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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!

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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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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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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “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! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year 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!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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