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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, 2011

Heather’s banister gets in on the act!

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Vanessa shared her gorgeous entryway and banister with you early today, and while alas I really don’t have a “true” foyer like Vanessa does I thought it would be fun to share my banister all decked out for Christmas!
I wanted to do some thing different this year than I have in the past.  I started with looping ribbon down my banister but thought it needed something more.
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I decided it would be fun to add some fresh garland underneath the ribbon.  I purchased a 20 foot length of evergreen at Wal-Mart for $8.00! In fact it was so much I was able to use a section on my hutch in the dining room.
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After I looped the greenery, I tied up the pickups with large white bows and added varying lengths of ribbon to each section with ornaments staggered on them.
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Most were ones I already owned, but I did purchase a set of lovely blue ones from Wal-Mart that added just the right sparkle.
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I continued wrapping the garland down the base of the newel post and did you get a peek of my stairs minus the carpet?! I’m still finishing them up but I already love them!
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I love this fresh and fun look…now if that darn garland would just stop shedding all over my tile. Winking smile So here’s a design question for you. How do you think my banister and handrail would look black? opinions please! 
Don’t forget there’s still plenty of time to enter the giveaways at the Doors and Porches Party and the Christmas in the Kitchen Party as well as time to link up your projects!
Thanks for meeting me here….At The Picket Fence!
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This post is partying at:

Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
DIY by Design: Fall Into Fall
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
5 Minutes Just for Me: Pinning and Singing
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
From My Front Porch To Yours: Treasure Hunt Thursday

Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Fridays Unfolded
2805: Potpourri Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday

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

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Previous Post: « Banisters and Foyers~Welcome to Vanessa’s Home
Next Post: Three Dollar Tree Wreaths »

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Comments

  1. Ange says

    December 13, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    Oh how beautiful is your banister! Love the stairs too, can’t wait to see the finished product! My banister and handrail is black, you can check it out in my entryway post. I love a black banister and handrail, go for it girl!
    You’ve inspired me to make a better banister for next year!

    Reply
  2. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    December 13, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    I love it, Heather! Those ornaments are such a great touch ~ love the colors you used. The ribbon, too, adds that certain something!

    Are your treads black? They look like they are from what I can see. I would say, yes, paint the banister black or whatever color the treads are.

    Reply
  3. Robin says

    December 13, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    It looks amazing Heather. I just love the color you’ve used. So cheerful.

    Reply
  4. Ruby Jean says

    December 13, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    So VERY pretty… Apple Green and Aqua must be the color this year… 🙂 I have been seeing all over I LOVE It

    Reply
  5. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    December 13, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    Love the bannister adornments. I had live garland on mine from Home Depot and it was getting very brittle so I have already taken it down. I knew it wouldn’t last. I think black would look great. I love that look and hope to tackle mine some day.

    Reply
  6. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    December 14, 2011 at 12:09 AM

    Heather your banister looks fabulous with the greenery and ribbons! I like it would look great black!! Martina

    Reply
  7. Linda @ A La Carte says

    December 14, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    What a beautiful banister! I love the colors and those blue ornaments are so pretty.

    Reply
  8. Judy says

    December 14, 2011 at 12:26 AM

    Your banister looks great. I love the color scheme you went with. I love the blue and green color combo. I can’t tell exactly what color your stairs are…if they are black, you could totally paint the railings and banister black. It could look very cool.

    Reply
  9. janet says

    December 14, 2011 at 1:34 AM

    Your banister is amazing..I love the color combination..

    Reply
  10. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    December 14, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    Mm Mm Mmm! Love that color combo on your banister. And yes, I would say definitely paint the banister and handrail black. It’ll really pop!

    Reply
  11. Richella says

    December 14, 2011 at 2:05 AM

    It looks great, Heather! So pretty and lots of fun.

    And I vote ABSOLUTELY go with the black. In my last house, my banister looked just like yours until I painted it black. If you like, you can catch a glimpse of it in this post that features some photos of that house: https://www.impartinggrace.com/2010/05/are-you-afraid-of-color.html

    Thank you BOTH for sharing your welcoming spaces today!

    Reply
  12. Emreen says

    December 14, 2011 at 3:11 AM

    Your banister looks stunning… Love the combination of blues and greens…(Have never seen this combo before) . It has turned out to be perfect…. !!!

    Reply
  13. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    December 14, 2011 at 3:42 AM

    Your banister is beautiful! I love the way you placed the ornaments on ribbon to hang! Live garland is my favorite. I know your home smells wonderful! I love the idea of black handrails and banisters! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  14. Debbie refreshrestyle says

    December 14, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    Yes black would be great! Love the color of your ornaments! It looks great.
    Debbie

    Reply
  15. Heather @ Decor-ganize Crafts says

    December 14, 2011 at 4:00 AM

    That looks gorgeous! And if your steps are black I would paint the rails black (the oak wood part) and leave the pedestals white.

    Reply
  16. Nellie's Cozy place says

    December 14, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    Love what you did to your banister,
    it is delightfully festive. Such a great idea. Also your dining room table looks very pretty as well.

    May you have the Merriest of Christmas’s and an abundance of Peace and Joy to go along with it.

    Blessings, Nellie

    Reply
  17. Natasha in Oz says

    December 14, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Your banister looks so festive and cheerful! We don’t have a grand foyer or a fireplace at our place so I really need to utilize our banister more when decorating for Christmas. I will pin your ideas for next year-thank you!

    Thanks also for joining in with my Pinning & Singing party! It means so much to me that you have linked up!

    Best Christmas wishes,
    Natasha.

    Reply
  18. Cindy says

    December 14, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    Your banister looks amazing! Love the bright colors, such a nice touch! Black would be beautiful…can’t wait to see it!

    Reply
  19. Maria Elena says

    December 14, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    The banister looks gorgeous!
    I love the colors! So pretty and festive!

    Reply
  20. Kelly says

    December 14, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    I like your fun approach to dressing your banister. The year before last, I used those same colors throughout my house for Christmas. I loved it! I like the ribbon and the ornaments together. I definitely think you should paint your railing black! It would match your steps and really pop against the white. I know it will look great!

    Reply
  21. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    December 14, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    Gorgeous, I love the ribbon and garland. How pretty. I think the handrail would look gorgeous black with the white spindels. Stunning. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  22. Amber says

    December 14, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Yes, paint it black, it will look even more elegant with your colors next year! I love the colors you used, very pretty!

    Reply
  23. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    December 15, 2011 at 1:13 AM

    I adore what you’ve done to your banister. I’m really loving that green and aqua color combination. I think you should paint your handrails black. I’m not sure what you should do with your newel post.

    Reply
  24. Pamela says

    December 15, 2011 at 1:15 AM

    Heather I just love all of your holiday decor! It is truly beautiful and the color combos are divine!

    Reply
  25. Sue says

    December 16, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Heather, The colors you used for the ribbon make the banister look so fresh! I love a black or really dark stained handrail with white spindles. I say go for it! Merry, Merry! ~ Sue

    Reply

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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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