• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

December 13, 2014

Our Family Christmas Tree

Has anyone else looked at photos of beautiful Christmas trees in magazines or on Pinterest and wondered..

“Where on earth are all of the ‘real’ ornaments?”

You know the ones I’m talking about, right?

The paper angels, the picture frames made out of popsicle sticks and the cotton ball snowmen?

Christmas tree with family ornaments atthepicketfence.com

I always wonder if they are frantically removed before the photo is taken or if they are hanging on the branches of the Christmas tree that gets relegated to the deep recesses of the house like the basement or the playroom.

And honestly, there isn’t anything wrong with that. I mean, I have my ‘mommy tree‘ which features only pretty ornaments and is mostly decorated just by me. If the kids want to help decorate it, I let them but then after they’re in bed I go and rearrange all of the ornaments. 😉

12 Bloggers of Christmas BH Logo (2)

But, the thing is, those precious homemade treasures are kinda sorta my most favorite of all the ornaments.

So that is why, in our house, they have their very own Christmas tree to hang on.

We call it our ‘Family Tree’…pun intended!

paper angel ornament atthepicketfence.com

And this year I was so excited to have the opportunity to select a tree from Balsam Hill that would be perfect for this little corner of our family room.

The Slim Red Spruce  fit the bill perfectly!

narrow christmas tree in basket tree stand atthepicketfence.com

Putting it in a giant basket not only adds a lot of charm and texture, it also keeps the floor space open since this is definitely a high-traffic area in our home.

use a big basket as a tree stand

And can I just say that while I love everything about this tree, I think my most favorite part is this button light switch which I can turn off and on with the tap of my foot!

christmas tree foot light switch

Adding some frosty branches and mercury glass jars helped add some sparkle to the tree and I truly believe the more ‘fancy’ ornaments and the homemade ones can peacefully co-exist and create a wonderful layered effect.

balsam hill slim red spruce tree atthepicketfence.com

My photo box tree topper completes this family tree.

DIY photo box tree topper from atthepicketfence.com

Last night we sat in this room with some dear friends as all of our kiddos ran around the house. One of them turned towards the tree and said,

“I just love that your tree looks pretty but you still have all of your kids’ handmade ornaments hanging on it!”

Christmas tree in basket tree stand atthepicketfence.com

And I thought to myself, “mission accomplished!” 🙂

12 Bloggers of Christmas_2014 (1)

 

 

I’m so thrilled to be joining Balsam Hill for their 12 Bloggers of Christmas series and you can find me today on their blog sharing more about my Christmas decorating ideas, inspiration and some personal stories about how to add more meaning to your home this season.

Next up is Jennifer Rizzo’s gorgeous Pom Pom Christmas tree so be sure to stop by and check it out in all of it’s fabulousness!

Balsam-Hill-treeRevelstoke-perfect-for-small-spaces-580x800

 

And be sure to head over to Jennifer Rizzo Design Company to enter the HUGE GIVEAWAY with over $2,000 in prizes from Balsam Hill!!

 

As always, thank you so much for joining me here today at the Fence,

Vanessa signature

P.S. Between now and Dec. 22, get $25 any purchase of $200 at Balsam Hill or more with coupon code  12BVANESSA25

 

19 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « When Life Gets Unfolded
Next Post: Dashing Dish Cookbook Giveaway! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    December 13, 2014 at 5:29 AM

    Your family tree is gorgeous and I love the photo box topper! I’m pinning! Happy Holidays!
    Leslie

    Reply
  2. Linda H. says

    December 13, 2014 at 5:33 AM

    This year I really wanted a Balsam Hill Tree…but hubby said since we are moving, we should wait until next year because it would just be one more thing to move! I get it…but I sure love the look of the Balsam Hill trees! Yours is lovely…and I loved your post today! A family tree is fun! But now that I am 64 I like the tree to be the way I like it! All of the 11 grandkids have their own trees at home…so grandma can enjoy hers and have it just the way she wants it now! Tee hee!

    Merry Christmas!
    Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

    Reply
  3. p heine says

    December 13, 2014 at 5:38 AM

    I love your tree. I have vintage ornaments from when I was a child, and all of our grown children’s “home made” ornaments that are now, also, 40 some years old on our tree. Old glass and “art masterpieces”. That’s a wonderful combination for a meaningful Christmas tree in my opinion.

