• 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
  • 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 to lauren 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!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the pa When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the payoff of your investment in your children, it is truly one of the greatest gifts. We had that experience twice this week with our 18 year old son and were overwhelmed by this opportunity we had to watch as he handled two very different situations (one personal and one professional) with grace, maturity, integrity and courage. Those of you mamas of little ones, don't ever minimize the job you are doing in raising this next generation. 

Every story read at bedtime
Every correction made to strengthen character
Every outdoor exploration
Every nose wiped
Every bandaid applied
Every time you say no when the world says yes
Every night of helping with homework
Every difficult conversation
Every prayer uttered

The final pieces of the puzzle of his childhood are falling into place and the picture revealed is one that is more wonderful than we could have imagined. And we know that it is only by God's grace on us as we sought His wisdom and guidance that we have come to this point. We have been FAR from perfect parents, but one of my most sincere prayers for the past 18 years was that the Lord would stand in the gaps that were surely to be revealed by our imperfections. And He has answered those prayers again and again. He's taken my humble petitions and most sincere intentions and knocked our socks off with the young man we are so privileged to call our son. And we can’t wait to watch as his future unfolds!
Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (exce Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (except for in stories) because I was soaking up the sunshine and time with my family in San Antonio for spring break. One of our favorite activities was a bike tour of the missions and I found myself obsessed with all of the beautiful architecture, especially the doors. What is it about doors that is so fascinating? Is it knowing that these were so lovingly hand carved? Is it thinking about how many people have crossed through them? Whatever it is, I couldn’t get enough of them and had to stop and admire each one. 

I hope you are having a wonderful kickoff to spring too dear friends! 🌸
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence