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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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August 20, 2013

Transitional Fall Mantel Ideas

transitional fall mantel ideas

There seems to be a conspiracy out there….and many bloggers are guilty of being a part of it.  We just can’t seem to help ourselves.  Our favorite craft stores and online home decor sites are some of the biggest perpetrators.  We enter their doorways and stand aghast with mouths hanging open and eyes bugging. We feel disoriented and out of sorts.

Or we click over to our favorite online stores only to find they too are helping to spread this far and wide.  It’s truly becoming an epidemic..and I might be one of the worst offenders! 

transitional fall mantel ideas

It’s Seasonal Sabotage Disorder! You are probably all too familiar with it! It’s 90 degrees and you enter  your favorite craft store and there it is.  All of the Fall Decor neatly lined up row after row with sweet little elves…I mean employees…running around with buckets of Christmas ribbon and ornaments deciding where best to promote the newest line in Holiday Decor!

Or, maybe your visiting your favorite blogger..ahem…,before you head out to the pool, and she has a post up featuring fall mantel ideas featuring a gorgeous Balsam Hill Fall Wreath in all it’s fallish glory! And your mind’s starts whirling and you think, “I’m not ready for FALL!” I still have the AC running and the ice cream truck is still stopping on my corner.

transitional fall mantel ideas

But then you hesitate….taking in all of the gorgeous fall colors and the vintage silver tray from The Goodwill with the word FALL spelled out on it and you start to get that little tingly feeling.  You know like the Grinch had when his heart grew 10 times that day! You start thinking about how you might decorate your fall mantel or your front porch.  You start looking for ideas to transition your summer mantel into fall.  Nothing to dramatic yet, it is still August after all.

transitional fall mantel ideas

Maybe some pretty fall leaves in a vintage silver trophy cup.  Some tall wooden candles that add  warmth.  Maybe you start wondering how you could get your hands on a pretty fall wreath. One that has just the right mix of fallish colors with tiny corn cobs and corn husks.  And maybe, just maybe you might let your mind wander all the way to December.

You start imagining evergreen and white lights and how pretty a winter garden wreath, festooned with cream berries and green pears would look hanging on your front door.   Or maybe you are a traditionalist and would love a classic holiday fields wreath with preserved eucalyptus leaves, pinecones and touches of red and green!  Then there are those of you who love the simplicity of a Balsam Fir lit wreath or garland!

transitional fall mantel ideas

That’s when you’ll know you have it too!  Seasonal Sabotage Disorder!  Ready for the cure…just give into it! Embrace these next seasons with open arms…and I’m going to help you!

Balsam Hill is offering ONE At The Picket Fence reader a wreath OR garland of their choice!!

transitional fall mantel ideas

And so that everyone can have a chance to own one of Balsam Hill‘s amazing wreaths, garlands or trees here’s a coupon code for 10% off anything on the website!

Just use: ATTHEPICKETFENCE10 when checking out.  Are you ready to win your own gorgeous wreath or garland? Here’s how to enter…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

and when the symptoms of Seasonal Sabotage Disorder set in….you can thank me! grin!

signature
I was provided a Balsam Hill wreath to review..all opinions and the term “Seasonal Sabotage Disorder” are my own!

95 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Giveaways, Reviews, Wreaths Tagged With: fall, fall Decorating, Giveaway, wreath

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Comments

  1. mymosk says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:15 AM

    Fall is my favorite! Love the Autumn harvest wreath among many other ones that Balsam Hill offers.

    Reply
  2. Patricia Ann says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:49 AM

    Ooohh! That fall mantel made my heart go pitter patter! I don’t have a mantel but I do have a metal flourish hanging above my living room mirror. It would look so cute with a small wreath embellishing it!

    Reply
    • Mara says

      August 21, 2013 at 5:51 AM

      Agreed! I am so excited for fall and all of these colors are making me crazy for some crisp air and baked goods 🙂 I love the fall harvest wreath!

      Reply
  3. Rhonda R. says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    This is gorgeous!!!! I love the colors and the frame is such a neat twist!

    Reply
  4. Rhonda R. says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:55 AM

    The fall wreath is my favorite!! This is gorgeous!!!! I love the colors and the frame is such a neat twist!

    Reply
  5. jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:56 AM

    THis is beautiful! I am loving the how the colors of the wreath pop against the white mantel. So pretty 🙂 I would love a fall wreath of any sort, we have 7 exterior doors! I would love to mix it up a bit on each part of the house.

    Reply
  6. Tami says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:57 AM

    Love this wreath! I am SO ready for fall! I visited my favorite local gift shop the other day and walked into a fall fantasyland. I felt like a kid in a candy store! Can’t wait for September 1 to roll around … I figure that’s a respectable time to start bringing out my fall decor.
    P.S. I noticed Hobby Lobby has their Christmas trees on sale already!

    Reply
  7. Debbi says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:57 AM

    Fall is my favorite season for decorating. I love this wreath.

    Reply
  8. joyce says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:00 AM

    Love this!! Sure would look good hanging on my door!

    Reply
  9. ruthann says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:00 AM

    Whay a beautiful wreath! It would look great at my house!

    Reply
  10. Angela says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:00 AM

    Oh gosh! All their wreaths are so beautiful!!! Love them all!~~Angela

    Reply
  11. Marina says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:10 AM

    I have so been looking a mantle ideas…thanks for this beauty. I have two mantles in my house, so I need all the help I can get! Have a great day!

    Reply
  12. Steph says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:12 AM

    I love the wreath – it definitely puts me in the mood for fall – cooler weather and football

    Reply
  13. Sarah W says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:14 AM

    Fall is such a cozy time – who can resist? Your mantel is warm and cozy – well done!!

    Reply
  14. Kristan C. says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:32 AM

    Fall is definitely my favorite season and I love the fall wreath!

    Reply
  15. Ann says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Hey Heather I adore your mantel! I think we all suffer with some degree of that nasty disorder. ha! Your wreath is perfect and of course I think the vintage touches are perfect. I have long admired the Balsam Hill products and would love to win a garland. Thank you, thank you for this giveaway!

    Reply
  16. Chelle says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Autumn Harvest Wreath is my fave for holiday decorating, but I’m loving the look of the Sweet Rose & Berry quite a lot!

    Reply
  17. Solducky says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    I love fall, and the mountain meadow wreath is so pretty!

    Reply
  18. Cynthia says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    Fall decor is my absolute favorite, especially since it goes so well with the color scheme in our home……love, love, love! This wreath would be perfect any where in our home!

    Reply
  19. Sally says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:41 AM

    I LOVE fall, and love the style of the Cranbrook Orchard Wreath!

    Reply
  20. TX JennyWren says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:42 AM

    That is a BEAUTIFUL mantel with an AMAZING wreath!! I would LOVE to win this wreath. Thank you. txjennywren.blogspot.com

    Reply
  21. kathy says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:42 AM

    I would love the fall wreath featured or a Christmas one, but fall is my fav time of year. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  22. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:44 AM

    I love it….”Seasonal Sabotage Disorder”….Beautiful mantel Vanessa! The wreath is gorgeous!
    Balsam Hill…a great company…and love their Regency Gate wreath!…Great giveaway!

    Reply
  23. Randi - Dukes and Duchesses says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    That wreath is beautiful … love your fall mantel. I think the minute the calendar hits September it’s time to break out all the fall stuff!

    Reply
  24. Shelia says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    You’re on a roll, Darling! What a cute post and a most gorgeous wreath! I’m not quite ready for fall yet but I’d poke that wreath up as quick as a flash if I had it.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  25. Randi - Dukes and Duchesses says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:56 AM

    Oh, and I think I’d choose the Mountain Meadow garland!

    Reply
  26. Linda says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    “Seasonal Sabotage Disorder”…LOVE IT!

    Reply
  27. Cindy says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    Fall is my favorite! And as it feels a bit “fallish” already with cool nights and low humidity, I believe this is perfect timing!

    Reply
  28. Julie says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    Fall = DEFINITE FAVORITE! I decorate more for Fall than for Christmas! September 1 can’t come soon enough!!!! 🙂

    Reply
  29. Faith says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:12 AM

    I wantthis wreath!! So beautiful!!

    Reply
  30. Terri Hughes says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    Beautiful……….thanks!

    Reply
  31. Maureen says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    I am torn I love Fall and I love Winter seasons. The wreath that has caught my eye is the Holiday Gala Christmas Wreath.

    Reply
  32. Kelly Bedwell says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    I love the mountain meadow wreath for Christmas! 🙂 I love the fall wreath you have there too!! Fall has always been my favorite season!!

    Reply
  33. Kim @ Sand & Sisal says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    That wreath is gorgeous and I love how you grouped it with the tarnished silver. So beautiful! I love Balsam Hill’s products!

    Reply
  34. Terri says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    Fall is by far my fav time of the year. Lot’s of family birthdays, fall festivals and my favorite holiday-Thanksgiving!

    Terri

    Reply
  35. Rana says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    Saboteur! And you know that those who love autumn the best have a hard time holding back on the decor. naughty naughty girl.

    Reply
  36. Heather B says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    Autumn is definitely my fave time of year. I love their lavender wreaths.

    Reply
  37. misti d. says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    Love that wreath:) thanks for the chance to win.
    -blessings

    Reply
  38. Sharon C says

    August 20, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    So many choices at Balsam Hill!! I love the rusts and oranges of the fall season.
    Thanks for featuring this vendor.

    Reply
  39. Jennifer @ Celebrating Everyday Life says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:05 AM

    I love the idea of a transitional decorating time! It’s so true – we see the inspiration and may or may not want to jump right on it – thanks for sharing tips on how to dip our decorating toes into the coming season! And that wreath is lovely!!! Can’t wait to see more from Balsam Hill!!

    Reply
  40. Rochelle says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:12 AM

    I love Spring but I don’t have much for Fall decorations. That Fall wreath would be perfect for my new mantel.

    Reply
  41. MDR says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    Beautiful Heather! Can hardly wait for our September visit to your home!! Mom

    Reply
  42. anita says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    Fall is my favorite time to decorate, there is something about the warm colors and the fresh fall air that is so cozy. The wreath shown is gorgeous!

    Reply
  43. Leslie & House on the Way says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    I love to decorate for Christmas and I love their traditional fir wreath. It’s so versatile!

    Reply
  44. Sherry Lykins says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    Fall is my favorite season!! I like the Spring meadow wreath!! sharoo1975@yahoo.com

    Reply
  45. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    It’s so hard, isn’t it?? We can’t wait to post these great decorating ideas until it’s too late but right now I want to jump in the pool!
    I LOVE the Balsam Hill Winter Garden wreath. Love.
    Thanks for the great giveaway and the fab Fall inspiration!
    xoxo

    Reply
  46. LindaSonia says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    I love the change of seasons – no matter from what to what it always feels like a new start – love that and love the chance to win a Fall wreath… count me in

    Reply
  47. Sandy says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    83 today, 84 tomorrow, here in Ohio, but my fall flowers are set to bloom, and my husband dismantled his cucumber patch yesterday. So planning a fall mantel is accepted at my house and yours is lovely. I’m on the search for a silver trophy cup!

    Reply
  48. Sandy says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    Now that I retired, fall is my favorite season, and the wreath would look great in my kitchen.

    Reply
  49. LeeAnn says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    I love your fall wreath, and the Mountain Meadow wreath on line.

    Reply
  50. Michelle says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:33 AM

    The wreath is beautiful and so is your mantel! I’m almost ready for my favorite season of fall to come, though I’m hanging on tightly to the last lazy days of summer! Thanks for the chance to win a beautiful prize!

    Reply
  51. Richelle says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:40 AM

    My favorite season is summer, but my favorite season to decorate for is winter. I am absolutely in love with the MOUNTAIN MEADOW WREATH. And I love that it comes in an LED version.

