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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 5, 2011

Citrus and Evergreen~A Christmas Copycat

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It’s here! It’s here!!
 I am so excited that this party is getting started and I cannot wait for what is going to be happening around Blogland this week! Can you tell I’m just a tad bit eager?
We have so many great things in store for all of you this week including some AMAZING GIVEAWAYS…I mean, seriously amazing folks! Like, if we didn’t think you all were so wonderful and want you to have a chance to enter to win these prizes we would seriously just keep them all for ourselves! 
Did I mention they are amazing? Winking smile
We can’t think of a better way to start this Block Party then by heading over to Debbie’s place for a Copycat Challenge. And I’m pretty sure I have picked the easiest thing you could ever try and copy!
When I saw this arrangement 
Christmas Decorating Idea: Hurricane Arrangement
from Southern Living on Pinterest I knew it was just right for me. Cheap and easy…wait…not that I’m cheap and easy…I just like cheap and easy projects…errr….ummmm…you know what I mean!

I already had an oversized footed glass vase which had been a $7 TJ Maxx purchase and I knew that I wanted to use it on the side table in my dining room. So, this was the perfect way add some simple but elegant Christmas Cheer using mostly what I had on hand.
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I always have oranges in our home this time of year as a way to try and fight my sweet tooth. TRY being the operative word there! The cranberries came from the giant bag I bought for Thanksgiving and keep stored in the freezer to just use as needed. And the limes? Well, my limes are fake!
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I have lots of faux fruit and this seemed like the perfect way to save a few bucks!
In fact, you could do this entire arrangement using faux fruit, cranberries and greenery if you wanted and have it last a lot longer.

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I thought I would have some extra trimmings from our Christmas tree but didn’t end up with as much as I had hoped for. So, I purchased a big bunch of fresh evergreen from Wal-Mart for $5!
You can find these in the fresh flower section of the store and they are such a great way to add color and texture, not to mention wonderful aroma, to your home this time of year without spending a lot.

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I just love the color combination and how fresh and crisp it looks, especially with my homemade boxwood wreath hanging above it. Boxwood wreaths are so expensive and as much as I love them I just wasn’t willing to shell out the money for one. So, I simply purchased a small $4 grapevine wreath and using my %40 off coupon at Michael’s bought up a long garland of boxwood.
By wrapping it around the front of the wreath and wiring it to the grapevine branches, I got the look of a boxwood wreath for much less! Hung on the mirror with a Command Hook, I love how it adds a decorative touch without being overly “Christmas-y”. I might just keep it up through the winter!

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Not only have I been hurrying to get everything done to get ready for the Blogger Block Party, I was also anticipating the party taking place on the block where we actually live! We hosted a Neighborhood Open House this weekend and it was such a wonderful way to usher in the season. Getting to know your neighbors beyond just a quick wave and maybe a “nice lawn you’ve got there” is so important! We are so thrilled to not only consider them our neighbors but also to call them our friends. 
So, what about you, you party animals? 
I can’t wait to see all of the amazing creations you have come up with and look forward to meeting you back here on Wednesday when I will be hosting the linky party for:
Doors and Porches 

So, hang that wreath, string those lights, brush the snow off that doormat and get ready to link up your fabulous outdoor spaces!
Oh, and did I mention I’ll have giveaways? Winking smile
See you around the Block and thanks for joining me today at the Fence,
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This post is partying here:
Debbie Doo’s Blogging and Blabbing: Magazine Copycat Challenge
Ivy and Elephants: What’s It? Wednesday

33 Comments Filed Under: Blogger Block Party, Christmas, Decorating, Holidays

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Next Post: Heather’s Mantel~ Christmas Blogger Block Party 2011 »

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Comments

  1. Veronica says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Hi and thanks a whole bunch for stopping by and joining Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds… This might be cheap and easy,,,but it is luscous and festive and that’s all you want! Happy decorating!

    Veronica

    Reply
  2. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Oh what a great idea. I love your copy. The fruit looks so pretty and colorful and the greens are so pretty, plus I am sure the smell is fabulous. Hugs, marty

    Reply
  3. xinex says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    How beautiful! Great idea too! You did an excellent copy…Christine

    Reply
  4. Shelia says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    I love it! The fruit and greens are just perfect! I have that same glass vase and have used it on my mantel! 🙂
    It’s gorgeous and I can almost smell the oranges as I’m passing by! 🙂
    Thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  5. Town and Country Mom says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    You’ve inspired me yet again. I will be copying your hurricane arrangements as well as your boxwood wreath. Beautifully done!

    Reply
  6. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    I love to mix those things together each holiday too! Your arrangement is so pretty, I will totally COPYCAT YOU! lol

    Reply
  7. Brandi says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    Such a beautiful arrangement! I bet it smells nice too!

    Reply
  8. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    I love this arrangement! I’m a big fan of fruit mixed with greenery – so fresh and pretty!

    Reply
  9. Sue says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    I like your idea of just wrapping a boxwood garland around the grapevine wreath! What a simple, yet good, idea. Like your copycat vase, too. I need to get this decorating done. I am definitely late this year. Too much work and not enuf time to “play!”

    Reply
  10. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    December 5, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    Just gorgeous! I need to go get some cranberries so I can copy your copy LOL! This has been an amazing party, and I can’t thank you enough for asking me to join in. I think that invitation went viral or something LOL! Did someone put it on You tube? I never dreamed it would be this big. Enjoy! See you Wednesday, I have some work to do on my porch.

    Reply
  11. Fabiana ~ Ciao! Newport Beach says

    December 5, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    I love it! Now I need to copycat your copycat and Deb’s copycat…we’ll see what I come up with!

    Yours is better than the original!!

    Reply
  12. A Vintage Vine says

    December 5, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    Citrus always reminds me of the Holidays, great copy cat! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  13. blackheartbetty says

    December 5, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    That is lovely. I love oranges, but you have made me want to go grab a big bag of clementines.

    Reply
  14. Myric says

    December 5, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    I bet your house is smelling so good!

    xoxo
    Myric

    Reply
  15. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    December 5, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    LOVE IT Vanessa!!!

    Reply
  16. Chatty Chics says

    December 5, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    Gorgeous! Love it! Thanks for the great ideas!

    Reply
  17. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    December 5, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    What a great copy! Easy and festive! It adds a lot; and you didn’t have to spend a lot of money! Great job!

    Reply
  18. Honey at 2805 says

    December 5, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    The arrangements is wonderful and looks great on your sideboard!

    Reply
  19. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    December 5, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Beautiful, Vanessa! I love how the cranberries pick up the cranberry color in your lamps. I had no idea Walmart had a bunch of fresh greens ~ I will have to remember to get a bunch next time I’m there. I love the smell. Your wreath is great, too! I was looking for boxwood garland to use this year to make little wreaths for the backs of chairs and cabinet doors.

    Reply
  20. Ruby Jean says

    December 5, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Oh I can just imagine the Delightful Fragrance that meets you when you enter your home….. I Love it…

    Reply
  21. Judy says

    December 5, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Great copycat challenge project. It looks beautiful in your home. Wow…did you see how popular it is over at Debbie’s today. Awesome way to kick off the week.

    Reply
  22. Yummy Mummy says

    December 5, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Gorgeous colors!

    Reply
  23. Debra @ Common Ground says

    December 5, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    oh yeah, love this, Real traditional Christmas!! the colors are gorgeous! xo

    Reply
  24. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    December 5, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    Your Copy Cat project is beautiful, Vanessa! Love the wreath too. I have been super busy getting ready for portion of the party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  25. Richella says

    December 5, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    BEAUTIFUL, Vanessa! That footed vase is lovely, and you did a great job of copying the look from SL. (If you’re going to copy something, SL is a great source of inspiration, isn’t it?)

    I don’t have anything to link up for the Copycat challenge, but I’m looking forward to participating in the block party. I’ve been working on my porches!

    Reply
  26. Cindy says

    December 5, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    I’m like Debbie…I need to copy your copy…BEAUTIFUL!

    Reply
  27. Kelly says

    December 5, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    I love that idea. You could even use that during Thanksgiving, I think! I bet it smells good too. Great copy cat!

    Reply
  28. Pamela says

    December 6, 2011 at 12:36 AM

    Love it! It all looks so pretty!

    Reply
  29. andrea says

    December 6, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    This arrangement’s colors are so vivid and fresh! It’s almost tropical. Love the oranges. andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  30. Haniela says

    December 6, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    I love this arrangement, I always like to include citrus in Christmas decor, I usually make a garland from it, but this looks so much better.

    Reply
  31. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    December 6, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    I love this! It’s so chic! I’ll bet your room is smelling wonderful!

    Reply
  32. debbie refresh restyle says

    December 6, 2011 at 3:07 AM

    I love it! I love fruit/flowers combo! You knocked it outta the park! (I’m going to get an orange right now!)
    Debbie

    Reply
  33. Christie says

    December 6, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    How did I miss this in Southern Living?? Gorgeous! I will be looking for some fake limes now! I want this in my kitchen! Thanks for hosting the Blog Party! So much fun! Christie
    P.S. I have loved Simple Sundays…I have never kept cards from Christmas’ past…love how they evoke fond memories!

    Reply

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