• 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
  • 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 5, 2014

Christmas Home Tour ~ Holiday Housewalk

 “When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things, not the great occasions, give off the greatest glow of happiness.” ~ Bob Hope

Holiday Housewalk tour atthepicketfence.com

Welcome, welcome dear friends! I’m so glad you are here! Now imagine me handing you your favorite seasonal beverage as we settle in for a nice little respite in the midst of this crazy time of the year.

If you are stopping by after taking the tour of the beautiful home of Jen from City Farmhouse I know you have already seen some amazing eye candy.

City Farmhouse house 27

And you won’t want to miss seeing all of the stunning homes that are part of the annual Holiday Housewalk hosted by our friend Jennifer Rizzo. You can start the tour here

Jennifer Rizzo 2014 housewalk button

As I was pulling out the Christmas CD’s back in late October (what?), I came across one that was a little worse for the wear. The top and bottom of the case had separated and the CD itself was covered in scratches. But, I HAD to put it in the player. I couldn’t NOT play it.

In the winter of 1994, I was a freshman in college and feeling the excitement of freedom starting to wane and the homesickness set in. The crazy lights and tinsel hung around the dorms were no match for my mom’s Christmas decorating and what I really wanted was to have those familiar childhood treasures around me.

fresh greenery on staircase with burlap bow atthepicketfence.com

One day, as I stopped to check my mailbox after taking a particularly brutal final, I discovered a package waiting for me. Not just any old package. A ‘care’ package…the lifeline for all college students.

As I lifted the lid the tears began to flow. There under the tissue paper was a container of cookies and a set of Christmas CD’s from Victoria’s Secret. Remember when they used to have an elegant, British sensibility? When you didn’t have to shield your children’s eyes as you walked past the windows? They used to sell so much more than underwear. They had beautiful books and stationery and even CD’s.

Christmas arrangement on entry table atthepicketfence.com

I popped the first CD in my little boom box and as I heard those opening strains coming through the speakers, the feeling of ‘home’ just washed over me.

Sitting there on the bed in my half of a tiny dorm room, I experienced that very first tug between childhood and adulthood.

My longing to go home mixed with my longing for the freedom that comes from being truly independent.

At no other time than Christmas do I feel more fully that mysterious bridge between the past and the future.

The old and familiar blending with the new and unchartered, like some kind of mosaic of my life.

And I think that is why when it comes to decorating my home for Christmas my goal is to try and create some sense of continuity even while I add in new pieces here and there.

Christmas mantel with magnolia garland bottles and candles atthepicketfence.com

This year I was so thrilled to be able to add a magnolia garland from Balsam Hill to my decor.

Christmas mantel with magnolia garland atthepicketfence.com

Vintage bottles and candles complete the look and give off the most beautiful glow.

bottle and candles Christmas winter mantel atthepicketfence.com

Our ‘family’ tree (a 6.5 ft. slim red spruce from Balsam Hill) continues the theme of blending the old with the new and homemade ornaments look right at home next to new ones.

I’ll be showing you all of the details of this tree next week!

Christmas tree with family ornaments atthepicketfence.com

My advent candles are nestled together on the table right next to the tree.

scripture advent candles from atthepicketfence.com

Over in the breakfast nook, the buffet table has been transformed into a hot cocoa station and is definitely one of the more popular places to hang out in our house!

Hot Cocoa Station atthepicketfence.com

A glittery house looks perfectly at home on top of my vintage scale.

vintage scale with christmas house atthepicketfence.com

And the kitchen table is set for Christmas breakfast.

Christmas breakfast or brunch table setting atthepicketfence.com

The kitchen gets simple touches, like gingerbread cookie cutters tied to glass canisters.

gingerbread cookie cutters tied on canisters atthepicketfence.com

And my favorite Christmas mugs ready for friends to stop over for a cup of coffee.

Christmas coffee station atthepicketfence.com

I had BIG plans for my dining room table…but everyone in this house has been working hard on a puzzle and I just couldn’t bring myself to make them move it.

I guess that means you are getting to see what my dining room really looks like this time of the year. I think this is one beautiful centerpiece, don’t you? 😉

Christmas puzzle

Because, just like Bob Hope said, ‘it’s the simplest things, not the great occasions’.

Things like giant puzzles and snuggling in to watch movies together.

boxwood wreath hanging on mirror with burlap ribbon atthepicketfence.com

Or spontaneously deciding to go look at Christmas lights after dinner and piling into the car in our sweats and slippers.

french country christmas mantel decor atthepicketfence.com

Or having your daughter ask you to sing ‘Jingle Bells’ in your best opera voice while she falls down in hysterical laughter.

wood angel on mantel for Christmas atthepicketfence.com

Or as you are sitting down to finish a Christmas home tour blog post, having your son invite you to come sit with him at the kitchen island and have a ‘chat’ while he eats a bedtime snack. Who could resist that invitation?

French country styled Christmas tree with paper garland atthepicketfence.com

When I recall my own Christmas past, it’s definitely not the big, huge moments that stand out to me (although that one year I received white leather roller skates with purple wheels was pretty significant!).

music sheet garland atthepicketfence.com

It’s really the smaller moments that create the sweetest of memories.

basket holding gifts in front of Christmas tree atthepicketfence.com

Like a kaleidoscope, swirling and blending together to create a picture that seems to be living and breathing.

Because the moments, the memories, aren’t just frozen in time forever. They weave in and out of everything we do now and in the future.

santa bag on sled on front porch atthepicketfence.com

They play over and over again. Each time we go into the cold attic to pull out the boxes of decorations.

When we unwrap an ornament and find ourselves saying ‘hello, old friend’.

Or when we push play on a familiar CD, holding our breath in the hope that it will fight those scratches and smudges just one more year.

Christmas front door wreath and joy to the world sign

And as the first strains come through the speakers, I’m transported back to that tiny dorm room. To that 18 year old girl with one foot in each season of her life. To that time of uncertainty and change. To that longing for home.

So, I play those same songs and I use the same decorations and bake the same cookies and carry on the traditions.

Because I want my home to feel like just one giant ‘care package’. Scratched Victoria’s Secret CD’s and all! 😉

Vanessa signature

Thank you so much stopping by to visit us today At the Picket Fence! Be sure to check out the next stop, a surprise house!

2014 surprise house 29

 

 

 

47 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays, Home Tour

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Scripture Wrapped Advent Candles
Next Post: Original Fantasy Fudge Recipe … a sweet treat! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ali says

    December 5, 2014 at 2:53 AM

    Beautiful post to go with your beautiful home! That is probably the best explanation of a feeling, the tug between childhood and adulthood. We are a military family and are always far from our families and childhood homes at the holidays. I go all out decorating every year in every home, no matter how small or big. My hope is that my 3 boys, even though they have grown up in many different houses all over the world, will feel that tug too and have wonderful Christmas memories. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home, I love your blog!

    Reply
  2. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    December 5, 2014 at 4:12 AM

    What a sweet post, Vanessa! So many beautiful touches in your home, but my favorite is the jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table… my siblings and I ALWAYS had a holiday puzzle working in the month of December, so our dining room was never decorated for Christmas. My own kids aren’t much for puzzle working, but when my daughter gets home from college next week, we might just have to revisit that. 😉
    Blessings to you and yours!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  3. Kim says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:05 AM

    Vanessa, your post is written beautifully along with the beautiful decor. So glad you left the puzzle out. There is no way I could destroy all that hard work either.

    Reply
  4. Linda H. says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:13 AM

    Fantastic post! Amazing Home! Beautiful Sentiment!

    God Bless You and Yours!

    Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

    Reply
  5. Sandy says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:38 AM

    Vanessa, I’m really enjoying this annual Christmas home tour and seeing each home decorated so beautifully and differently. Your post really stands out to me. I was so thoughtfully written that I savored each and every word. Your home is stunning, and very warm and welcoming but I have to say that you are a great story teller weaving words that truly touch the heart.

    Reply
  6. Shelia says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:39 AM

    Hi Vanessa! Oh, this was a sweet post filled with sweet decor. You’re making those same sweet memories for your children as you had as a child! I love that.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  7. Laura Putnam says

    December 5, 2014 at 6:14 AM

    So beautiful Vanessa – although I think my favorite is the puzzle on the table. Love your home but really love your heart!

    Reply
  8. Vicki says

    December 5, 2014 at 6:24 AM

    I loved your story and your home is gorgeous – because you can see the love! And the wreath at the last is my favorite! Where did you get the Joy To The World on top of the wreath? I never think to use things differently like that! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  9. Jen says

    December 5, 2014 at 6:50 AM

    Beautiful Vanessa! It feels so warm & inviting and I love what you wrote. Happy Holidays to you & your families!!
    Jen

    Reply
  10. Courtney says

    December 5, 2014 at 7:23 AM

    Such a great post Vanessa! Love your beautiful decor!

    Reply
  11. darrielle Tennenbaum says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:01 AM

    I love all the greenery in your decorating! Beautiful!

    Reply
  12. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    Thank you for sharing your home and heart with us. Those invites to sing and to chat are treasures. The years go so quickly. Enjoy the holiday with your family V. Merry Christmas to all.

    Reply
  13. Nancherrow says

    December 5, 2014 at 9:54 AM

    Your home looks lovely and festive for Christmas! I adore all the sparkle, with vintage pieces thrown in. Thanks for sharing!

    Alison
    Nancherrow

    Reply
  14. Julie says

    December 5, 2014 at 10:06 AM

    Beautiful, Vanessa! My favorite is your daughter’s photo ornament! Merry Christmas ATPF!

    Reply
  15. Jennifer Rizzo says

    December 5, 2014 at 10:43 AM

    Your home is beautiful! Thank you so much for being a part of the house walk!!!

    Reply
  16. kristin says

    December 5, 2014 at 11:40 AM

    Everything is just gorgeous!! I so remember that tugging as a teen on my own for the first time and the music from good ole VS, such memories 🙂
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  17. Shenita says

    December 5, 2014 at 4:19 PM

    Vanessa, this is such a sweet post! With both our girls away at college, they really do look forward to coming home to the traditions that make the holidays special. Your home looks especially warm and festive; and I can feel the love that you have put into decking your halls!

    Reply
  18. Jane says

    December 5, 2014 at 4:54 PM

    Very, very pretty, Vanessa! From top to bottom. You have so many handmade pretties (for lack of better words!), it simply shows that your heart and soul is in making Christmas special for your family and friends the old fashioned way! Isn’t that wonderful to get back to? You are always inspiring! 🙂

    Happy Holidays!

    Jane xx

    Reply
  19. Pam says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:44 PM

    I loved this post, very well written. It has made me think about my home and Christmas time with my daughter that is just a few years away from that freshman year in college. I hope I remember to send a care package and she will remember her home and past Christmas’!!!! Merry Christmas

    Reply
  20. Diana says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:56 PM

    I love the garland idea, will have to do that with my daughters for our tree! Such a pretty home, your mantel is gorgeous!

    Ps, stopping by from EC2blog I’m Monica’s assistant!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:43 AM

      Thanks so much for stopping by Diana!

      Reply
  21. Jamie says

    December 5, 2014 at 11:35 PM

    Such a beautiful house walk! I love your story and your gorgeous touches throughout. Sharing on my FB page 😉
    Hugs, Jamie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:42 AM

      Thank you so much Jamie!

      Reply
  22. tara says

    December 6, 2014 at 3:10 AM

    love your home all decked out.
    I think my favorite is the garland made of sheet music.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:42 AM

      Thank you Tara!

      Reply
  23. Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says

    December 6, 2014 at 4:15 AM

    Oh Vanessa, I don’t even know where to begin! First, your home is beautiful! I love every single detail! It is warm, inviting, beautiful — I could go on! Second, your post just brought me back to my college days…and, yes, those Victoria’s Secret CDs! I love the puzzle on your dining room table and I’m so glad you kept it there. I loved every word of this post – so heartfelt and full of soul.
    Merry Christmas to you!
    Julie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:38 AM

      Oh thank you so much Julie!! Christmas blessings to you and your family! 🙂

      Reply
  24. laura@top this top that says

    December 6, 2014 at 5:52 AM

    oh , and it does sweet friend! I am so glad that the holiday memories and puzzle activity won out over setting a festive holiday table. Your home is holiday perfect. Happy Holidays.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:36 AM

      Thank you Laura!! Wish we could stop by each other’s homes to see them in person and have a cup of coffee. 🙂 Love to you!

      Reply
  25. Dria says

    December 6, 2014 at 7:36 AM

    Amazing tour, loved everything especially your tree just stunning!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:36 AM

      Thank you so much Dria!

      Reply
  26. Colleen Clancy says

    December 6, 2014 at 8:23 AM

    Beautiful! Where did you find your “Joy to the World” sign???

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:30 AM

      Colleen I found it a few years ago at TJ Maxx. 🙂

      Reply
  27. Bethany says

    December 6, 2014 at 9:56 AM

    I really enjoyed reading this! So well-written and simply beautiful. Merry Christmas! xo, Bethany

    Reply
  28. becca says

    December 6, 2014 at 1:31 PM

    You always know how to tug at my heartstrings AND dazzle me with your beautiful decor! I’ve loved seeing how your style has evolved over the last few years … it has always been gorgeous, but, this year, your Christmas decor is over the top fantabulous! Love the different elements and textures you have joined together … your guests won’t want to leave, and your kiddos are so blessed to have such an endearing Mama who knows how to create a warm, inviting and festive home to celebrate the holiday season! xoxo

    Reply
  29. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    December 6, 2014 at 6:06 PM

    Such a beautifully written post, Vanessa! You are creating special memories for your children just as your mom did for you! And I wanted to tell you that your photos are incredible!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 6, 2014 at 7:51 PM

      Oh thank you so much for such a sweet comment Jane!! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas! 🙂

      Reply
  30. Nichole says

    December 6, 2014 at 9:10 PM

    A big YES on missing the Victoria’s Secret of old! Thanks to that store and Victoria magazine, I spent my teen years loving British culture, listening to classical music, and wearing gorgeous nightgowns. haha

    Reply
  31. martina says

    December 6, 2014 at 9:52 PM

    STUNNING my friend!! I kept scrolling up and down to make sure I didn’t miss anything…your photos are beautiful!

    Reply
  32. Suzy @ Worthing Court says

    December 8, 2014 at 3:11 PM

    So, so pretty, Vanessa! One of my fave tours this year!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 8, 2014 at 8:22 PM

      Thank you so much Suzy!! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas! 🙂

      Reply
  33. DAnielle says

    December 8, 2014 at 5:12 PM

    It all looks so pretty! Love so much in your tour. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas. x

    Reply
  34. Doreen says

    December 9, 2014 at 7:25 AM

    Love every single thing, but my favorite is your breathtaking mantel with that magnolia leaf garland! Stunning! I also like that you’ve got a puzzle in the works – I just said to my kids that I wanted to get a new big puzzle for over the long winter months!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 10, 2014 at 7:28 AM

      Thank you so much Doreen!! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas!

      Reply
  35. Janae says

    December 10, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    I LOVED EVERYTHING about this post!!! Because you are RIGHT – it is the small moments that matter the MOST!!! And why don’t I remember Victorias Secret selling cd’s?!?!? Thanks for sharing your beautiful memories with us. MERRY CHRISTMAS

    Reply
  36. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    December 15, 2014 at 5:03 PM

    Beautiful home tour, Vanessa. Love your choice of greens … especially the magnolia garland!

    Reply
  37. Donna says

    January 14, 2015 at 7:59 AM

    Hi Vanessa-just found your blog! I know just what you mean about Victoria’s Secret – only I had that lovely Christmas music on cassette! It was certainly a different vibe in VS. Love your home and style

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Janae 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!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

I’m slightly obsessed with lavender and have pla I’m slightly obsessed with lavender and have planted it all around our home. Seeing it waving in the breeze, using it to make simple syrup and just breathing it in as I walk past fills my soul!
Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.”.
.
When I was a little girl we took a trip to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO. One of the attractions there is the Marvel Cave. The whole theme park was actually built right around the cave! I will never forget the feeling of descending into the darkness. We had to walk down a steep, narrow path and I could feel the rocky walls beginning to close in on me. From time to time, our guide would even have to call out for us to duck our heads so as not to whack them on rocks that were jutting out. And just when it felt like we had been walking forever; just when it felt the most narrow and the most dark; just when we were starting to get really weary from navigating this path, we turned the corner and found ourselves awestruck as we gazed at this enormous room. Everywhere we looked there were stalactites and stalagmites. Lights had been installed and they reflected off of these formations creating the most beautiful colors on the walls. There were pools of water in a shade of aquamarine I had never seen before and waterfalls flowing from upper levels. That long, winding, damp trek had been so very worth it. The descent into darkness had revealed light…and life!

My prayer for you friends, is that you will look at that narrow path with the small gate as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to experience the kind of freedom that our souls are longing for. The wide and broad path of the world promises us a freedom that is fleeting and temporary. But at the end of the narrow path, there is hope and peace and life everlasting.

I’m choosing the narrow path. And in spite of the hardships, in spite of the challenges and the fears and the times that can feel as dark as the journey down into a cave, I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it.
Happy weekend!! My limelight’s are finally bloom Happy weekend!! My limelight’s are finally blooming and I try really hard to not play favorites among the flowers in my garden but these beauties have my heart and bring me so much joy.

What’s bringing you joy today dear friends?
I can’t properly express how much joy it gives m I can’t properly express how much joy it gives me to know that my family loves being home. After a weeklong vacation, we all feel so happy to be back in our haven. As a homemaker in the truest sense of the word (the maker of a home), knowing my husband and children consider this the place where they feel the most relaxed and at peace means all of my intentions and efforts in this area are worthwhile. It’s not perfect and WE are not perfect by a long stretch. But, it’s where we feel the most free to be imperfect. And that makes it pretty wonderful! 🌱
Looking for a super simple summer meal? I made the Looking for a super simple summer meal? I made these last night and they were a big hit! I’ve seen variations of these online but this is my version. So yummy and ready in no time! 
#summerdinner #summerrecipes #grillingseason #grilling #easydinner #easydinnerideas
It’s been the weirdest summer so far here in the It’s been the weirdest summer so far here in the Willamette Valley! Extreme rain and cooler temperatures followed by extreme heat then back to cloudy and rainy. But the silver lining is that when the sun finally does reappear we definitely don’t take it for granted. My mood is lifting along with the clouds and I’m here for it! ☀️
Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 M Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

May we never take for granted the freedom given to us not by earthly authorities but by the ONE true authority. And may we live in such a way as to honor those who fought for and protect freedom and liberty. 

“Independence Day, freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to sha Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to share all of the details of our family room shelving makeover but I’m super impatient and just had to give you all a sneak peek!! We are SO happy with how they turned out and it finally looks like I’ve always envisioned. Our quick fix years ago (scroll to see the before photo) never felt quite right but now? Soooo much better!! 🙌🏻 Big shoutout to our amazingly talented friend Matt @redemptive_woodworx for bringing our vision to life and doing such impeccable work.

I hope you all have a great start to the 4th of July weekend and make sure to check my stories later for Friday Funnies!
“Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowing thro “Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowing through the jasmine in my mind.” Nothing captures the aroma of summer for me quite like jasmine. With my windows open, the whole house is naturally scented and it’s one of my favorite parts of the season.
The month of June is coming to a close and it has The month of June is coming to a close and it has been JAM packed! The highlight by far though was my son's graduation from high school. When I started blogging, he was only 6 years old and some of you have been apart of my community here for that entire time. Now, he's 19 and there is a reason parents are told not to blink because the years truly do go faster than I ever could have imagined. He has become such an incredible young man we are so excited to see how God is going to unfold the next chapter of his life. We celebrated with parties galore (SO many open houses to attend!) and made memories we'll forever cherish. My mama heart was filled to bursting with the joy of it all! Now we're taking some time to just enjoy these warm, summer days making even more memories because, when you’re at this stage of parenting, you know all too well how much you need to grasp every opportunity to spend time together.

I hope your summer is off to a great start too dear friends! 🪴
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence