• 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

November 12, 2014

French Country Christmas Mantel

Last week on my regular Monday morning Walmart run, I veered off of my usual course (does everyone else make their grocery list according to the store layout or did I just admit how very OCD I am?) and headed over to the Christmas section where I was promptly introduced to the newest Walmart greeter.

french country christmas mantel decor atthepicketfence.com

A life-size Santa was dancing and singing and just generally being his jolly ol’ self. His belly shook like a bowl full of jelly as he wiggled and sang songs and told stories of sugarplums dancing in children’s heads.

The only things was, he was loud…really, really, really loud. And the longer he danced and shouted sang, the less jolly he seemed to me. The sound was so deafening that I couldn’t even concentrate on my shopping. Suddenly, I was struck by a feeling so un-Christmasy, so opposite of the Christmas ‘spirit’ that it shocked me.

I kinda wanted to punch Santa!

This deep urge took me so completely by surprise and I felt conflicted. On the one hand, I LOVE Christmas and yet on the other hand I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

French country style Christmas mantel atthepicketfence.com

So far, wanting to punch the dancing Santa has been the only drawback I’ve found to kicking off the Christmas season a tad on the early side. 😉

And on Saturday, when I admitted just how early I was starting to decorate my home and gave you a sneak peek at my Christmas mantel, I may have failed to mention that I had already decorated my other mantel too. In fact, once that Christmas ball is rolling there is just no way to stop it. Although my house was suffering from seasonal schizophrenia for a few days as the reindeer and pumpkins tried unsucessfully to peacefully co-exist.

potted tree wrapped in burlap for christmas mantel atthepicketfence.com

But now, Christmas has wound it’s way through my home.

This year though, it has come in with less of a woosh and a bang and more of a whisper instead.

faux greenery christmas garland atthepicketfence.com

Soft and wintery and easy.

wood angel on mantel for Christmas atthepicketfence.com

Think more angels gently singing and less Santas dancing.

french country inspired christmas mantel atthepicketfence.com

I returned to Walmart this week and noticed that Santa was no longer dancing and singing. Frankly, he seemed more dignified simply standing there welcoming one and all to the Christmas section.

And, I might have just been imagining things, but I’m pretty sure he winked at me.

I think he was relieved that I no longer wanted to punch him.

And so was I! 😉

christmas mantel tour

 

I’m so thrilled to be joining a bunch of other ladies who are crazy like me and start decorating our homes for Christmas freakishly early.

Here are my fellow Wednesday mantels:

Top This Top That

Refresh Restyle

Town and Country Living

Setting for Four

And you can start from the beginning here:
Monday
At Home with The Barkers
Daisy Mae Belle
All Things Heart and Home
The Wood Grain Cottage
Stone Gable
On Sutton Place
TUESDAY:
Cherished Bliss
Domestically Speaking
Lilacs and Longhorns
Two Thirty Five Designs
The Happier Homemaker
My Soulful Home

Thanks for meeting me at the Fence today!

Vanessa signature

This post is partying here:

Treasure Hunt Thursday: From My Front Porch to Yours 

32 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas decor, Christmas decorating, Christmas mantel

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Free Thanksgiving Printable …
Next Post: A Lewis and Clark Birthday »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julie @ Restyle Relove says

    November 12, 2014 at 3:17 AM

    Yep, my tree and all the trimmings when up on the weekend. It’s unavoidable when all the shops put theirs out in October! And just think, another thing we can cross off our lists and just enjoy. 🙂 Julie

    Reply
  2. Debbie says

    November 12, 2014 at 4:23 AM

    Love your mantel! It’s never too early for Christmas 😉 Have a great day!
    Debbie

    Reply
  3. Sonya~At Home with The Barkers says

    November 12, 2014 at 4:28 AM

    So funny…I’ve passed that Santa a time or two as I “swing” by the Christmas section. Beautiful understated elegance for your mantel. Love it! ~Sonya

    Reply
  4. DAnielle says

    November 12, 2014 at 4:36 AM

    So pretty!

    Reply
  5. Julie says

    November 12, 2014 at 4:59 AM

    Love the mantel, so pretty with double mirrors. And those chairs!! yum!!

    Reply
  6. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    November 12, 2014 at 5:22 AM

    Such a beautiful mantel,sans Santa! I especially love the layered mirrors and the simple garland!

    Reply
  7. laura@top this top that says

    November 12, 2014 at 5:41 AM

    just wait. i think heather is wrapping ole jolly santa for you for christmas! i love the whisper of the season too!

    Reply
  8. Heather says

    November 12, 2014 at 6:10 AM

    Love your soft winter mantel with the angels and the garland!! Pinning!

    Reply
  9. Nancy Sharp says

    November 12, 2014 at 6:42 AM

    Your mantle is beautiful and its calming affect will help in this frantic season. I hope so. Getting weary at this time of year gives me the bah-humbug feeling more than I like to admit.
    And no, you aren’t alone in your orderly shopping. When my husband retired he made a document on the computer for our grocery list, aisle by aisle. We just print it out each time. Yes, he is a little OCD but loves to grocery shop. I said “take it over! I’ve done it long enough!” LOL

    Reply
  10. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    November 12, 2014 at 6:43 AM

    Beautiful and so elegant! So much better than dancing Santas! 🙂 Thanks so much for being a part of the tour! Merry Christmas! Melissa

    Reply
  11. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:13 AM

    STUNNING. I love your angels, they are gorgeous and your mantel is beautiful.

    Reply
  12. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:15 AM

    Beautiful Vanessa…I love the wispy garland….and the theme is perfection!

    Reply
  13. Martha Franks says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:33 AM

    Great funny blog! Wonderful pictures! Thanks!!!

    Reply
  14. Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:53 AM

    Thanks for the laugh this morning, Vanessa! So glad you resisted the urge to punch Santa! lol

    I LOVE your mantle. It is absolutely perfect. I love the garland, the angels, the mirrors…it’s all beautiful! 🙂 Have a wonderful day!

    Reply
  15. Catherine says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:15 AM

    Really beaUtiful Vanessa!
    Catherine

    Reply
  16. Robin says

    November 12, 2014 at 1:09 PM

    I absolutely love your mantle Vanessa…the angels and the sweet garland are just perfect…I’m so glad you didn’t add a singing Santa 🙂 xo

    Reply
  17. Joanne A says

    November 12, 2014 at 1:31 PM

    I love the simplicity of your mantel. I scaled back on decorations about six years ago.iIf you don’t mind, I think I will copy your mantel this year. I believe there is little chance of anyone noticing, since we live so far part, different countries even.
    Is that two mirrors, or a frame on top of a large mirror? In either case, I like it.

    Reply
  18. martina says

    November 12, 2014 at 1:59 PM

    Vanessa I love the simplicity of your mantel…it looks beautiful! I love the garland and those pretty angels!

    Reply
  19. Richella Parham says

    November 12, 2014 at 6:00 PM

    Love your soft, whispery mantel! I’m glad you were able to refrain from punching Santa. . . is that Christmas miracle? 🙂

    Reply
  20. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:31 PM

    LOVE the delicate garland on your mantel!! It’s all so pretty!

    Reply
  21. Ashley @ Cherished Bliss says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:47 PM

    Absolutely beautiful Vanessa! Like everyone else I LOVE that garland! 🙂

    Reply
  22. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says

    November 13, 2014 at 12:13 AM

    Just beautiful Vanessa… love that swag of greenery. I always love being on tour with you guys… Pinned! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Anna says

    November 13, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    I love how simple, yet elegant and beautiful it is. You always have such beautiful mantles!

    Anna 🙂

    Reply
  24. Wendy says

    November 14, 2014 at 7:32 AM

    That is such a beautiful mantle! I love how natural it looks! Neutrals are my jam 🙂

    Reply
  25. Kelly@mysoulfulhome says

    November 14, 2014 at 2:40 PM

    Love it all Vanessa! Funny story too… those Salvation Army bells get me and i do feel badly, but they r sooo loud!

    Reply
  26. Randi - Dukes and Duchesses says

    November 14, 2014 at 6:25 PM

    Your Christmas mantel is beautiful! I love the greenery.

    Reply
  27. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    November 14, 2014 at 9:17 PM

    Vanessa, I laughed so hard!!! I can just imagine you hauling back and giving that Santa a big punch in the gut. And then all the Walmart security… and handcuffs … and scuffling… and the police car ride to the station! So funny!!!!
    Your mantel is beautiful and classic and serene… just like you!I’m glad you made your peace with the singing Santa!

    Reply
  28. Lisa Pearson says

    November 16, 2014 at 6:52 PM

    Beautiful!! I think the garland is stunning…would you be able to share your source? Or is it fresh?? I love everything about it. 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 16, 2014 at 8:15 PM

      Hi Lisa! Thank you so much for your sweet comment(s). 🙂 The garland isn’t fresh but I’m glad it looks that way since that was the goal! lol I bought it at Craft Warehouse. You are local here in Oregon right??

      Reply
  29. Lisa Pearson says

    November 16, 2014 at 6:55 PM

    Oooops…I forgot to mention how much I enjoy your refreshing blog.

    Reply
  30. Lisa Pearson says

    November 17, 2014 at 9:29 AM

    THANK you so much!! You have an amazing memory. Yes, I’m an Oregon girl. I’m hoping the Gresham store has them. ;)) Have a marvelous monday morning. Xo

    Reply
  31. Nikki says

    December 1, 2014 at 7:24 PM

    I also felt so “unChristmasy” when I went shopping on Black Friday. I’m glad to see other examples to put me back in the Christmas spirit. Thanks

    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

  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022
  • Vintage Inspired Hot Cocoa Bar November 21, 2022
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour October 7, 2022
  • Built In Shelving Makeover in Family Room August 31, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
Oh how I love this week each year! It’s my favor Oh how I love this week each year! It’s my favorite for sure. Everything is still festive and decorated but there’s none of the stress of the cooking and wrapping and making preparations. It’s the week where we get to take everything slowly and simply enjoy being together while the house still has twinkling lights and we can just be cozy.

What about you? How will you be spending this week? ✨
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence