• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

December 3, 2015

Christmas Home Tour 2015

Welcome, welcome to new friends and old friends!
Holiday Housewalk collage At the Picket Fence

I’m so thrilled that you stopped by today. If you are following along on the Holiday Housewalk hosted by Jennifer Rizzo (click here to start at the beginning of the tour) then you might be coming here after seeing the beautiful home belonging to my wonderfully talented friend Jenna Burger. We’re also so excited because this year we’re teaming up with Joss and Main and Good Housekeeping to bring you some truly inspiring Christmas ideas for your home.

holiday housewalk Jenna Burger design 19  2015.jpg

When I was a little girl, the holiday season didn’t officially begin until we had our Christmas tree.

Front door basket with greenery and ice skates atthepicketfence.com

We would pile in the car and head out to the Christmas tree lot (we lived in Southern California for most of my childhood).

My mom and dad would examine each tree, turning them this way and that way until they found THE tree. The one which had been deemed worthy of gracing our family room.

Christmas entry with garland on staircase

And when the box of decorations was opened, I loved nothing more than to pull out each ornament. I would gingerly pick them up, one by one, and feel like I was greeting long lost friends.

But, of course, the lights and ornaments couldn’t be added to the tree until it had been properly placed in the plastic stand.

greenery spray on banister atthepicketfence.com

One year, when I was about 7 years old, after finding the perfect tree and bringing it home strapped to the top of our Datsun station wagon, my dad brought it inside and began the thankless task of putting it in the stand. And for whatever reason, this particular year the trunk of the tree just wasn’t cooperating. Or maybe it was the stand that wasn’t cooperating. Or maybe it was the tree AND the stand that weren’t cooperating.

Either way, our warm and fuzzy Christmas moment was quickly vanishing as my dad wrestled that beast of a tree. There was some mumbling. There was some grumbling. There were some ‘helpful’ tips from my mom standing nearby. And there were two wide-eyed little girls watching the scene unfold in front of us.

Christmas entry decor atthepicketfence.com

 

(Holy Night Pillow)

No matter how hard my dad tried, that tree just wasn’t going in that stand. And money was tight in those years, so the thought of having to buy a new stand added even more stress to an already stressful situation.

sled with vintage books and little tree atthepicketfence.com

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, it appeared that my dad had achieved success. The trunk was in the stand and as my dad let go of the tree we eagerly moved forward to begin decorating.

branches and greenery in metal basket

But, in that split second, the tree suddenly tipped right over, stand and all!

We all froze.

And one look at my dad’s face told us that the best thing we could do in that moment was to stifle any giggles that threatened to leave our mouths.

french country style Christmas living room atthepicketfence.com

He turned on his heel, marched out to the garage, grabbed a big metal bucket and some bricks and that year our family officially started the galvanized bucket Christmas tree stand trend! 😉

Christmas mantel with noel letters in twig frame

(NOEL Garden Plaque)

This year, as I went out with my own precious family to cut down our Christmas tree, I imagine I had all of the same hopes and expectations that my parent’s did all those years ago.

pine cones and fresh greenery on mantel

A longing to create memories. To enjoy spending time together, celebrating all of the magic of this season.

cream colored snowflake pillow atthepicketfence.com

(Snowflake Pillow)

 After trudging all over a local farm in freezing cold temperatures, we finally found our perfect tree.

wood reindeer ornament

(Wood Reindeer Ornament)

It was shaken and baled and carefully tied to the top of our SUV and we made our way home singing Christmas carols and feeling all of the warm fuzzies that those moments can bring.

metal santos doll angel atthepicketfence.com

My son and husband unloaded the tree and as they were getting ready to bring it in the house, my husband showed me the branches that would probably need to be cut in order for it to fit in the stand.

I expressed concern. You see, I like the branches to hang down lower than the top of the stand and this year we had tried a different variety of tree so I was worried that it might not look right if we cut off too much.

Large Urn on Christmas buffet table atthepicketfence.com

But, my husband assured me that it would be fine so I gave him the go-ahead.

Those lower branches were snipped off and the grand moment of bringing in the tree arrived. As my son removed the twine and we watched each branch fall into place we just KNEW that this was going to be our best tree ever.

My daughter and I stood to the side holding lights and ornaments, eager to get to the decorating.

winter buffet table from atthepicketfence.com

But, when at last the final piece of twine was removed, the truth was revealed.

Those lower branches? Well, we kinda needed them.

There was a lot of trunk showing.

winter bird in nest under glass dome atthepicketfence.com

I wasn’t happy. And I informed everyone of my unhappiness. And my husband informed me that I had given him the go-ahead to trim those branches. And I informed him that I went against my gut instinct when I gave him the go-ahead. And he informed me that even though we’ve been married for 17 years he can’t be expected to be aware of my gut instincts.

And, meanwhile, our kids stood off to the side fighting the giggles with all their might.

As I was alternating between fuming and trying to come up with a solution, praying the tree skirt would be big enough, I remembered a day many years ago.

One involving a Christmas tree and frustrations and situations that go from Norman Rockwell moments to ones we would just as soon forget.

Christmas family room atthepicketfence.com

I realized that out of all of the years of getting Christmas trees as a young girl, that was the only one that really stood out to me.

It wasn’t the years where everything went perfectly. Where all of the light strands worked and the tree didn’t topple over and the cookies didn’t burn.

Winter mantel with white pitchers and greenery atthepicketfence.com

No, it was the years when real life happened. When a tree didn’t stay in the stand and we had a bucket in our family room before they were ever considered stylish.

It was the year that my parents encountered a frustrating situation but came up with a solution and laughed about it later.

And have laughed about it every year since.

Christmas mantel with white pitchers and greenery

So, I apologized to my precious family. And we laughed. We laughed at our tree that looks like it’s trying to show some leg. We laughed at mommy’s reaction and at daddy’s reaction.

And we made a memory. One I’m sure will stand out in my children’s minds far more than the times when everything came together seamlessly.

greenery in white cup on mantel

And when I really think about it, that’s the gift I want to give my children at Christmas. I want them to know that it isn’t about the perfect tree or the perfect decorations.

It’s not about the perfect moments.

simple and sweet hot cocoa station atthepicketfence.com

It’s about the unexpected ones. The ones we don’t orchestrate or have expectations for.

hot cocoa station details atthepicketfence.com

Like when your sweet girl asks if she can help make the banner for the hot cocoa station and you didn’t expect her to add a drawing of a mug of steaming hot cocoa. But you can’t imagine that banner without it and when you praise her talent and see her beaming face you realize that you will never forget that moment…and that you will save the banner forever.

It’s the unexpectedness of life that allows us to really experience it.

simple pennant hot cocoa banner

It’s the unexpected, like a King being born in a barn, that reminds us that really living means embracing it all. The joy with the sorrow, the bitter with the sweet, the gain and the sacrifice.

nativity

My heart’s desire is that my children will embrace the unexpected in their own lives. That they will see it as an opportunity to grow and stretch and get to know themselves better.

Pots spell out Joy to the World

So maybe Christmas trees surrounded by bricks and stuck in buckets or ones that are showing too much trunk are really the gifts that keep on giving.

Because, they are the memories that are made when we least expect them.

And, perhaps, those are the sweetest memories of all!

Vanessa signature

Now, be sure to head on over and take the tour at The Yellow Cape Cod!

holiday housewalk Yellow cape Cod 21 2015.jpg

 

For more holiday inspiration follow our Pinterest board with Good Housekeeping here.

35 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Holidays Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas decor, Christmas decorating, Christmas home tour

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « DIY Mirrored Christmas Tree Stand
Next Post: Glam-ish Christmas Entry Decor »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. JoeyfromSC says

    December 3, 2015 at 2:54 AM

    I absolutely love your decor! I also thoroughly enjoyed yoyur story!! You are such a great writer!

    I’m going to be putting up my tree & decorations this week & I’mj excited because I have new ornaments to add to my collection:)

    Thanks for making my day with this story!

    Reply
    • JoeyfromSC says

      December 3, 2015 at 2:55 AM

      I absolutely love your decor! I also thoroughly enjoyed your story!! You are such a great writer!

      I’m going to be putting up my tree & decorations this week & I’m excited because I have new ornaments to add to my collection:)

      Thanks for making my day with this story!

      Reply
      • JoeyfromSC says

        December 3, 2015 at 2:56 AM

        OOPS, I was trying to correct my typos ha..I need to be asleep & I’m blurry eyed lol

        Reply
  2. paige says

    December 3, 2015 at 3:47 AM

    love the candles/art/greenery over your mantle especially!! so pretty!
    merry christmas!

    Reply
  3. Courtney @ Golden Boys and Me says

    December 3, 2015 at 4:24 AM

    I loved this post, Vanessa, not just for the gorgeous Christmas decor, but for your words. I could relate to almost every one of them! Merry Christmas!!

    Reply
  4. MimiMatthewsPassionistaAtLarge says

    December 3, 2015 at 4:48 AM

    Fabulous stories. Thanks for sharing what is important!

    Reply
  5. Eilis says

    December 3, 2015 at 5:32 AM

    Lovely post and lovely tree! You reminded me of the scratch on the living room ceiling of my childhood home. We used to go to a “real” Christmas tree farm up in the mountains, where you picked a growing tree and then they cut it for you. One year, the tree was just too tall and scraped the “popcorn” ceiling when my dad was setting it up. As kids, that scrape was kind of a badge of honor….”remember when we had that huge Christmas tree?”
    Eilis@MyHeartLivesHere.

    Reply
  6. Lisa Mothersead says

    December 3, 2015 at 5:33 AM

    Beautiful stories and home! Merry Christmas!!

    Reply
  7. cassie @ primitive & proper says

    December 3, 2015 at 5:38 AM

    glad i now know how the galvanized tub trend started! 🙂 great story and your home is lovely as always- love the mantle!

    Reply
  8. Velia says

    December 3, 2015 at 5:39 AM

    Vanessa, your home looks lovely decorated for the holidays, it evokes warmth and comfort. Your use of greenery throughout the home added a festive holiday touch and your cocoa station is especially nice. Thank you for sharing your childhoid memories, your writing was delightful. Blessings to you and yours.

    Reply
  9. Jennifer Rizzo says

    December 3, 2015 at 5:52 AM

    Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home and being a part of the tour!

    Reply
  10. Kim says

    December 3, 2015 at 6:11 AM

    Vanessa, what a fun story. Yes, life is not perfect and I remember several trees and accidents through my childhood and with my family. Beautiful home tour!

    Reply
  11. Becca says

    December 3, 2015 at 6:41 AM

    Beautiful post and gorgeous holiday home! I love your “hot cocoa” banner and cute station below! Happy Holidays, friend!

    Reply
  12. Angela says

    December 3, 2015 at 6:57 AM

    Your home is alway so beautiful!! I hope you had a great Thanksgiving…and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
    xoxo,
    Angela

    Reply
  13. Carol Reddin says

    December 3, 2015 at 8:21 AM

    Your Dad and I laughed again this morning remembering the bucket with the bricks. Our tree skirt had a big job that Christmas trying to hide that rather large bucket. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Vanessa! Love you!

    Reply
  14. Vanessa says

    December 3, 2015 at 8:30 AM

    Your Christmas decor is beautiful. I love the basket on the bottom of the tree. It’s great.

    Reply
  15. kristin says

    December 3, 2015 at 8:36 AM

    Your home is just gorgeous, warm, welcoming and loved! I love the story of the tree growing up, such great memories. Ray and I have had that problem a few times with the trunk, finally we went out and purchased a bigger stand, should have just put it in a bucket 🙂
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  16. Nikki says

    December 3, 2015 at 8:44 AM

    I enjoyed reading this! Merry Christmas.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 3, 2015 at 9:56 AM

      Thank you Nikki!

      Reply
  17. Maggie says

    December 3, 2015 at 9:56 AM

    We also had a similar story where the tree fell. I remember my parents not being too happy. P. S. May I ask where you purchased those cute felt skates. So sweet

    Reply
  18. Cami says

    December 3, 2015 at 11:33 AM

    What a warm and inviting home you have created for the holidays! It was so fun to look through it!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 4, 2015 at 8:14 PM

      Thank you Cami!

      Reply
  19. Delilah says

    December 3, 2015 at 12:24 PM

    So beautifully written! Thank you for sharing.
    I love your décor!

    Reply
  20. Sheran Steading says

    December 4, 2015 at 2:00 PM

    I love this story!!!!! more than your beautiful home and gorgeous decorations. it’s real. and wonderful. Thank you!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 4, 2015 at 8:14 PM

      Oh thank you so much Sheran! So appreciate you coming by. 🙂

      Reply
  21. Pat says

    December 4, 2015 at 6:48 PM

    Vanessa,
    Thank you for reminding us that truly living is about embracing it all– especially this time of year when rushing around trying to do too much we lose our joy and often forget the very reason for celebrating. The birth of a King, what could be more joyful?
    Your home is beautiful and your words are always inspiring.
    Pat

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 4, 2015 at 8:14 PM

      Thank you so much Pat! Merry Christmas to you and yours! 🙂

      Reply
  22. laura@duke manor farm says

    December 5, 2015 at 2:41 AM

    love your story, love your heart. merry Christmas to you and your sweet family. I will think of you all sitting around your beautiful tree sharing a little too much leg! hugs!

    Reply
  23. Robyn MacLaine says

    December 5, 2015 at 2:55 PM

    Thank you for your beautiful words that go along with your photos. It can be so overwhelming, especially when viewing so many other people’s beautiful homes and decor. Your post was like a breath of fresh air and just what I needed. Gorgeous

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 5, 2015 at 6:26 PM

      Oh that means so much to me Robyn! Thank you for stopping by and visiting!

      Reply
  24. Tonya | Rustic & Woven says

    December 6, 2015 at 9:07 AM

    Everything looks beautiful!! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Janie baker says

    December 9, 2015 at 9:25 AM

    What a precious post! Like a favorite book, I didn’t want it to end!
    Loved it and your beautiful decor!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 9, 2015 at 8:02 PM

      What a lovely compliment Janie! Thank you so much. And hopefully that means you will enjoy our book when it comes out next year! 🙂

      Reply
  26. Beth Moore says

    December 11, 2015 at 1:22 PM

    Yes! I love the truth of this as it mirrors so my own Christmas expectations in many ways. Followed by the wisdom and gentle reminder to embrace the unexpected. Thank you for sharing your heart, and your home. It’s so cozy and stunning all wrapped up in one.

    Reply
  27. Rachelle Reda says

    November 4, 2016 at 6:41 PM

    Silly question. How did you tie that burlap bow on your railing? It’s simple and perfect!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka.

Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard ar The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard are at their peak and I’m here for it!
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the gr It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the greatest joys of this stage in my parenting journey is getting to see the results of the years spent pouring into my children. The worry, the sleepless nights, praying, questioning our decisions and learning to trust in the Lord Who loves them even more than we do. We definitely didn’t do everything right, but what an an amazing experience it is to watch them become these incredible teens/young adults. My tip this week might seem simple, but I believe it can make a major difference in the lives of our children, in our homes and maybe, just maybe, in the culture too. 🌸
It was the most glorious day to celebrate my best It was the most glorious day to celebrate my best friend! Oregon came through with perfect weather for my wonderful husband’s birthday and we made the most of it by taking the convertible to our favorite winery and soaking up the sunshine, yummy food and wine. Then we had a lovely time celebrating with family at our home. Robb is truly the most amazing husband and father and all around incredible man. He loves and leads us well so it’s such a joy to get to honor him on his special day. 🎂

“The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good.” Matthew 12:35
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! Today I’m s It’s time for another #tiptuesday! Today I’m sharing with you two critical things to determine if you want to create order in your home which leads to a much more peaceful experience for everyone. As a recovering perfectionist, this has been one of my greatest lessons and I hope it encourages you today! 🍃
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence