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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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October 2, 2012

Fall Mantel

When I first started blogging, I just couldn’t get enough of the ideas and inspiration I was seeing in this strange new world. It was thrilling! 
There were things I never would have thought of doing and it made me want to try them all.
But, somewhere along the line, I think I lost my way a little bit.
I think I began suffering from “style schizophrenia“.
I doubted my instincts, questioned my judgement and found myself staring at blank expanses, like my fireplace mantels, and felt them mocking me….daring me to figure out how to decorate them. 
I caught a glimpse of the dark side of mantel decor.
fall, mantel, mantel decorations, simple fall mantel



So, I found myself this year tackling my family room mantel with gusto.
 Filling every inch with gourds and leaves and moss and twigs until you could no longer see that there was an actual mantel underneath it all.

 I lived with it like that for a week.
Somehow, it just didn’t look right.

So, I took it all down.
Started over.
Streamlined.
Simplified.

Got back to my roots and tapped into my instincts. 
Like taking a simple planter box and applying a darker stain to bring out the details.


Filling it with all sorts of fall goodies…


…some faux…some real.


From the back of the closet I pulled out silver candlesticks which were used in my wedding….
14 years ago on October 10th. 

The simplicity of a creamy white pumpkin resting on top helped me know I was headed in the right direction.

In the end, wiping the slate clean…
fall, mantel, pumpkins
…and starting over…

fall, mantel, simple fall mantel, mantel decorations, cherry mantel
…helped me remember why I love blogging so much.
It’s the opportunity to use the inspiration to inspire you to be…well…
YOU!

Thanks so much for joining me, and my Simple Fall Mantel, at the Fence today,

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41 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Deborah says

    October 1, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    Love this! It’s perfect!
    I love being inspired to be yourself and trust the giftings you having within you and let them shine!
    You shine so very well!
    Hugs!
    And a happy Anniversary to you!

    Deborah xo

    Reply
  2. thistlewoodfarm says

    October 1, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    Vanessa,

    You are so right! Sometimes we just have to clear away the clutter and decorate from our heart!

    Have a blessed and wonderful day!
    karianne

    Reply
  3. Judy says

    October 1, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    I love your simple fall mantel. I totally agree with you that sometimes you can lose your decorating identity trying to be like all of the inspiration out there. Happy almost anniversary.

    Reply
  4. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    October 1, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    Less is more as they say. I love it. It leaves more to the imagination which is a good thing! Have a great day!

    Reply
  5. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    October 1, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    Vanessa,
    I so agree with you…do what makes you happy. Now, I am more about less is best, so i LOVE your simple Fall mantel.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  6. It's All Connected says

    October 1, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    Your mantel is SIMPLY beautiful! ~ Maureen

    Reply
  7. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    October 1, 2012 at 2:57 PM

    Amen!!! I am learning to streamline and purge to be more me too. Feels sooooo good. Love your mantel, it is stunning. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  8. Cheryl Thornton says

    October 1, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    love the simplicity of it…and good for you for going with your gut…I am not a blogger yet but I have the same overload and end up going up in a million different directions rather slowing down and being true to myself…

    Reply
  9. ❀❀❀Ðαωᾔ❀❀❀ says

    October 1, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    It’s all so pretty, and love the ghost pumpkins. There are hard to find around my neck of the woods:)

    Reply
  10. Fine House says

    October 1, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    I love how this turned out! The simple mantel has my vote, just wondeful!

    Reply
  11. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    October 1, 2012 at 4:43 PM

    Vanessa,

    You rock. Really.

    I just love this post….its honest and important message given…..and the amazing and beautiful understated elegance of your “newly decorated” autumn mantel.

    VERY well done, indeed.

    Reply
  12. Princess Kate says

    October 1, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    That’s such a nice mantel. I am a summer girl but love fall colors and decor. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  13. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    October 1, 2012 at 4:53 PM

    Vanessa, this is a great post! I agree, that we have to stay true to what we love! There are so many styles out there; and it’s easy to go off track. Your mantel looks wonderful…and it makes you happy! That is what matters in the end!

    Reply
  14. Sheila says

    October 1, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    Beautiful. I know what you mean about style schizophrenia. I think I have been having a lot of that too. I think I need to take a step back from gathering so much inspiration from other blogs and just do my own thing sometimes because when I don’t I have too many ideas swimming around in my head and not sure which direction to go. Though I love all the inspiration and ideas out there, it’s always best to go with your gut and do your own thing.

    Reply
  15. Becca says

    October 1, 2012 at 5:54 PM

    Gorgeous, Vanessa … simplistic and so very classy! I love that you incorporated your beautiful candlesticks from your wedding (especially with your anniversary coming up) … the white pumpkins look beautiful perched on top!

    Reply
  16. Paula says

    October 1, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    Lovely! The candlesticks are beautiful!

    Reply
  17. Anne says

    October 1, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    That is my theme this year simplicity and nature too! LOVE your fall mantle looks beautiful!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  18. Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap says

    October 1, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    I love decorating with nature and what you have. The simple things in life are the best!

    Reply
  19. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    October 1, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    Lovely, Vanessa. Simple and lovely. Kudos!

    Reply
  20. Leslie Harris says

    October 1, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    Vanessa, I had to smile when I saw your post because I did the same thing. In fact my post today is, “Keeping it Simple, My Fall Mantel.” Yep,this year I went with a simpler but very pretty look. Funny, but I wasnt sure whether anyone would like it…but it’s the mood I’m in lately,
    Thanks for sharing.
    Leslie from Gwen Moss blog

    Reply
  21. Sue says

    October 1, 2012 at 9:36 PM

    I think your simple and elegant mantel decor is lovely, Vanessa. Less really IS more. 🙂 Have a happy anniversary celebration on the 10th.

