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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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September 18, 2019

Copper and Feathers Fall Mantel

At our house, there is almost always background music playing. But, I’m going to admit something to you right now. I’m VERY particular about matching the type of music to the season/mood/setting. It’s kind of a ‘thing’ with me. I mean, we all have our little quirks right?

I think that music is one of those underestimated/underappreciated elements that isn’t really talked about when it comes to home design. Maybe it’s because it’s more of an intangible. But, like the aroma of your favorite scented candle, it can really help to set the tone you desire. And maybe I take it just a ‘tad’ too seriously, but I can’t help myself! How my house feels is more important to me than how it looks.

It’s like being dressed impeccably but never smiling. The feeling has to match the look in order to be as warm and welcoming as possible, don’t you think?

So, when I began to dress my house up to welcome the next season, I realized that I needed an ‘Autumn’ playlist. One that would go well with the decor and set the right mood.

It’s a mix of classical and standards and bluegrass and guitar solos and even some with a slightly celtic twist.

And with copper and feathers and faded pumpkins and wheat, I think my mantel reflects all of those tones. There’s a lilt to it all; the rising and falling of lighter and darker.

Like the lilt of the songs on my playlist. Or the lilt to the sky outside this time of the year.

I’ve officially decided that my new favorite word is lilt. 😉

And, like my Autumn playlist, the elements I’m using to decorate this year are all really simple and cozy and comforting.

They just remind me of…well…home. Home-y-ness, homespun, down-home.

Frankly, all of the ‘home’ related words you can think of.

There are these moments where I’ll be standing in my kitchen preparing a meal (or cleaning up after one!) and the kids will be doing their homework or just sitting at the island chatting with me and I’ll just be overwhelmed by the beauty and wonder of it all.

The smells coming from a burning candle (or, even better, freshly baked pumpkin bread!), the soft glow of lamps turned on earlier and earlier each day as twilight approaches, the sight of pumpkins and wheat and copper in my peripheral vision, the voices of my favorite people on the planet sharing about their day and, as always, the subtle sounds of music in the background providing the perfect accompaniment for an already pretty perfect scene.

Because, after all, it’s the feelings that this season conjures up in my heart and in my home that are my most favorite part of Autumn.

And, because I like you all so much, I’m going to help you out with starting your own Autumn playlist so that you too can have the perfect backdrop for the season.

Here are just a few of the songs/artists/albums I have on my list which is primarily on Amazon Music:

‘Falling Leaves: Jazz Classics for Autumn’

‘Sounds of Autumn’ by Don Thomas

‘Autumn in the Valley’ by Neal Hellman

‘Oktober County’ by Neal Hellman

‘Early Autumn’ by Ella Fitzgerald

‘Autumn in New York’ by Billie Holiday

‘Autumn’ by George Winston

If you have any that you think I should add please let me know! And thank you so much for meeting me here today!

15 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas Tagged With: fall Decorating, fall mantel, mantel

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Comments

  1. Dee says

    September 18, 2019 at 12:20 PM

    My music reflects my mood that day rather than a season. Some days I just need classic rock and others classical brunch music. Agree with George Winston for all his seasons. But I do choose candle scents for the seasons.

    Reply
  2. Robyn Gouge says

    September 18, 2019 at 12:26 PM

    What a sweet blog! I am a music lover but never really thought about a playlist for a particular season. I am going to make a list starting with the songs you listed for us. Thanks so much, Vanessa. I just love your home and the simple way you decorate. I am trying to simplify my decorating and you are my inspiration.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 18, 2019 at 1:29 PM

      Thank you SO much for your kind words Robyn! I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to comment. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Constance L Leach says

    September 18, 2019 at 12:55 PM

    I completely agree with you, Vanessa! Btw, my daughter’s name is, Vanessa, too!;-)

    I have to have my music-no matter what else is going on in my world that day-music is the one constant–with essential oils right behind. Whenever I hear “Autumn Leaves” by Roger Williams, “September Morn” by Neil Diamond, or the “September Song” by Tony Bennett, I am ready to start baking or eating/drinking something Pumpkin Spice! 😉

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 18, 2019 at 1:28 PM

      Thank you so much Constance!! You’ve mentioned ones I don’t have on my playlist and I’ll definitely be adding them in. Tell your Vanessa that I said hi! 😉

      Reply
  4. Marlene Stephenson says

    September 18, 2019 at 1:07 PM

    I love your mantel and the music looks interesting, i really don’t have anything i listen to for fall, but maybe i should, i do like music.

    Reply
  5. Judy says

    September 18, 2019 at 1:14 PM

    I have another beautiful Autumn song that you may want to add to you play list…
    Too Beautiful To Last by Richard Rodney Bennett

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 18, 2019 at 1:27 PM

      Oh thank you so much Judy!! I’ll add it to my list! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Maryann Laplaca says

    September 18, 2019 at 1:29 PM

    The elements on your mantel are perfect. The framed piece is absolutely gorgeous.

    Reply
  7. Linda Johnston says

    September 18, 2019 at 6:24 PM

    Thank you for the music list. Your post really resonated with me. I really like having my home look beautiful but I love more that it is warm and welcoming for all of our family, including the ones who have their own homes and friends.

    Reply
  8. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says

    September 18, 2019 at 6:31 PM

    Vanessa, your mantel is so pretty! Your home is beautiful and I love the way you do your décor. It just looks so peaceful. Music is such a part of my life, too! I love to put on the music for each season. Thanks for all your inspiration. Have a blessed week!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 19, 2019 at 8:00 AM

      Thank you so much for your kind words Mary-Ann!! Hope your fall season is off to a lovely start! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Michele M. / Finch Rest says

    September 18, 2019 at 9:26 PM

    Vanessa,

    Love your playlist – but one you must add – my mother loved it:

    Autumn Leaves – the old Edith Piaf version – ah, that old French – sigh – it is so romantic!

    Hugs. ♥

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 19, 2019 at 8:00 AM

      Oh I will definitely add that one in Michele! I think I have it in another version but I’ll try the Edith Piaf one. Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  10. Judy says

    September 24, 2019 at 2:17 PM

    An autumn playlist! What a brilliant idea! I know I get a little crazy with Christmas music in December, so why not an autumn list until then? I’m on it! Thanks for the suggestions!

    Reply

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