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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, 2014

Fall Home Tour and Fall Decorating Ideas

 *We apologize for the technical difficulties we experienced yesterday that caused our site to be down but thank you for bearing with us and we hope you enjoy this post today*

Hello and welcome friends!! I’m so thrilled that you are joining me on a little tour of my home today all dressed up for my most favorite season. Here in Oregon (did you know that I live in Oregon?) there are signs of Autumn popping up all around me even though as I type this the temperature today will be in the 80’s. Yes, Oregon gets sunshine. It’s our best kept secret!

Fall Home Tour and Decorating Ideas from atthepicketfence.com

I’m joining an amazing group of bloggers this week as part of the Finding Fall Home Tour hosted by my friend Laura from Finding Home along with Better Homes & Gardens.

Finding Fall 2014 Button-Corrected

Did you stop by Inspired By Charm  before you came here? Michael is so talented and you will love all of the amazing ideas and inspiration there!

unnamed-10

You know, I was thinking recently about a word that is sadly neglected this time of the year. It seems like all we hear about is ‘Fall’ and ‘Autumn’. But I’m finding myself drawn more and more to the word ‘Harvest’. I think it’s feeling a bit left out, don’t you?

Here in the beautiful Willamette Valley, harvest is in full swing. Tractors create tornadoes of dust as they plow through the fields. Wineries (I live in the heart of wine country!) celebrate the season with grape stomping competitions and special tastings.

welcome to my fall home tour

So, I think I’m going to change the title of this blog post. I think that in honor of all of those for whom this season represents so much more than pumpkin spice lattés and apple cider doughnuts (two of my favorite things by the way!) I’m going to call this my ‘Harvest’ Home Tour.

A celebration of simple joys. Like how beautiful wheat looks in an ironstone pitcher.

wheat in ironstone urn atthepicketfence.com

And dried hydrangeas in my faux olive jar.

faux olive jar atthepicketfence.com

A replica of a vintage gear that I picked up from HomeGoods is a nod to those who toil the land.

vintage gear as home decor atthepicketfence.com

Is it weird that I love mums the most when they are all closed up? Maybe it’s just the anticipation of knowing they will soon be bursting forth in all of their glory!

mums in galvanized bucket atthepicketfence.com

My family room mantel came together in a matter of minutes…literally. Corn husk wreath hung on the mirror…

Fall mantel with corn husk wreath atthepicketfence.com

…faux wheat stuck in a bucket with another HomeGoods find nestled next to it…

wheat in galvanized bucket from atthepicketfence.com

…and hydrangeas from the yard starting their beautiful transformation from green to the softest shade of pink.

hydrangeas and demijohn on mantel

 

Fall mantel details atthepicketfence.com

Even my new living room pillows capture the essence of harvest.

bosporous toile pillow atthepicketfence.com
And the little bit of sparkle from glass candle holders on the dining room table doesn’t take away from the beauty of using natural elements.

stacked candles with fall decor atthepicketfence.com

On the buffet table in the breakfast nook, simple elements come together to create the feeling of warmth and of gathering together which is what I love most about this time of the year.

That and pumpkin spice lattés…and apple cider doughnuts! 😉

fall buffet decorating atthepicketfence.com

simple fall decorating from atthepicketfence.com

Cinnamon sticks in a mint julep cup are not only beautiful but give off an amazing harvest-y (that’s totally a word, right?) aroma.

cinnamon sticks in mint julep cup At the Picket Fence

On my living room mantel (which I’ll share with you in it’s entirety another time!) the harvest theme continues.

french country mantel decor atthepicketfence.com
How is it possible that something as simple as a bunch of wheat lying across a mantel can be so beautiful?

using wheat in mantel decor atthepicketfence.com
You know, I think what I love the most about the word ‘Harvest’ is that it can mean so many different things.
dried hydrangeas in vintage toolbox atthepicketfence.com
Just as the farmer works the land in order to reap the harvest of crops, we can also reap the blessings of harvest in our lives.

“We must give in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest.” 

~ Orsin Swett Marden

I’m enjoying a great season of harvest in my life. Through times of tilling the soil and planting the seeds, weeding, watering and yes, even fertilizing ;-), I’m experiencing the blessing that is harvest.

A harvest of friends.

A harvest of dreams fulfilled.

A harvest of deepening in my walk with God.

A harvest of a stronger than ever relationship with my husband.

A harvest of seeing years of tilling, planting, weeding, watering and fertilizing revealing growth in my children.

Vanessa

And sweet friends, I hope you know that I count YOU among my most cherished harvest blessings!

I pray your Fall/Autumn/Harvest season is filled with joy and blessings galore!…… be sure to head on over to My Fabuless Life to see some more gorgeous fall inspiration!

My Fabuless Life Button

 

And to see all the homes in this tour (and you WANT to see these!) from the beginning click here.

Vanessa signature

If you are anything like me Better Homes and Gardens is one of your favorite go-to places for loads of fabulous ideas and inspiration as the holidays approach. And BHG.com is bringing you even more ways to be inspired this year with their 100 Days of Holiday Inspiration! Click here to sign up.

 

Sharing here: From My Front Porch to Yours, Savvy Southern Style, Inspire Me Tuesday, The Scoop

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

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cheryl Ann says

    September 17, 2014 at 4:26 AM

    Nice to see the Willamette Valley…we raised our children there and fall was my favorite time of year. Loved the warm afternoons and cool evenings. We live in friendly Nashville now because that is where our children and grandchildren live. Thanks for sharing your beautiful life and home. Cheryl Ann

    Reply
  2. Laura@findinghome says

    September 17, 2014 at 4:44 AM

    Sweet friend – I am not sure what is more beautiful – you or your home. No wait, I know – it is your heart! Thank you so much friend for sharing your beautiful home! I am so thankful you are part of the tour, but I am most thankful to call you friend!

    Reply
  3. Thistle says

    September 17, 2014 at 5:53 AM

    Love, love, love your sweet face. 🙂 That picture of you on the stairs is so perfect. Thanks for sharing your home and your heart today.

    Happy day to you!
    karianne

    Reply
  4. Robin Carr says

    September 17, 2014 at 6:08 AM

    Hi Vanessa,
    Your home is just lovely. Thanks for sharing with us. Come visit me, when you get a chance! I am your newest follower!

    Reply
  5. Esther says

    September 17, 2014 at 6:21 AM

    I too live in the Willamette Valley and I LOVE our Falls! Your home is delightful – Makes me want to get out and gather up (harvest) some of the outdoors and bring it in!

    Reply
  6. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    September 17, 2014 at 6:34 AM

    Everything looks so beautiful! LOVE the harvest theme! My word for fall that I’m loving is “gather.” I long for my family and friends to “gather” together during this beautiful season! Happy Harvest! Melissa

    Reply
  7. KellyinPA says

    September 17, 2014 at 6:42 AM

    Your home is lovely and so are you! We have much to be thankful for, thank YOU for the reminder:) Also, your dress is just adorable!

    Reply
  8. Jan Fusco says

    September 17, 2014 at 2:13 PM

    Well, first of all…you look great! Thank you so much for such an inspiring post in so many ways.

    Reply
  9. Michele says

    September 17, 2014 at 3:07 PM

    Your home looks absolutely gorgeous – so inspiring! Your pics are WOW – and you are truly a beautiful gal. What a pretty smile- lights up my entire monitor with glow.

    Thanks for your wonderful posts. Have a happy harvest season, too! : – )

    ~Michele

    Reply
  10. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    September 17, 2014 at 6:40 PM

    Your home is so lovely and your fall touches are perfect! Have a great week!

    Reply
  11. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    September 17, 2014 at 6:53 PM

    Blessed to count you as a friend! Your home is gorgeous all decorated for fall, and my favorite image is the one where the hydrangea on your mantel is reflected in the mirror! Just beautiful!

    Reply
  12. Joanne Boulter says

    September 17, 2014 at 7:01 PM

    I’m so glad you showed your beautiful home for Fall, indeed it is lovely.

    ((HUGS)) Jo from Anne’s Attic – design blog https://fulcolbaxia.wordpress.com

    Reply
  13. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    September 17, 2014 at 7:09 PM

    Always love “touring” your home…you have so many beautiful and creative ideas for fall decor…and so beautifully displayed in your home!…Love the picture of you on the stairs!

    Reply
  14. Karen Watson says

    September 17, 2014 at 7:47 PM

    It looks so lovely Vanessa! I love all the Natural touches that you used in your decor! Thanks so much for the tour sweet friend!

    Reply
  15. Carol Reddin says

    September 17, 2014 at 8:46 PM

    Love all of the harvest/rustic touches. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and beautiful self!

    Reply
  16. Pamela says

    September 18, 2014 at 5:42 AM

    Vanessa thank you so much for sharing your Harvest home tour over at THT. Everything looks so beautiful. I need to finish up my decor.

    Reply
  17. Lory at Designthusiasm says

    September 18, 2014 at 6:47 AM

    This is a wonderful post. I just love the neutral tomes to your fall decoy with just bits of color. So beautiful and refreshing. I really like that your decor highlight what you already own, rather than overshadowing it. Just lovely! Really nice photos, too… 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 18, 2014 at 7:22 PM

      Such a sweet compliment Lory! Thank you!

      Reply
  18. Jeanne says

    September 18, 2014 at 6:56 AM

    Your home is lovely but YOU are stunning!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 18, 2014 at 7:05 PM

      Thanks girl!

      Reply
  19. Gee says

    September 18, 2014 at 7:31 AM

    Such a beautiful tour Vanessa. Harvest… agreed it is overlooked. Thanks for the inspiration.
    Hugs, Gee

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 18, 2014 at 7:22 PM

      Thank you so much Gee!

      Reply
  20. Janelle@The Peaceful Haven says

    September 18, 2014 at 9:59 AM

    Wow! Just lovely…thanks for all your hard work and for sharing your gift with others!

    Reply
  21. Tracey says

    September 18, 2014 at 12:40 PM

    Beautiful – we are enjoying spring here but my feed is flooded with autumn/fall decorating. No one here really decorates for the seasons, apart from Christmas, which we enjoy in the middle of summer amidst temperatures of 100+
    Even if I don’t decorate for the seasons, you’ve given me so many inspiring ideas for creating little vignettes in my home.

    Reply
  22. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    September 18, 2014 at 3:11 PM

    Vanessa, your home is stunning and you are amazing! What a perfect place to celebrate the change of seasona dn family!

    Reply
  23. Marilyn Lunsford says

    September 18, 2014 at 4:24 PM

    Loved your home! Where did you find the sphere on your sideboard? I have looked everywhere. Thanks. Marilyn in Georgia

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 18, 2014 at 7:05 PM

      Hi Marilyn! I picked up the sphere at TJ Maxx over the summer. 🙂

      Reply
  24. Barbara Ann says

    September 18, 2014 at 9:26 PM

    Love it Love it Love it all! We finally got a day that didn’t top 102 and I headed out to cut my pumpkins and get the garden ready for winter veggies, assuming we get a winter here in Calif.
    And as I was putting my sheers away I saw my hydrangeas were getting woody. But I was too tired to start pruning. So your post is perfect, I will head out in the morning, cut some and I think I will place in my white pitchers..Thanks for reminding me to decorate with what you have…See You In The Garden!!
    Barbara Ann
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbaraannscreations

    Reply
  25. ashley @ the handmade home says

    September 19, 2014 at 1:16 PM

    Soo pretty! my fave is that beautiful table centerpiece! ;} Lovely as always, friends!

    Reply
  26. Julie says

    September 20, 2014 at 3:46 PM

    You are right, Vanessa! The word HARVEST doesn’t receive the attention it deserves this time of year! Beautifully written post, and gorgeous photos…Happy Harvest! XO

    Reply
  27. Judy H. says

    September 20, 2014 at 5:55 PM

    Somehow, I happened upon your blog…you know how that just happens sometimes? I have to tell you how much I admire and what beautiful peace I felt looking at your minimally but perfectly decorated home. Fall had definitely arrived at your house. All of your touches are exquisite and elegant and “just enough”. Sometimes I feel blindsided by the decorations for the various seasons and holidays, they are pretty at a moment’s glance, but then no more. Something gets lost in all of the “stuff”, no matter how pretty it may seem.
    As I said, your home brings a warming sense of peace as we welcome Autumn into our lives once more. I’m glad for my “happy accident” of finding your blog. I will come back to visit often.
    Be blessed.

    Reply
  28. Michael Wurm, Jr. says

    September 20, 2014 at 6:45 PM

    Loving all of the touches of fall in your home! You have such a beautiful and welcoming space. Oh, and I may come and steal that gold mirror. Obsessed!

    xo Michael

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 22, 2014 at 8:42 PM

      Thanks so much Michael! Would you believe the previous owners actually left that mirror here? It’s one of my favorites too! 🙂

      Reply
  29. Vicki Crowe says

    October 1, 2014 at 6:35 AM

    Such a beautiful home and very tastefully done. Where did you find your new living room pillows?

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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