    Reply
  22. Savvy Seasons says

    October 1, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    Gorgeous, elegant, stunning…I love it! XO ~Liz

    Reply
  23. cherished bliss says

    October 2, 2012 at 12:05 AM

    I love how it turned out Vanessa! Gorgeous : )

    Reply
  24. Suzy says

    October 2, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    It’s beautiful and just perfect, Vanessa. I struggle with keeping my focus too – so much awesomeness out there!

    Reply
  25. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says

    October 2, 2012 at 12:20 AM

    Beautiful! I finally finished and posted my mantel last week! I kept mine somewhat simple, too! …oh, and I really love those candlesticks! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Marla and Steve says

    October 2, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    Beautiful! Every detail just gorgeous.

    Reply
  27. Grace @ Sense and Simplicity says

    October 2, 2012 at 1:36 AM

    I love the simplicity too. Your eye can rest on the important details then and absorb it.

    Reply
  28. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    October 2, 2012 at 1:43 AM

    Vanessa, I know that you will find this hard to believe, but I did the exact same thing. I first decorated my mantle with brambles, and grapevine and lots of sticks and twigs and leaves and my pheasants… and called it the Mantle Disaster of 2012! I just ignored it for a couple of weeks and finally just took it down to start over again.
    And bless your sweet heart… there was your wonderful post right on my blogroll to inspire me…. and to show me how beautifully a mantle can be done… and get my creativity channeled in the right direction!
    Your mantle is a breath of fresh fall air!!! LOVE IT!

    Reply
  29. Tonya Diehl says

    October 2, 2012 at 3:19 AM

    Beautiful mantel!! Love the box full of goodies!

    Reply
  30. Athena at Minervas Garden says

    October 2, 2012 at 3:29 AM

    This is such a lovely mantel, Vanessa–I love those silver candlesticks with the white pumpkins on top–lovely! And I really like the gold pumpkin in the planter box. What you say is right–there is only one you, and so take the inspiration you find and use it in ways that work for you. Judy Garland said it’s always better to be a first-rate version of yourself, rather than a second rate version of someone else (who might be more famous, etc.) I always thought that was pretty wise and try to follow it myself.

    Reply
  31. Laura @ Our Prairie Home says

    October 2, 2012 at 4:00 AM

    Beautiful! Sometimes, simple is better! And in this case… Gorgeous!

    Reply
  32. Finding Home says

    October 2, 2012 at 4:11 AM

    Love that you followed your own instincts and it looks lovely!

    Reply
  33. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    October 1, 2012 at 10:20 PM

    Your mantel is so pretty Vanessa. I am into the more simple this year too. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Maria Elena says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:46 AM

    How pretty! I love simple and I think your mantle is very elegant! The candlesticks are gorgeous with the white pumpkins! Happy early Anniversary! We celebrate ours on October 4th! 31 years!!! 🙂

    Reply
  35. Cynthia says

    October 2, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    Your mantel is very pretty. I love the candlesticks. The mirror above the mantel is beautiful

    Cynthia

    Reply
  36. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 2, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    Your mantel is so very beautiful….love the terrific wooden box…I went the simple route this year too!….

    Reply
  37. Tanya@takesix says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    It looks really nice, Vanessa. Love the pumpkins on the candle holders!

    Reply
  38. FABBY'S LIVING says

    October 2, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    Gorgeous Vanessa! So simple and yet it has such character in your mantle, that it looks magazine worth, along with the pumpkins on top of the candle holders, too. Love it! Happy TTT.
    FABBY

    Reply
  39. Dining Delight says

    October 3, 2012 at 5:15 AM

    Maybe its having an anniversary in October (today, the 2nd, celebrating 30 years!) but I am totally relating to your post today! While I have always adored the rich traditional colours of fall and even this year, have decorated with them, I am suddenly looking at doing our Thanksgiving Table (Canadian – this wknd) in a much more neutral colour scheme and your mantel is very inspiring! Love the simplicity of it! Thanks for sharing!

    DD

    Reply
  40. Hi I'm Shannon! says

    October 4, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    And YOU loving it is the most important thing. It has to make your heart smile. You need to love it, simple or overflowing.

    Thanks for sharing “you” and your mantel 🙂

    Reply
  41. Audrey says

    October 4, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    I have done two Fall mantels this year and getting ready to do the third. I have enjoyed it, but ready for a change. Just too much inspiration out there in blogland to influence me. Just need to do what you did … sweep it clean and be myself, not try to copy or follow someone else. Your mantel is very relaxing and enjoyable.
    Blessings and Happy anniversary.
    Audrey Z. https://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/
    Timeless Treasures

    Reply

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Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

#fallcenterpiece #falldecor #centerpiece #fiveminutedecorating
"Define your day", she told me as I held my newbor "Define your day", she told me as I held my newborn son. My mom and I were talking about how blurred my days and nights had become and how easy it would be to just stay in my pajamas 24/7. She encouraged me to make an attempt to put on 'real' clothes in the morning even if they were just nice sweatpants (bonus if they were clean!) and to throw a little bit of makeup on. That simple advice helped chart a course for my years of motherhood that continues today. And recently I began thinking about how critical it is that we not only seek wisdom from those ahead of us in our stage of life but that we are willing to apply it as well.

So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
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