• 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

September 11, 2015

Simple Fall Entry Decor

Can I confess something to you my friends? Sometimes I just want to stick one pumpkin on one shelf in one room of my house and declare that I’ve decorated my house for fall.

Between working against the book deadlines, running the business that is this blog, getting kids back to school and all of the general craziness of life, it was definitely tempting to do that.

Simple and elegant fall entry decor atthepicketfence.com

But then I found this vintage picnic basket at a second-hand store. And well, I just had to do a little bit more.

Just a bit.

Because isn’t it just so lovely in all of it’s patina covered glory? It really wanted to come home with me and be apart of my fall decor this year.

vintage picnic basket with dried hydrangeas atthepicketfence.com

Here’s the thing though. I spent maybe only 10 minutes decorating my entry for fall. Honestly? That was about all of the time I could give it.

But when it was all said and done, I realized something. Something that it has taken me years to realize but has given me so much freedom.

Seasons are too fleeting to be spending all of your time decorating for them. They are meant to be enjoyed, relished, celebrated. They aren’t meant to be spent getting sweaty digging through bins and bins of decorations or frustrated at the craft store because you can’t find just the right color of fake pumpkins.

vintage picnic basket patina atthepicketfence.com

If seasons are reminders of the passage of time, why would we want to waste that time? I’m not doing it any longer. I’m embracing a more simple approach. One that only takes as much time as I’m willing to give it and lasts only as long as I’m enjoying it.

It only takes a minute (or less!) to throw a plaid scarf over the back of a chair and stack a couple of pillows on top. (The We Gather Together pillow is from Sutton Place Designs)

fall scarf and pillows on chair

And to admire how perfect these vintage prints are in this space.

vintage bird prints atthepicketfence.com

Because, when all is said and done, I’m finding that it is the simplest things that are the most lovely to me and are able to capture the true beauty of the season.

And those are the things on which I wish to spend my time.

simple fall entry decorating atthepicketfence.com

Now, I’m also spending time over the next couple of days with an amazing group of women and we have some wonderful fall ideas in store for you!

Make sure and come back tomorrow when the bHome bloggers will be featuring more fall ideas and inspiration. I will be sharing more than 30 links to amazing decor, crafts and recipes right here in one place.

bhome fall graphic

 

And bHome is pleased and honored to have Decor Steals sponsor this event. We will be giving away five (5) coupon codes each good for $100 at Decor Steals. There will be 5 winners!  Winners will be contacted on or about 9/19.

How to enter: Download bHome at www.bHome.us and favorite Decor Steals – to do this TAP their star.  Once favorited you will receive a message with the link to enter.  One TAP of that link and you are entered! If Decor Steals is already a favorite of yours on bHome just look out for the message and TAP to enter.  Good luck!

As always, thank you so much for meeting me at the fence today. See you right back here tomorrow!

Vanessa signature

36 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas Tagged With: Autumn, fall, fall decor, fall Decorating

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Before and After Dining Room Makeover
Next Post: Fall Ideas and Inspiration »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julie says

    September 11, 2015 at 4:00 AM

    Easy peasy! I’m totally with ya, Vanessa. The more I decorate, the less I decorate! Love the basket & the scarf. I’m obsessed with flannels & scarves. Thank goodness I live where I can wear them. XO

    Reply
  2. Lanita Anderson says

    September 11, 2015 at 4:27 AM

    Love your fall decor, especially the basket with the dried hydrangeas!! Thansk for sharing….
    Lanita

    Reply
  3. Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says

    September 11, 2015 at 4:44 AM

    Vanessa, you always seem to manage to say what everyone is thinking — who has all the time to go on decorating frenzies?! Love your inspiration basket and it looks perfect. 10-minute décor is where it’s at! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Kim says

    September 11, 2015 at 5:04 AM

    Yes, so true not to get frustrated and stressed out over seasonal decor. I get so stressed over the holidays and just want to do less and less as I get older. Your front entry says welcome fall so beautifully with just the perfect simple touch.

    Reply
  5. Richella Parham says

    September 11, 2015 at 5:26 AM

    You are so right! I’ve spent way too much time in the past digging through bins rather than enjoying life with my loved ones. And look how BEAUTIFUL everything looks with just the simple little touches you’ve added! Well done, friend!

    Reply
  6. Amy Kaminski says

    September 11, 2015 at 5:51 AM

    I love what you’ve done here. That chest is gorgeous!!! It just depends on the mood for me. Sometimes I like simple and sometimes I like over the top. That’s the beauty of decorating.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 11, 2015 at 8:28 AM

      Thank you Amy!! And yes it really is all about what YOU feel like doing, right? We have to enjoy our homes and if we feel like spending more time or less time decorating it’s really all up to us. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    September 11, 2015 at 6:36 AM

    Gorgeous. Love the plaid and the basket is stunning with it’s pretty flowers. Beautiful entry.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 11, 2015 at 8:28 AM

      Thank you so much Marty!!

      Reply
  8. Heather says

    September 11, 2015 at 6:38 AM

    That’s hit!! I’m coming over for a visit!! Love your gorgeous foyer decor Vanessa – perfection as always! Pinning! xo Heather

    Reply
  9. Nikki says

    September 11, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    That basket with those hydrangeas! You have restored my hope for fall decor. THANKS! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    September 11, 2015 at 11:15 AM

    So very beautiful Vanessa!….I have several vintage picnic baskets and I love that way your is painted…and I have that very same pillow and adore it…Love Ann’s beautiful work!…Have a great weekend and glad to party with you!

    Reply
  11. Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life says

    September 11, 2015 at 11:41 AM

    Yes to keeping things simple! I’m learning that not only do I not have the time or money for anything elaborate, but simple is also just so much more soothing to our eyes and creates a much more relaxing space to be in.

    Reply
  12. Lisa Mothersead says

    September 11, 2015 at 1:34 PM

    Ditto!! Clean and simple.

    Reply
  13. Rose L. says

    September 11, 2015 at 2:58 PM

    Such a lovely vignette, and I adore the bird prints.

    Reply
  14. Pink Camellias says

    September 11, 2015 at 3:54 PM

    We’ve thinned out our holiday decor in the past couple of years as well. We’ve cut our Christmas decor by about half, and I think I will give away more this year. I’m beginning to think I just want real pumpkins for Halloween and live poinsettias and fresh greenery for Christmas. They’ll look beautiful for the season, and then they can be composted. No storage!

    Reply
  15. martina says

    September 11, 2015 at 4:50 PM

    Vanessa not only do I LOVE your pretty vignette I LOVE that beautiful chest too!! The hydrangeas looks so pretty in the picnic basket!

    Reply
  16. Paige.Rose says

    September 11, 2015 at 9:30 PM

    I love how simple everything is, yet how it screams fall in the simplest of way!! The unique plaid throw, the pillow & the basket of hydrangeas are gorgeous!! So lovely!

    Paige.Rose
    from
    http://www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com

    Reply
  17. laura@duke manor farm says

    September 12, 2015 at 4:50 AM

    vanessa, i am totally with you. I think blogging puts a bit more pressure in that arena, although blogging i still loved bringing it all out, but the stress of it all wasn’t there. that basket is gorgeous and so are you!

    Reply
  18. Nancy Sharp says

    September 12, 2015 at 5:13 AM

    Simple IS beautiful! And you don’t have to spend so much time putting things away when it’s time for the next season.

    Reply
  19. Doreen says

    September 12, 2015 at 5:58 AM

    Vanessa,

    Your entry is perfection no matter how long it took! Sometimes, less IS more! And, at your stage in life – you are right, there are much more important things to spend your time on! Enjoy the season with your family!!

    Reply
  20. christy @ Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says

    September 12, 2015 at 6:00 AM

    Absolutely…decorating should not be stressful! That basket was great find and a perfect addition to your entry!

    Reply
  21. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    September 12, 2015 at 6:19 AM

    Vanessa, I so agree with your decorating philosophy!!! Yes, let’s gently add the season into our homes! I love your great basket find. What a wonderful patina… and those hydrangeas are PERFECTION with the basket! SIGH! Every time I visit I take away such lovely inspiration! Pinning and featuring you on my fb page!

    Reply
  22. Gail says

    September 12, 2015 at 9:11 AM

    Wisdom in your thoughts about emphemral nature of seasons which should be enjoyed & savored and not at a big box store searching for faux pumpkins,, which just vaguely remind us of the season.

    Reply
  23. Janet (Shabbyfufu) says

    September 12, 2015 at 12:22 PM

    I enjoy vignettes and decorating for the seasons, but have definitely been simplifying my life in so many ways and decluttering my home. It’s freeing!
    xx, Janet

    Reply
  24. Cindy says

    September 12, 2015 at 2:40 PM

    Simple decorating….yes, yes, yes! The beauty is in the simplicity and your decor is simply beautiful!!

    Reply
  25. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    September 12, 2015 at 7:34 PM

    Your words are certainly resonating with me as I stare at a completely empty mantel! But seeing how you painted your vintage picnic basket has inspired me to give one of mine a similar treatment for fall! And I have one of Ann’s lovely pillows, too, that will find a space in my home. Your simple approach is stunningly beautiful!

    Reply
  26. Jan says

    September 13, 2015 at 6:59 AM

    Lovely!

    What color are the walls painted? I’m not typically a fan of yellow, but that is such a gorgeous buttercream…..very, very nice.

    Reply
  27. Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says

    September 13, 2015 at 7:22 AM

    Oh, Vanessa, your decor is beautiful as usual. I agree concerning the simplicity of decor. Years ago I decorated everything for every season and then things started to change and now, I do what I like…usually something very simple, admire it and call it a day. Thanks so much for sharing your beauty inside and the beauty you create in your home. xoxo

    Reply
  28. Kelly says

    September 13, 2015 at 7:42 AM

    I would love to come home to this entry everyday! So warm, lovely & inviting. Well done!

    Reply
  29. Anne says

    September 13, 2015 at 11:52 AM

    Well you did a fabulous job for a 10 minute makeover! Absolutely love your beautifully styled entryway! Your hydrangeas are perfect and I am in love with that sweet lightly painted basket! Thank you for your beautiful inspiration sweet friend!

    Reply
  30. susan says

    September 14, 2015 at 6:00 AM

    I love the picnic basket! I love that is painted, just lovely!!

    Reply
  31. debbiedoos says

    September 14, 2015 at 6:13 AM

    Simple, yet says it all! Happy fall my friend. I really love that basket idea:)

    Reply
  32. Stephanie Rose says

    September 14, 2015 at 3:54 PM

    Beautiful! I so love your style. I feel the warmth and welcoming coming through every bit.

    Reply
  33. Sue Holte says

    August 26, 2016 at 8:27 AM

    Your display of dried hydrangea in the basket is simply beautiful!

    Reply
  34. Janette says

    August 31, 2016 at 8:00 PM

    We have been in our current home over 27 years. I am trying to simplify our space so we can enjoy the items we already have. Love the picnic basket idea which I can use for one I’ve had in storage and never use. Thank you for sharing!

    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