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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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September 29, 2014

Fall Front Porch

I have ponytail envy. My friend Shauna is one of my absolute most favorite people in the world and I adore her but I’m jealous of her ponytails. She somehow manages to achieve that elusive goal of having them look perfectly imperfect.

You know what I’m talking about right? Where they’re just a tad bit messy and yet still look styled so beautifully that she could probably get away with wearing a ponytail to meet the queen. She would be curtsying and rocking that ponytail like nobody’s business!

Alas, I have been sadly unable to achieve ponytail perfection.

Fall Front Porch Decor from atthepicketfence.com

One day as we sat on the floor of our playroom with the kids running all around us, I told Shauna about my ponytail envy. In true Shauna fashion (which is why I love this girl!) she first laughed hysterically with me and then quickly pulled the rubber band out of her hair letting loose her perfect ponytail so that she could show me how it’s done.

Gather the hair low, put the rubber band around it, pull the rubber band down a little bit, tighten a little bit, repeat, pull some strands loose, tuck some in, etc., etc.

I did everything she said. Followed her instructions to the letter. And my ponytail looked NOTHING like her ponytail. So she tried her hand at it. She gathered my hair low, put the rubber band around it, pulled it down a bit, tightened, pulled, tightened, pulled, tightened, etc., etc. And still, even with her magic touch, my ponytail paled in comparison to hers.

fall cabbage in apple basket atthepicketfence.com

And that’s when we both realized the truth. My ponytail would never look like her ponytail because my hair is completely different from her hair! It was a lost cause.

And I think that this year I finally realized that my front porch is a lot like those ponytails.

I see the porches with the rocking chairs or the porch swings in all of their farmhouse/cottage-y glory and I’ve secretly wanted mine to look like theirs.

But I live in a stucco Mediterranean style home. It has a big, beautiful arch and a giant window over the door. I loved it the first time I saw it and yet somehow over the years, I’ve tried to make it something that it’s not.

I’ve tried to ‘cute’ it up. I’ve tried to make it look vintage-y or cottage-y or farmhouse-y.

And it just never seemed quite right.

Crepe Myrtle on fall front porch

So, just as I let go of my ponytail dreams and embraced my ridiculously thick hair which has been known to break more than a few ponytail holders, I’ve embraced my porch and decided that this year I wouldn’t try to make it something it’s not. I would simply pull it back and let it just shine for what it is.

Crepe Myrtles purchased on clearance for $12 frame the door beautifully. And as their leaves change color and begin to fall they perfectly reflect the season.

Fall front porch decorations atthepicketfence.com

When I saw the giant yellow chrysanthemum in the burlap bag with the definition printed on the front at WalMart I thought, “I’ll bet I could make that!”

And then I realized that I didn’t have to. Because someone else already did. So I just bought it and simplified my life like I’m simplifying my porch.

fall front porch decor atthepicketfence.com

You know, I think my porch and my hair both breathed a sigh of relief this year.

They were happy that I stopped trying so hard. Stopped fussing. Stopped wishing they were something else.

hanging fall basket on front door from atthepicketfence.com

And something amazing happens when you let got and embrace something just as it is.

Suddenly, you are able to appreciate it’s beauty in a new way.

Fall Front Porch Decor from atthepicketfence.com

Now, I’m not saying that I’ve given up on ponytails altogether. Or my porch.

I’m just giving them a much deserved repreive!

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40 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Barbara B. says

    September 29, 2014 at 7:51 AM

    Ooh I so needed this post today. To let it go and let it be and embrace what it is, is to show love and respect. And it goes for all things- not just front porches. Thanks again!

    Reply
  2. Carol Reddin says

    September 29, 2014 at 8:21 AM

    I love your porch and front door! So pretty and welcoming!

    Reply
  3. Stacey says

    September 29, 2014 at 8:43 AM

    Oh I am so with you!! Tiny little brick porch in a hot Texas town today….still beautiful though.

    Reply
  4. Judy says

    September 29, 2014 at 8:52 AM

    Beautiful porch!!! Where did you get your hanging door basket?

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 29, 2014 at 2:20 PM

      I got it at Joanns craft store Judy and then filled it up with the fall goodies! 🙂

      Reply
      • Judy says

        September 29, 2014 at 2:40 PM

        Thank you! I be stopping by JoAnn’s ASAP!!!

        Reply
  5. Elaine says

    September 29, 2014 at 9:09 AM

    I have to say that I think your door decorations is the BEST I have ever seen. You rock!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 29, 2014 at 2:20 PM

      Oh thanks so much Elaine!!

      Reply
  6. Becca says

    September 29, 2014 at 9:28 AM

    You are so funny (and the best writer) … you didn’t need to give your porch a reprieve because you’ve always decorated it beautifully, no matter the season! I love how you chose to fashion it this Fall season … it’s gorgeous … perfect choices! Now, I’m jealous of that fabulous thick hair of yours!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 29, 2014 at 2:20 PM

      Love you friend! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Jane says

    September 29, 2014 at 9:29 AM

    This is so, so true!! Yes…we have to be true to ourselves, our homes. We could go crazy otherwise! And thanks for saying you just bought the mum instead of trying to make it. If the price is okay, go for it. Not everything we do has so be lauded in Blogland. Please yourself! And thanks for your honesty!

    Jane xx

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 29, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      Thanks for your sweet words Jane!

      Reply
  8. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    September 29, 2014 at 9:46 AM

    Love your planters and that basket wreath is amazing.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 29, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      Thanks Marty! 🙂

      Reply
  9. KellyinPA says

    September 29, 2014 at 10:25 AM

    Your front porch is perfect, love the basket!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 29, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      Thank you so much Kelly!

      Reply
  10. Anna says

    September 29, 2014 at 2:20 PM

    I don’t know what you’re talking about, you always have gorgeous front porch pictures! I love the basket instead of the wreath, pinned that idea for next year. 🙂

    Anna

    Reply
  11. Ellie says

    September 29, 2014 at 3:42 PM

    I love your front porch for its simply-stated elegance. Just beautiful!

    Reply
  12. Cheryl Ann says

    September 29, 2014 at 4:21 PM

    I live in Nashville & am looking for crepe myrtles…they’re all over $100 some near $200. Where did you find yours for $12? They are a bit smaller, but that’s great! Love your style! Cheryl Ann

    Reply
  13. Gwen says

    September 29, 2014 at 4:59 PM

    Ahhh…I too live in a stucco house with a roof that looks like the first tiles of clay, straw and ahem other organic matter that was formed around the shins of the Indians by Father Junipero Serra. And his leaders. Thus cutie? I tried. Urns look good. So I bought a second urn yet my space is so narrow compared to your walkway. I do have an open area to the left and as I gazed at my slowly disintegrating hmm things in landscape in Mediterranean areas?? I thought….ah ha!! Move them to that from area. Do make one mini garden in my oval pot from Italy setting on my broken tile table from Italy but realize my house won’t look French nor like a southern manor nor a graciously large home. But I will play up its fine features!!! I have some pony packs. Dare I play and make my little mini garden right now?? It shall “seem” Mediterranean because of the pot and arch and such. I thank you for your positive post. Beautiful too!!!

    Reply
  14. Paige.Rose says

    September 29, 2014 at 8:15 PM

    I love that you went with your version of Fall decor! I too went with what I had & did not use many neutrals though they are very popular this year. Everyone’s style is different & that’s what makes ‘Blog world” go around! I love it!!

    Paige.Rose
    http://www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com

    Reply
  15. Jenna says

    September 30, 2014 at 4:36 AM

    I have always had ponytail envy too – my perfectly messy ponytail never looks good! Your porch however, is beautiful!

    Reply
  16. LUCY says

    September 30, 2014 at 7:21 AM

    It’s so lovely Vanessa…I’m struggling with doing my front porch because my ferns are so gorgeous right now, that it would hurt me to pull them out just to fill with fall stuff…:( Time to get creative…thanks for the inspiration…xo

    Reply
  17. Megan says

    September 30, 2014 at 7:22 AM

    I totally feel the same way about people who rock cute ponytails! Mine never look as cute as theirs! And your porch is so beautiful! Love the pops of yellow!

    Reply
  18. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    September 30, 2014 at 4:59 PM

    Your porch looks great, Vanessa! I love the crepe myrtles and the burlap chrysanthemum (I’m sure I spelled that wrong) definition. I wish I had more of a real porch, too, but “it is what it is” so I make the best of what I’ve got. Glad to see that you do, too! : )

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2014 at 7:46 PM

      Thanks so much Kathy! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Kelly @ thelilypadcottage says

    September 30, 2014 at 5:05 PM

    Ahh! This is SO gorgeous! Love every little detail, working on my own fall porch today, so inspiring!

    Reply
  20. Tauni says

    September 30, 2014 at 7:21 PM

    I don’t have a perfect ponytail or a perfect front porch, but I do know how to shop! Loved this post xoxo

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2014 at 7:46 PM

      Thanks girl! Shopping is definitely something I know how to do too! 😉

      Reply
  21. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

    October 1, 2014 at 8:02 AM

    And with that, life is so much easier and enjoyable! Your porch looks elegant, grown-up and very inviting. Wait until those crepe myrtles bloom! Oh they are going to be extra beautiful then!! Happy Fall friend 🙂

    Reply
  22. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    October 1, 2014 at 10:08 AM

    Oh yes and yes! And the porch is amazing!

    Reply
  23. taryn @ Design, Dining and Diapers says

    October 1, 2014 at 9:57 PM

    I just adore this post. I have been dealing with the same issues with my porch this year. It’s a new space for me and the door is beautiful and I just can’t bring myself to ‘cute-it-up’, heck I can’t even get myself to put a wreath on it, gasp. I absolutely love what you did, it’s classy and elegant yet full of festivity. Beautiful job.

    Reply
  24. Michelle Lepak @ Dandelion Patina says

    October 7, 2014 at 4:40 PM

    I can’t wait until I can wear a ponytail…actually I have been wishing for a braid that can be pulled over to the side. Those are so cute. I have a few years to go with that! Your porch is stunning. The black door grounds the space nicely and I love that burlap bag on the mums! Happy Fall! ~Michelle

    Reply
  25. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 8, 2014 at 5:40 AM

    You should never have “envy” of anything…being a porch or a “white kitchen”….as you take what you have and make into something that is beautifully your own…your signature…and by doing just that…you present a home that is so warm and inviting for your family and friends…saying “welcome to OUR home”…gorgeous Fall porch Vanessa…the perfect entry to a most beautiful home.

    Reply
  26. Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says

    October 8, 2014 at 8:28 AM

    I loved this post, Vanessa! The thing about envying what other people have is that the grass always seems greener on the other side, but it rarely often is! I am fortunate to have a big front porch and I do love it but, guess what? It’s expensive to decorate. I often wish I didn’t have my front porch because it just takes so much time, effort and money to get it looking just so. Everything can be beautiful no matter what the size or the style. Your front door is proof — looks fantastic and I love it! Great job!

    Reply
  27. lula says

    October 9, 2014 at 11:10 AM

    Great post, beautiful porch & amazing words! When we all learn how let go of those insecurities it is like a screen has been lifted before our eyes and we could now see and appreciate all that we have!

    Reply
  28. Lorraine Bryant says

    October 11, 2014 at 5:42 AM

    I love your post! I also love that basket on the front door! 😉 Where did you find that? 😉

    Reply
  29. Kim @ Sand & Sisal says

    October 14, 2014 at 7:02 AM

    You are awesome girlfriend, do you know that? You make me smile everyday. I too am so frustrated with my porch. It’s not decorated at all. The neighbors all know my job, and have asked when I’m going to decorated it! Ha! Your porch is simple and lovely. Thanks for the smile today!

    Reply
  30. Carol says

    September 7, 2016 at 3:37 PM

    I looked at your wreath on the front door and just drooled. You do so many things well.

    Reply
  31. Jennifer Hallstrom says

    October 2, 2016 at 8:39 PM

    Hello, would you share the colors of your exterior stucco and trim? I love it and wouldbe so appreciative to know.

    Thanks!
    Jennifer

    Reply

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