• 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

March 13, 2015

Spring Mantel Decorating

I love where I live.

I mean, I’ll admit that I didn’t always feel this way. I’ve even talked about how long it took me to fully embrace the fact that I am an Oregonian.

Spring mantel decor atthepicketfence.com

But, there is nothing like Spring in my neck of the woods to make me want to shout to the world that

I LOVE OREGON!

Here in the Willamette Valley, we truly get the best of both worlds. We have access to everything that big cities can offer and yet we can drive 5 minutes down the road and see the most gorgeous vineyards and farmland.

Every year around this time I start watching for one of my favorite Spring-time events. It’s not one that ever garners a whole lot of recognition and probably goes unnoticed by many in the area but, to me, it seems to signal the real start of the new season.

On my way to pick up my kiddos from school, I pass a simple white farmhouse. And once March rolls around, I’m on the lookout for the sign.

spring mantel decor with tulips atthepicketfence.com

The one that simply says “Daffodils $1 for 10 stems”. And as soon as I see it, my heart does a flip.

Because I know that just up ahead is the bucket.

The bucket filled to overflowing with daffodils.

The moment I open my car door the fragrance hits me and I just want to bury my head right down into those blossoms. But I resist. Because it’s in someone’s driveway. And I don’t want them to chase me off.

So, I wait until I get home to do it. 😉

Spring mantel decorating with a stone cross atthepicketfence.com

This year when it came time to decorate my mantel, I was thinking about those daffodils. How simple and sweet they are. And how sometimes I have this tendency to just over-complicate everything. From making dinner to what outfit to wear to decorating a mantel, I always tend to fall into this trap of over-thinking and being tempted to make it way harder than it needs to be.

spring mantel with vintage books atthepicketfence.com

But this year I resisted. I didn’t want to fall into that trap again. I looked at the bins of spring and Easter decorations and I just couldn’t bring myself to drag them out of the closet. Instead, I selected only a couple of pieces and incorporated them into what was already on the mantel.

spring mantel decorating with birds nest atthepicketfence.com

It took me all of about 5 minutes.

Simple spring mantel decorating

Because who wants to spend a whole lot of time fussing and fidgeting with things inside when outside the whole world is coming to life?

I know that some of you are still buried in snow or just slowing starting to thaw out. And I don’t want you to hate me, but we’ve had days and days of glorious sunshine and temperatures in the upper 60’s. Today it even reached 70!

And my spirit has soared right along with those temperatures.

With every cherry tree covered in pink or white blossoms.

With every whiff of freshly cut grass.

With every opportunity to wear shoes without socks.

With every time I’ve opened the sunroom and soaked in the warmth.

And with every bucket of daffodils! 🙂

Spring mantel decorating ideas from atthepicketfence.com

I’m so thrilled to be joining a fabulous group of ladies today for a Spring Mantel Tour and I hope you will pay them a visit for more ideas and inspiration!

My Soulful Home

Refresh Restyle

Town and Country

Lilacs and Longhorns

And if you want to start the tour from the very beginning you can visit

Daisy Mae Belle and At Home With the Barkers

Happy Spring to you friends!

Vanessa signature

17 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Easter, Good Ideas, Spring Tagged With: decor, decorating, spring, spring decorating

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Easy Budget Friendly Spring Decorating
Next Post: Making Friends With My Problems »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nancy says

    March 13, 2015 at 5:08 AM

    You are very blessed to love where you live. I love Daffodils too. They don’t grow well in Florida. But I saw them everywhere where I grew up. (Kentucky) They were sometimes called March Lilies. The other day I found some at the grocery and snatched them up! I love where I live too, (Florida) especially in the winter!!!

    Reply
  2. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    March 13, 2015 at 5:17 AM

    Beautiful, beautiful mantel Vanessa…I had to laugh when I read this post as my hubby had a similar conversation with me last night…I was fretting about getting things done in a timely manner before company came and he said, that I need to relax and not overcomplicate things….so when I read this, it made me truly smile….so I am off to get things done without overthinking and overcomplicating things!!!….Have a wonderful weekend Vanessa!

    Reply
  3. Susie @ The Chelsea Project Blog says

    March 13, 2015 at 6:07 AM

    Beautiful mantel….love the Old World cross mixed with the freshness of the flowers. It really represents rebirth and renewal. …And I’d really love some of those old books…LOL….Happy Friday and Blessings for a wonderful weekend. Susie

    Reply
  4. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    March 13, 2015 at 7:02 AM

    Your mantel looks beautiful! I love the simplicity! It doesn’t get much better than a simple vase filled with tulips! As for the daffodils, mine are just about to bloom! My first real sign of Spring! And when I look out and see those happy yellow flowers, my heart smiles! Thanks for being part of the tour! Life to the full! Melissa

    Reply
  5. Nikki says

    March 13, 2015 at 7:17 AM

    Gorgeous! That giant picture is FAB!!

    Reply
  6. Ellen says

    March 13, 2015 at 7:23 AM

    Your mantel is the prettiest I have seen. I agree that too contrived is not the way to go.

    Reply
  7. Sandy says

    March 13, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    Your mantel is stunning with it’s simplicity! Very reflective of spring and Easter. I love everything Especially the old world cross and the wall art! The tulips are beautiful too. Very well done.

    Reply
  8. Heather says

    March 13, 2015 at 8:40 AM

    Love all of your Spring touches!! That picture is stunning – I’m totally crushing on it! Happy Spring!

    Reply
  9. Suzanne says

    March 13, 2015 at 11:51 AM

    Here in New Hampshire, Old Man Winter hasn’t given up yet, as more snow is predicted for tomorrow. I am ready for Spring and your pretty mantel is giving me hope that it can’t be that far away. It has a quiet elegance that softly says Spring has arrived – just lovely.
    Thanks for the inspiration,
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes

    Reply
  10. Kelly@mysoulfulhome says

    March 13, 2015 at 12:37 PM

    Perfectly beautiful Vanessa! When I lived way out on the eastern end of Long Island there were flower stands just like the one you described. My favorite was the one that popped up in Lilac season. I dove in too!
    Happy Spring my friend!!
    x,
    Kelly

    Reply
  11. Lisa@2PerfectionDecor says

    March 13, 2015 at 8:00 PM

    Your Mantel is beautiful!! I love all the layered neutrals.

    Reply
  12. Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says

    March 14, 2015 at 4:40 AM

    Simply beautiful, Vanessa! I love the simple, natural touches and I wish I had that daffodil farm nearby like you do! Happy Spring!

    Reply
  13. Caroline @ Shutters and Sunflowers says

    March 14, 2015 at 8:26 AM

    So special! My birthday is this month, I was born at 4 O’clock in the afternoon at home ( many moons ago!) and my darling Daddy said when I arrived all the daffodils in the raised their heads and smiled…………no wonder they are one of my favourite flowers; new life, expectation and joy!!!

    Reply
  14. Anne Marie Petralia says

    March 16, 2015 at 9:26 AM

    I love your mantle! Could you please tell me where you got that beautiful cross and picture. We still have lots of snow here but this inspired me to decorate for spring.

    Thank you,
    Anne Marie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 16, 2015 at 10:24 AM

      Thanks so much Anne Marie! The picture is from TJ Maxx a few years ago and the cross is from Tuesday morning just picked up last week. 🙂 Hope you start thawing out soon!

      Reply
  15. Alice says

    March 17, 2015 at 3:51 AM

    Simple , beautiful. I love your mantle. I hope I can find a similar cross like yours. Beautiful.

    Reply
  16. Pat says

    March 17, 2015 at 8:54 PM

    Just beautiful! I love the simplicity. I see some (haven’t been on the tour) that every inch is covered with something. I think that with less it really makes a profound impact.

    Enjoy!
    xo
    Pat

    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

When Good Friday Does't Feel So Good

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