved from the northwest to Nashville to be near our daughters and get to spend the holidays together. Now we aren’t the only empty driveway in the neighborhood!

    Reply
  17. Martha Franks says

    November 22, 2014 at 11:15 AM

    What a beautiful post! Enjoy your parents and include them in as much of your life as possible. I surely miss my Mom and Dad and treasure many moments with them. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves (your sister too!) God bless you all…

    Reply
  18. laura@top this top that says

    November 22, 2014 at 12:18 PM

    Vanessa- you have such a beautiful soul. i love this post and your mama sure did raise you and Heather just right! Happy thanksgiving!

    Reply
  19. Esther says

    November 22, 2014 at 1:01 PM

    I loved this story! We raised our family here in the Willamette Valley and then one daughter moved to Georgia. So we’re an Oregon/Georgia family too. We too have moved homes from when the kids were little and I do hope they feel like they are “coming home” when they all come here for an event or just to hang out! (although it’s downtown and not over the river and through the woods). 🙂

    Reply
  20. Bonnie Morgan says

    November 22, 2014 at 4:30 PM

    Such sweet and heartfelt sentiments about your parents. You are so right and the sweet picture of you and your mother is very special.Cherish each phone call, visit and any communication with your parents. I lost both of mine at age 33 and it has been 30 years. Your post was so touching.

    Their new home is beautiful. I enjoyed the tour very much. Precious nativity!

    Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  21. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    November 22, 2014 at 8:03 PM

    Your parent’s home is beautiful…I can see how you and Heather got your love for decorating…I so love the photo of you and your mom…Beautiful post Vanessa….I held on to every wonderful word from your heart…..as my granddaughter says, “home is where you are loved” . . .

    Reply
  22. Kim says

    November 23, 2014 at 5:53 AM

    Such a beautiful home and a great photo of the two of you. I know you have to be thrilled to have them close by.

    Reply
  23. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    November 23, 2014 at 7:51 AM

    Your parents have a beautiful home and I love how your mom decorated it for the holidays. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  24. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    November 23, 2014 at 4:55 PM

    Vanessa, I loved seeing the photo of you and your mom together! I know you are delighted having your parents nearby. Such a touching post!

    Reply

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “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! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year 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!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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