    Reply
  4. Donna Marie says

    December 13, 2014 at 6:18 AM

    I wish I had room for several trees. I have 43 year old ornaments that I hate to get out because they are getting so fragile, but I could use a small tree for them. I have collections of Hallmark ornaments that could go on another tree. I have this year’s ornaments that I am making per your blogs and Pinterest ideas that will make another tree…

    Reply
  5. Jeanie says

    December 13, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    A Beautiful family tree!!!

    Reply
  6. Lisa @ Lisas Creative Designs says

    December 13, 2014 at 8:19 AM

    Oh I love this! My tree is the same way. I call it my tree if memories. I have so many ornaments that my kids made in school, ones my Grandmother made and tons I made myself. Every year I create an ornament to give to my kids that reflect what they happen to be into that year. I have ornaments that feature Dr. Who, Sponge Bob, Baby’s first Christmas, etc. I also have ones with little handprints, baby photos, and mementos of trips to Disney World. The trees in magazines are beautifully put together but they have no meaning other than looks. I look at my tree and see a lifetime of Christmas memories.

    Reply
  7. Teresa says

    December 13, 2014 at 8:38 AM

    Did the basket come with the base inside? Any stands I have tried with galvanized tubs or baskets are always too large in circumference to fit.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 13, 2014 at 9:49 AM

      Hi Teresa! So, I didn’t put the tree in the stand that came with it but instead left it like a ‘pole’. I placed that inside a smaller pot and then put that pot in the basket. Does that make sense? LOL!

      Reply
  8. lauren says

    December 13, 2014 at 1:26 PM

    This is perfect — the topper is amazing! What a statement piece this is. I only have one tree and it’s a “Family” Tree. Each year I THINK about creating a “dream” tree but I just so enjoy the ornaments from over 30 years of memories and all of the kids’ homemade ones, the ones with their pictures, etc. I actually was thinking that I should “catalog” them all. Especially ones that were given by neighbors, people from church, etc. that no one but me will remember years from now (and maybe not even ME!).

    Reply
  9. Jamie says

    December 13, 2014 at 1:32 PM

    It’s gorgeous, Vanessa. I love a mommy tree and a kid tree. It’s the smart thing 😉 Love your tree topper.
    Hugs, Jamie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 13, 2014 at 6:59 PM

      Thank you Jamie!

      Reply
  10. Teresa says

    December 13, 2014 at 8:56 PM

    Yes, your explanation makes sense! I will have to try it. So pretty. Thank you!

    Reply
  11. Dagmar obert says

    December 13, 2014 at 10:00 PM

    Vanessa,

    The campaign of the 12 bloggers of Christmas, because of someone like you, is a real privilege and consistently fills my mind with thankfulness to have such inspiration at my fingertips. Because of people like you, adding Mercury glass ornaments with twig picks and then elevating your homemade ornaments to a royaly level. Thank you for taking the red spruce slim tree from Balsam hill and stepping out and elevating the ornaments we all value and won’t get rid of and yet showcase them in an efficient and attractive way. The basket was so cool. The slim tree spreads Christmas cheer and hints at memories not often shared or thought of because those ornaments are often left in a box. So thankful for your creativity. The topper was such a shout out to your kids too. Love this idea!

    Reply
  12. debbiedoos says

    December 14, 2014 at 6:56 AM

    Your tree and ornaments are just beautiful! Love the basket. Merry Christmas to the Picket Fence Family!

    Reply
  13. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    December 15, 2014 at 7:18 AM

    I mix my pretty Radko ornaments with my handmade ones made by family and friends….it makes the tree special…I have a Balsam Hill tree and love it…my hubby also purchased the “tap” extension cords and they are the best!….Gorgeous tree Vanessa!…..love the topper!

    Reply
  14. Julia G. says

    December 15, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    Love your tree! And yes all the hand made ornaments are very special at our house – even after 34+ years! I too have a mommy tree of ornaments that I have collected and received as gifts through the years.

    Reply
  15. dee says

    December 15, 2014 at 11:59 AM

    I’ve been digging my heels in for the longest time because I didn’t want a FAKE Christmas tree but I’ve seen yours and some other Balsam Hill trees that have been posted by bloggers and they are beautiful. I’m beginning to cave in . . . which will make my husband happy 🙂

    Reply
  16. katie says

    December 16, 2014 at 8:06 PM

    LOVING your Christmas tree! I’ve grown up with an artificial tree and living in Florida a fresh tree just isn’t worth it. I think that most artificial trees these days look better than the real ones!

    Reply
  17. Cindy @ DIY beautify says

    December 17, 2014 at 11:45 PM

    I love your tree! I agree that the memories from those handmade ornaments can be beautifully displayed and happily coexist with other ornaments! Love how you accomplished this and pinning!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Banana Bread

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022
  • Vintage Inspired Hot Cocoa Bar November 21, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

This…this right here…is my heart’s desire. H This…this right here…is my heart’s desire. Happy Friday dear friends. Let’s make this the goal for our homes. 🍃

“I believe that a godly home is a foretaste of heaven. Our homes, imperfect as they are, must be a haven from the chaos outside. They should be a reflection of our eternal home, where troubled souls find peace, weary hearts find rest, hungry bodies find refreshment, lonely pilgrims find communion, and wounded spirits find compassion.” (Jani Ortlund)
It’s time for another #tiptuesday and this week It’s time for another #tiptuesday and this week I’m showing how easy it is to decorate an entry table for spring in under five minutes! The formula is SO simple…

1. A lamp is your staple element and provides height.
2. Add a stack of books.
3. Bring in depth with a small framed seasonal print.
4. Add a small tray
5. Place seasonal accessories and a candle on that tray especially if you have cute brass bunnies!
6. Put a vase or urn on top of the books and add fresh or silk spring flowers.

And that’s all there is to it! Happy Spring dear friends! 🌸
Happy Friday! I’m oh so thankful for beautiful s Happy Friday! I’m oh so thankful for beautiful sunshine especially when our family has been hit by illness this week. Everyone is on the upswing, thankfully, and I’m hoping we’ll fell well enough to get outside and soak up some much needed natural vitamin D. After so many days of wet, gloomy weather this is like balm for my soul! 🍃 What’s the weather like where you are?
Here is a friendly PSA for you...do not, I repeat, Here is a friendly PSA for you...do not, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to apply eyeliner while you have the hiccups. It won't go well. Trust me on this one! 😜

In other news, the hot cocoa station is finally gone and in it's place is a fresh new look that was kicked off by finding a beautiful, rustic vase at @homegoods. It feels like my home is rising up to welcome Spring and I'm so ready for sunshine and longer days. 🍃

Don’t forget to check out my stories tonight for Friday funnies! I love hearing from so many of you who say it’s your favorite way to wrap up your week. ☺️

Happy weekend to you dear friends!
It’s Tip Tuesday time! This week I’m sharing o It’s Tip Tuesday time! This week I’m sharing one of my most favorite ways to simply and inexpensively add seasonal decor to your home. There’s nothing like getting big impact with little effort and without breaking the bank! #tiptuesday #decorforless
What a gift it was to wake up on the first day of What a gift it was to wake up on the first day of March and see glorious sunshine greeting us after a few days of ice and snow. This is the month of hope and expectation and I’m here for it.

Happy March first dear friends! 🍃
Our first ‘laundry room’ wasn’t actually a r Our first ‘laundry room’ wasn’t actually a room at all. The 20+ year old washer and dryer we inherited after we got married was hooked up in the garage of our small townhouse. Our second ‘laundry room’ was an improvement because it was actually INSIDE the house but it was in our family room behind bifold doors.

So when we moved into this home 15 years ago I literally jumped up and down when I saw this real laundry room. Never mind that it had dated counters and an old stained sink. It was an actual room!

We made minor updates to it over the years but other, more visible, spaces took priority so we spent our resources on beautifying those.

But, last summer, we finally had new counters installed and made a few more updates that have completely transformed this room. 

Now, it’s almost a joy to do the laundry…almost! 😉

For more photos and details head on over to my website using the link in my bio.
“In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. I trust in “In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.
I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.”

Psalm 25:1-6
Ronald Reagan famously said that “all great chan Ronald Reagan famously said that “all great change in America begins at the dinner table.” I think this is true for everyone worldwide. You simply can’t put a value on the importance of gathering together for a meal with those you love. But, sometimes, we can struggle with getting the conversations flowing. So for this #tiptuesday, I’m sharing some tools we’ve used in our home. 🍃
There is just something about the combination of l There is just something about the combination of lemon and honey. It’s rustic yet fancy, sweet yet tart, spring-like yet comforting on a cold winters day. 

And that’s why this is hands down one of my favorite recipes! I decided to take a basic tea cake and turn it into a loaf of sweet, tart, simple yet fancy goodness and the only thing bad about it was how quickly it disappeared!

🍋You can find the recipe by following the link in my bio 🍯
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence