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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 17, 2015

Fall Home Tour 2015

Hello friends! So glad you could come and meet me At the Picket Fence today for my stop on the Finding Home Farms Fall Tour.

If you are coming over from The Handmade Home, welcome, welcome!

Fall Home Tour 2015 graphic

You know, when I was a little girl, the opening of the box of seasonal decorations was always met with great eagerness and anticipation. And while there was definitely more decor for Christmas than any other time of the year, my mom always had a few items for each season that she would set around the house.

fall branches in glass bottle atthepicketfence.com

I always knew that fall officially had arrived in our home when the orange ceramic pumpkin candle holder made it’s grand entrance.

Simple and elegant fall entry decor atthepicketfence.com

And I couldn’t wait for the moment when the little candle in the back would be lit and my mom would turn off the lights so we could see the glow emanating from those upside down triangle eyes and crooked toothed mouth.

vintage picnic basket patina atthepicketfence.com

I would get myself right to where I was eye level with that orange ceramic pumpkin and be flooded with feelings that at the time I’m sure I could not have properly put into words.

fall dining room centerpiece atthepicketfence.com

There was so much comfort in seeing it each year. Not only was it a tradition, it provided us with such a sense of consistency in times when our lives were full of change.

White pumpkin and hydrangea centerpiece atthepicketfence.com

We moved a few times when I was growing up. But each year, no matter where we lived, that orange ceramic pumpkin did it’s job of ushering in Autumn.

Fall buffet table decor with glass bottles and leaves atthepicketfence.com

That orange ceramic pumpkin represented home to me.

wheat in a glass bottle atthepicketfence.com

And now, each year, the highlight of opening up my own bins of seasonal decor is the moment when I pull back the tissue paper to reveal that orange ceramic pumpkin candle holder.

Apple Cider station atthepicketfence.com

And my own daughter eagerly awaits the inaugural lighting of the candle. We dim the lights and she leans down so she can be eye to upside down triangle eye with it.

fall breakfast buffet atthepicketfence.com

In a time when we are flooded with a steady stream of new ideas and trends, it’s so easy to get caught up in having to have the latest and greatest in our homes.

pumpkin in nest on scale

One year everything is neutral and the next it’s bright, bold colors.

French country fall mantel decor atthepicketfence.com

Or you start buying up all of the shabby chic decor you can find only to realize that everyone has moved on to farmhouse style.

antler and pine cone on mantel fall decor atthepicketfence.com

And it’s tempting, so very tempting, to think that those things are what the seasons are all about. To think that they are what will be remembered.

simple fall mantel decor with vintage books atthepicketfence.com

But the older I get the more I realize the truth.

simple vintage inspired fall mantel atthepicketfence.com

The seasonal decorations are so much fun and I thoroughly enjoy adding nods to each new season throughout my home.

But decorations do not the season make. 

tiered metal stand with fall decor atthepicketfence.com

The first whiff of fall carried on a cool breeze.

The sunlight that streams through your windows suddenly beginning to shift and fade earlier and earlier.

fall front porch decor atthepicketfence.com

The moment you trade your flip-flops for boots.

The realization that your kids are 6 inches taller than the last time you were at the pumpkin patch.

The colors on the trees that are so vibrant and so beautiful they actually make your heart ache a bit.

All of the things that can’t be packed up in plastic bins and stored in the attic.

suitcases with pumpkins

They are what I look forward to the most at this time of the year.

And the decorations? Well, I think that they are simply our way of trying to capture all of the feelings of each season and make them more tangible.

Even if that means they come in the form of an orange ceramic pumpkin. 😉

 

I’m so excited to be joining 16 other bloggers this week as we fling open our homes to fall and to you. Grab a cup of coffee and start at the beginning of the tour by paying a visit to Finding Home Farms, the beautiful home of our host Laura.

 

fall home tour button

And we’re all so thrilled to be teaming up with Better Homes and Gardens again this  year!

BHG-Button

BHG and some of the bloggers want to see your fall decorating ideas.  Follow the directions below so that you can be part of us sharing some of our favorite fall ideas this week on Instagram.  You can find me on Instagram @findinghomefarms.

Share pictures of your fall decorating on Instagram and use the two hashtags:

#BHGCelebrate for a chance to be featured on BHG’s Instagram

and

#findingfallhometour for a chance to be featured by me or one of the other bloggers participating on Instagram

Now, be sure to head on over from here and take the tour of Angela’s gorgeous home at Unexpected Elegance.

And thank you so much for meeting me here today At the Picket Fence!

Vanessa signature

40 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Home Tour Tagged With: Autumn, fall, fall decor, fall Decorating, fall home tour

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Comments

  1. Lynda Brandly says

    September 17, 2015 at 3:51 AM

    Your home is really beautiful and I love how fresh all your fall touches are! So happy to see such a classic home with lovely antiques and rich decor. Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
    love and blessings~
    Lynda @ Gates of Crystal

    Reply
  2. Michael Wurm, Jr. says

    September 17, 2015 at 6:08 AM

    Oh my! Everything looks so festively fall! I always love getting a peek inside your home. Just beautiful. 🙂

    xo Michael

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 6:42 AM

      Thank you so much Michael! So fun being apart of the tour with you!

      Reply
  3. Becca says

    September 17, 2015 at 6:28 AM

    Gorgeous, Vanessa! I’ve loved watching your style evolve over the years, and while all of your seasonal decorating has been gorgeous, I thick that “this” is my favorite Fall tour of yours! Happy Fall, friend.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 6:39 AM

      Awww…thanks so much sweet friend! Hugs to you! xoxo

      Reply
  4. courtney says

    September 17, 2015 at 7:22 AM

    So warm and inviting Vanessa- love it!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 8:21 AM

      Thank you Courtney!

      Reply
  5. Janna Allbritton says

    September 17, 2015 at 8:41 AM

    Vanessa! Beautifully done. And I absolutely love your orange ceramic pumpkin memory!❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 9:05 AM

      Thanks Janna!

      Reply
  6. Loni says

    September 17, 2015 at 9:21 AM

    I know it’s all objective and about personal style, but this home tour was by far my favorite of all 16 bloggers. It spoke to me like none others did, and your narrative was just exactly how I felt when my mom got her decor out and its still how I feel when I get mine out every year. Thank you for all your inspiration! Your home and your words felt so effortless and easy. I loved it! I’m your newest follower! 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 9:40 AM

      Oh Loni!! I’m seriously fighting tears here after reading your sweet comment. It means so much to me to hear that my blog post spoke to you and that it made you think about your own experiences! You truly have no idea how much I appreciate your encouragement and I want to say welcome, welcome to the picket fence. Blessings! Vanessa

      Reply
  7. Cindy says

    September 17, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    Gorgeous home and your fall decor is amazing!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  8. Design Chic says

    September 17, 2015 at 12:03 PM

    White pumpkins and ornamental cabbages are my fall favorites. Your home looks amazing…now I am completely inspired to do my decorating this weekend!

    Reply
  9. Tracey says

    September 17, 2015 at 1:13 PM

    Good afternoon, although your home tour is lovely and certainly beautiful, I’m feeling very cheated – where is the ceramic orange pumpkin ? F.R.O.G., Tracey

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 1:46 PM

      LOL Tracey!! I was going to try and get it out of the attic but ran out of time. I’ll have to sneak it into another blog post! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Julie Blanner says

    September 17, 2015 at 1:42 PM

    It’s so pretty! I love all of your vignettes and how you integrated wheat.

    Reply
  11. Deb Guggisberg says

    September 17, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    Your colors and decor resonates with me. Beautiful! What is your paint color in the foyer area? The color is so cheerful! And you write beautifully! I felt it in my heart.

    Reply
  12. Mary Ferguson says

    September 17, 2015 at 1:55 PM

    Thanks for sharing, every thing looks great.
    Mary

    Reply
  13. Debbie @ Refresh Restyle says

    September 17, 2015 at 3:34 PM

    Love your home! Thanks for sharing, so pretty!
    Debbie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 4:11 PM

      Thanks Debbie!! xoxo

      Reply
  14. Michele says

    September 17, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    Oh, beautifully and well done, my dears! Not only was this a fantastically nostalgic sweet post – but my oh my was it filled with eye happiness! Your pics are amazing, your home beautiful and I just adored this post. Thank you!

    [clapping]

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 4:11 PM

      Thank you so much Michele! You always leave such lovely and encouraging comments that mean more to me than you realize. Blessings to you! <3

      Reply
  15. Jessica says

    September 17, 2015 at 5:41 PM

    Lovely! Vanessa, the chicken picture over your mantle is glorious. In fact, I almost bought one exactly like that over the weekend. By chance did you find it at Monticello up in Portland? I fell in love with it! Gorgeous pictures. Bring on fall!

    Reply
  16. Carol Reddin says

    September 17, 2015 at 5:41 PM

    Ahhh, Vanessa, I so enjoyed reading your post and touring your home and reminiscing with you! Your home is always so welcoming and homey. Your Dad and I always feel perfectly comfortable in your home and, as you know, make ourselves completely “at home.” Now, we just have to find that orange pumpkin. Love you!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 6:35 PM

      Thanks Mom!! I know where the pumpkin is I just haven’t gotten it out yet. LOL! Love you guys!

      Reply
  17. Elizabeth@ Rustic Maple says

    September 17, 2015 at 5:43 PM

    Your home is lovely and the Fall touches are very pretty. Your words are beautfiul and very wise. Thanks for sharing your tour.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 6:35 PM

      Thanks so much Elizabeth!

      Reply
  18. Lisa M says

    September 17, 2015 at 5:43 PM

    Such beautiful pictures and words.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2015 at 6:35 PM

      Thank you Lisa!

      Reply
  19. Paige.Rose says

    September 17, 2015 at 8:40 PM

    I love every inch of this tour!! The simple fall entrance screams classy & festive with such simple touches & I love the cider station { I went with a cider & donuts themed dining }!! Now that makes me want some cold cider & hot donuts hahah! Happy Friday!!

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

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 20, 2015 at 7:42 PM

      Rose thank you so much! Such a sweet compliment and much appreciated!

      Reply
  20. ashley @ the handmade home says

    September 18, 2015 at 6:41 AM

    LOVE it, as always, ladies! Oh so beautiful! That dresser is my FAVE!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 18, 2015 at 8:35 AM

      Thank you Ashley!! So fun sharing a tour day with you!

      Reply
  21. Jessica @ Four Generations One Roof says

    September 18, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    Vanessa! Your home is just so beautiful. I love your traditional design mixed with the perfect vintage goodies! That mantel is amazing… great job!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 20, 2015 at 7:36 PM

      Thanks girl!

      Reply
  22. Gabriela says

    September 19, 2015 at 4:09 AM

    Everything looks just perfect! You show a lot of good taste. Thank you for this inspiring post! Have a good day!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 20, 2015 at 7:35 PM

      Oh thank you so much Gabriela!

      Reply
  23. Sandy says

    September 19, 2015 at 9:26 AM

    Wow, this was so beautifully written! Love your home and the soft colors with a pop of color here and there. Your mantel is so soft and interesting. Fall is such a beautiful time of year. I resist it at first but succumb to the beauty of the leaves, bonfires and apple cider. It’s a magical time of year.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 20, 2015 at 7:34 PM

      Thank you so much Sandy!!

      Reply
  24. Alison- The Pink Tumbleweed says

    September 20, 2015 at 8:07 PM

    Absolutely lovely! Your orange ceramic pumpkin story rings a familiar bell 🙂

    Reply

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