    Reply
  52. Gail Marshall says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:49 AM

    I love the fall with all the beautiful color and the coolness of the evening. Time where we can light the firefit at night, take a walk in the evening without being to hot. Getting ready for all the holidays for decorating. Each month in falls has a theme for decorating

    Reply
  53. Anna says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    It’s hard to say because I love each of the seasons for different reasons. I do love Fall though because I get to bring out all my seasonal decor. 🙂 I would probably want the wreath you got but I couldn’t find it on their website. If I couldn’t have that one then I also like this one: https://www.balsamhill.com/Winter-Garden-Artificial-Christmas-Wreath-p/wgd-w.htm?1=1&CartID=0

    Anna

    Reply
  54. Karen says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    I love FALL! the coolness in the air, the changing of the leaves, making big leave piles for the kids to jump in, caramel apples, Ah fall! and I love the wreath you got, I just couldn’t find it.

    Reply
  55. Tracy B says

    August 20, 2013 at 10:15 AM

    It’s beautiful Heather! I’m so ready for fall!

    Reply
  56. Sarah says

    August 20, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    Fall is,my favorite! Looooove the colors, smells, decor,weather, family times….all of it!

    Reply
  57. Judy says

    August 20, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    I love Fall, but I’m still in total summer mode. Love your mantel and wreath. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  58. Kimberly ~Serendipity Refined says

    August 20, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    Perfect timing! I was just looking for ideas for a fall mantel at my new house! I’m a little jealous that you HAVE a mantel…AND that you can find cute things (like that wreath…and the silver) to put on it! I’m living vicariously through you!!! xo

    Reply
  59. Christine says

    August 20, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    Cool wreath!!

    Reply
  60. tina voyles says

    August 20, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    Fall is my favorite time of year.. I love the smells, the colors and every wonderful thing fall brings! I would choose the mountain meadow wreath:)

    Reply
  61. Thistle says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Heather!!!!!!!!!! You are the best!!!!!!! I LOVE the wreath and the colors….but you won my heart with that silver tray. 🙂

    Happy day!
    karianne

    Reply
  62. LinhC says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:14 PM

    My favorite season is Fall!

    I love the Sweet Rose and Berry Wreath.

    Reply
  63. Sue Groff says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Would love to have this beautiful wreath for Autumn.

    Reply
  64. Ashley says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    Fall is my favorite season! : ) I love the HOLIDAY GALA CHRISTMAS WREATH though, it’s beautiful!

    Reply
  65. Martha Franks says

    August 20, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    Boy, would I love to win this beautiful wreath!

    Reply
  66. Leslie says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:07 PM

    I have to admit fall is my favorite season followed closely by spring!

    Reply
  67. Sherry says

    August 20, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    Love the fall wreath but I like almost all their wreaths!!!!!

    Reply
  68. Debbie says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    That wreath would look fabulous on my black front door must have it!

    Reply
  69. Sarah @ An Inviting Home says

    August 20, 2013 at 6:19 PM

    Too funny! I totally saw Karianne’s Fall post the other day and was like what?!? it is too early for that. Guess who stopped in HomeGoods today and picked up some Fall decor? You are SO right! 🙂

    ~Sarah

    p.s. beautiful mantel by the way!

    Reply
  70. Martina says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:13 PM

    Love love love!!

    Reply
  71. Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:18 PM

    Gorgeous wreath and great giveaway!

    Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos

    Reply
  72. Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says

    August 20, 2013 at 8:21 PM

    My favorite season is Fall and my favorite wreat is he English Boxwood square wreath.

    Reply
  73. Heather S says

    August 20, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    Autumn is my favorite season, and that wreath is my fav!

    Reply
  74. Renee G says

    August 20, 2013 at 11:09 PM

    My favorite season is fall. And my favorite wreath is the Winter Garden Wreath.

    Reply
  75. Sophie says

    August 21, 2013 at 12:51 AM

    Fall, or Autumn as we call it here in Australia, is most definitely my favorite season! Its far too hard to pick a favourite wreath, they are all beautiful

    Reply
  76. Carolsue says

    August 21, 2013 at 2:44 AM

    Fall is my favorite season. It’s so hard to decide — can I change my mind if I am lucky enough to win? I like the Regency Gate Wreath a lot, however!

    Reply
  77. Ilyssa says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:50 AM

    My favorite season is Spring. The weather is perfect, and I know the snow is behind me! I really don’t like the cold weather… but a gorgeous wreath would make it worth while! I adore the Winter Garden Wreath. It’s just gorgeous!

    Reply
  78. Peg says

    August 21, 2013 at 5:17 AM

    Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite time of year and I would love to share the Regency Fall Wreath with the 30+ friends and family members we share our meal with!

    Reply
  79. Erin says

    August 21, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    I love the fall! We just bought our new home and I am so looking forward to decorating for the holiday. I love all wreaths but I would definitely want a fall wreath, especially the one in the picture.

    Reply
  80. rachel says

    August 21, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    I’d get the Autumn Harvest Wreath.

    Reply
  81. Debbie says

    August 21, 2013 at 9:29 AM

    Fall is my favorite season. I admit that I used to get cranky at the Seasonal Sabotagers. Now, I just roll with it. I’m too 51 to worry about it. I enjoy the inspiration and will decorate when I have a mind to.

    Your mantel looks great.

    Reply
  82. autumn kelly says

    August 21, 2013 at 10:52 AM

    I’m beginning to like Fall a little more than the summers I’ve always loved. And of course there is always Spring. Cold winters I can do without.
    https://www.balsamhill.com/22-Inch-Purple-Patchwork-Wreath-p/1223303.htm
    All the wreaths are lovely.

    Reply
  83. SandyN says

    August 21, 2013 at 11:42 AM

    Fall is my favorite season, but I really like the Pansy and Hydrangea Spring Wreath!

    Reply
  84. Jan says

    August 21, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    Love fall decor where orange is NOT the star. 🙂 Love the burgundy, golden yellow and wheat tones in this wreath that keep the orange in line. 😉

    Reply
  85. Kelly O. says

    August 21, 2013 at 12:22 PM

    Winter is my favourite and I would love to have the English boxwood rectangular wreath as it could be used in most every season, at the very least spring fall and winter!

    Reply
  86. Kim says

    August 21, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    Spring is my favorite! The Spring Meadow Violet Wreath is gorgeous!!!

    Reply
  87. Ali says

    August 21, 2013 at 11:37 PM

    Love fall! It is already cooling down where I live and I can’t wait for all the trees to change. I already have my fall candles burning!

    Reply
  88. Kelly T says

    August 22, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    These wreaths are beautiful! I like the fall wreath but that spring wreath is lovely, too! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  89. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says

    August 22, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    Love your mantel, Heather! Ready to decorate my fall mantel very soon.

    If I was to get a wreath, I would get the fall one – but I can’t find it on their website. So pretty!

    Reply
  90. Laura Strack says

    August 23, 2013 at 8:31 AM

    What a beautiful Harvest Wreath! I would love to have this to decorate my dining room for our Thanksgiving feast, but my Favorite is the English Boxwood Wreath. So versatile and you can add a bow to change it up for every season. I love things that I can use often.

    Reply
  91. Jocelyn says

    August 23, 2013 at 2:24 PM

    Love the Winter Garden Wreath! Adorable!

    Reply
  92. chassidy says

    August 23, 2013 at 11:20 PM

    Setting this makes me want to decorate for fall! It’s stop trip early, but I can always get ideas! I love this wreath!

    Reply
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This is such a busy time of year and I’m always This is such a busy time of year and I’m always on the lookout for easy recipes that use minimal pots and pans therefore requiring minimal cleanup. 🙌🏻

This one sheet roasted veggies, sausage and gnocchi definitely fit the bill! And I don’t know how I’ll go back to boiled gnocchi after tasting it roasted. 😋

Here’s how easy it is to make: 

Preheat oven to 425

Use any combo of veggies you like. I used sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts and red onion. 

Dice into small pieces and spread on a sheet pan. 

Slice up the sausage and add to vegetables. Then add the uncooked gnocchi. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. You can also add any herbs you like! 

Roast in over for 25 minutes stirring once halfway through. 

While it’s in the oven, melt a stick of butter in a saucepan and add in two teaspoons of garlic. 

When you remove the pan from the oven, drizzle the butter/garlic mixture over the top and stir well to coat everything. Top with Parmesan cheese! 

Easy peasy and SO yummy! ✨

#sheetpandinner #sheetpanrecipes
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
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