• 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

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

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Five Minute Fall Decorating
Next Post: My Most Simple Fall Home Tour Ever »

Reader Interactions

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

Leave a Reply to Linda Johnston 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

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!
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! 🪴
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts o “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Happy first day of summer dear friends!! I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted something new here but life has been crazy. I’ll have some new photos of house projects and life events to share with you soon but, got now, I’m just going to enjoy this gorgeous first day of summer after our ridiculously long, wet spring. ☀️
“It was June, and the world smelled of roses. Th “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.” (Maud Hart Lovelace) 

Welcome June!
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. 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.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence