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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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December 14, 2012

Framed Christmas Wreath and Front Porch Decor

 

What? A Friday post At the Picket Fence?? I know, I know! It’s not something we do very often around here but there just aren’t enough days left until Christmas for us to show you the rest of our decorating/crafts/projects/recipes/etc.

And, how could I not give you a proper welcome to my home during this most welcoming time of the year?

You see, I know that you will appreciate the fact that I have a frame hanging on the front door. Unlike the man at the thrift store who asked what I was going to do with that “lovely” painting I had in my hands. And when I informed him that the “lovely”  $3 work of “art” would be removed so that I could paint the frame and hang it on my front door he gave me that look. You know the one I’m talking about, right?

All DIY’ers/Thrifters/Bloggers/Re-purposers get that look. The one that makes you feel like maybe you are crazy. Maybe that $3 work of “art” with the paper palm trees on it really is beautiful and you would be nuts to want to toss it in the trash just so you could frame your Christmas wreath.

But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all.

So the paper palm trees had to come out and the painted frame had to go up on the door along with a fresh wreath and red satin ribbon. I’m sure if that man at the thrift store could see it now he would fully appreciate my vision, don’t you?

Especially if he saw that my vision also included this “Merry Christmas” vinyl decal from Leen the Graphics Queen.

I’m not sure though that he would have understood why I used inexpensive red scarves to add a pop of Christmas cheer to my chairs.

I’m fairly certain that his heart wouldn’t go pitter patter at the sight of that fringe all perfectly lined up like little soldiers.

And why, he would wonder, would you have a sled whose only purpose is to hold sweet, little pretend mittens?

I don’t think even the glittery details and the fur trim would impress him.

But that man from the thrift store would easily make friends with the gal at Trader Joe’s who asked what I was going to be doing with the Cinnamon Broom I was buying. When I told her I was going to pull it all apart and stick it in an urn along with fresh greenery she too looked at me like I needed to go buy some marbles to go along with the cinnamon broom…you know…since I had lost my marbles…get it…ahem…moving on!

But, they both surely would notice that when you step up on my front porch the spicy smell of cinnamon is the first thing to greet you and only adds to the Christmas-y welcome.

 And, that feeling of being warmly welcomed surely is what makes the biggest impression after all, isn’t it?

Thanks so much for stopping by the Fence on this Friday and don’t forget that the Inspiration Friday party is still going strong and there is plenty of time to link up below!

Wishing you a fantastic weekend,

sharing this here:

Metamorphosis Monday

23 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays, Wreaths Tagged With: Christmas, framed wreath, front porches, holiday, wreath

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Comments

  1. ange says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:40 AM

    Lol! I think it’s funny you got the look from a woman but the guy I can understand. But if they could see your porch they wouldn’t give you the look anymore. It looks amazing! Love it all, the wreath and frame are my favorite though. How warm and welcoming!

    Reply
  2. Judy Clark says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    Vanessa – Your front porch is just breath-taking!! Beautiful job!

    Merry Christmas to you and yours.

    Judy

    Reply
  3. Julie says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    WOW! Just beautiful…it popped off the page Vanessa! Great photography & that scarf idea…I’m stealing!

    Reply
  4. jackie jade says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    Fun post! Sometimes others just don’t get the “vision” that we have, but they both cculd not dispute how beautifully everything turned out. great work!!

    Reply
  5. Sara says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM

    This is gorgeous! I especially love the framed wreath! I’ve gotten that look before too… so funny!

    Reply
  6. Laura / The Shed / Pet Scribbles / Socks for Sandy says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:29 AM

    Vanessa, your front entrance is wonderfully welcoming and festive! I love all the little touches, especially those that Mr. Thrift Store Man and Miss Trader Joe’s Gal can’t fully appreciate! My fave detail are those mittens, I can’t stop looking at them! Everything goes so well together, and the photography truly helps to show off how fresh those greens are! Love the idea of having a pretty Christmasy scent to greet people as they arrive too!

    Reply
  7. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    Vanessa,
    Some people just don’t get it, but we sure do! The frame and wreath look outstanding and I really like your pillow idea…so very festive.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  8. classic•casual•home says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:42 AM

    let me just say FABULOUS!!!

    Reply
  9. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    December 14, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    It all looks great, Vanessa! Ah, let them give their looks. You should bring a picture of this next time you go into those stores. : )

    Reply
  10. Susan @ My Place to Yours says

    December 14, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    Oh, I know THAT look well! Your porch is so fabulous, Vanessa. I’m having to try hard not to get blogger envy. My porch is sooooo sad this year with its lone wreath (pretty, though it is) that I hung only yesterday. What a visual treat to share yours! Oh, and the “soldier” fringe? YES, I noticed it — and loved it right away. If that makes us both strange, at least we have each other! Enjoy your weekend, friend.

    Reply
  11. Sami Pat says

    December 14, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    I admire the ingenuity that came up with dismantling one of those brooms to use in your urns. Wondering if the original thought was for the fragrance or was it a way to get the necessary sticks? The porch is a striking study in color against the black and gray.

    Merry Christmas!

    Sami Pat

    Reply
  12. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    December 15, 2012 at 5:04 AM

    Oh how beautiful. I love the garland, wreath and the beautifu urns and lanterns, well actually, I totally love it all. So pretty. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  13. Ann says

    December 15, 2012 at 6:03 AM

    Oh my gosh. This is perfection! I love it all. The scarves on the pillows is brilliant by the way. Would you mind sharing what you are doing to your photos? They are really pretty. I tried the curves action you suggested in Picmonkey but I’m not having much luck. Hope all is well…happy weekend Vanessa!

    Reply
  14. Angelina says

    December 15, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    Vanessa, this is so VERY pretty. I am not sure how any of your guest actually make it inside your house… The outside is so Very welcoming and festive you could just entertain right there on your front porch!! 🙂
    Merry Christmas to you and yours
    Angelina

    Reply
  15. Jeanette Neels says

    December 15, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    GORGEOUS photos. Love all the thoughtful and creative elements you incorporated! And yes, I know “the look” very well : )

    Jeanette

    Reply
  16. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    December 16, 2012 at 1:10 PM

    Maybe the guy from the thrift shop and the gal from Trader Joe’s need to go on a date – seems like they are a perfect match!!

    Love the brooms in the urn – such a great idea!
    Kelly

    Reply
  17. Karie says

    December 16, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Love love your front porch. I think all us crafters and DIYers have those times when everyone including ourselves think we have lost our marbles. I guess that is what makes us so unique. You Merry Christmas porch is a work of art thanks for sharing. Karie

    Reply
  18. Debbie says

    December 17, 2012 at 3:41 AM

    I was directed to come here by my mom over Sunday dinner and see this post. I always do what Mom says, you know.

    Yep. Just as pretty as she said it was.

    Reply
  19. Martina says

    December 18, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    Vanessa your front porch looks AMAZING!! LOVE LOVE the wreath in the frame on your door and I love how you added Merry Christmas too!

    Reply
  20. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    December 20, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    What a welcoming entrance! Love the picture frame behind the wreath — so clever! Hope you ladies have a fabulous holiday!

    🙂 Linda

    Reply
  21. vonda says

    December 20, 2012 at 12:29 PM

    This is so beautiful. And, when you can do it in a thrifty manner, it’s even better in my book. So festive & ready for the holiday. I do have a question though. Are you willing to share the color of your front door. I think it’s just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing this & telling us how you did it.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Things to Do with an Empty Frame says:
    February 11, 2013 at 2:01 AM

    […] think I’m going to have to make room for a couple more. Look how interesting Vanessa’s wreath on a frame […]

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  2. Ideas Decorar La Navidad llama a tu puerta | ideasdecorar.com.ar says:
    December 18, 2013 at 12:36 AM

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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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