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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 7, 2011

Two Mantels…One Meaning~ Vanessa’s Turn!

Are you Mantel-ed Out yet? I hope not because I am so excited to be following up Heather’s GORGEOUS Christmas Mantel by sharing with you my own creations!
Hang in there with us this week, we know we are throwing a lot at you but we sure do appreciate you all of you coming by to visit us and the fun we are having seeing your beautiful decor.

So, grab some eggnog and a cookie as I bring to you my two mantels all decked out!

Ahhh…Christmas Mantels. They can be so fun and yet so fear-inducing at the same time. Anyone else out there with me on that one? That long expanse of open space can offer so much promise and yet so much dread all at once!
It was just so fun this year to dream of how I was going to decorate both my Living Room and Family Room mantels for Christmas.

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Turning that dream into a reality was another matter entirely! After several attempts and 2 events involving garland crashing to the ground (each mantel!), I think I finally got it just right.
First up is my NOEL Mantel in my Living Room.

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I had seen some Moss Letters in a catalog but no-way, no-how was I going to pay the price they were asking…like over $20 a letter!
So, I purchased these cardboard letters from JoAnn’s and got started.

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Now, let me just say this. Moss is expensive! Especially when you buy it on a roll. So, in order to save money, I bought a little at a time and always used my 40-50% off coupons so it cut the cost by quite a bit. This is so easy! Just simply cut off the length/width you need and using a hot glue gun, add it to your letters. Be sure you don’t miss the insides but don’t worry about the back…no one will see it if you use it on a mantel or shelf!

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I think they look so perfect with my botanical paintings in the background and
the entire mantel has a
garden-y (that is a technical term by the way) feel to it!

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The entire mantel was draped with a sage green burlap for texture and to break up the expanse of dark wood. Then I added my tall Mercury Glass candlesticks for some sparkle
topped with a glittery pinecone candles.

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I also tucked in some other votive candles I had on hand and used the white mirrored candleholders as little pots to hold my “faux” Paper Whites.

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I had purchased 2 pots of silk Narcissus (aka Paper Whites) on Ebay for only $15 and then broke them apart to use in different places around the house.
They add the softness I was looking for and I don’t have to water them!

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In French, “Noel” means “Christmas”.
In Latin, “Noel” means “Birth”.
Either way, it all means the same thing to me and I will share more about that below!

Let’s move on into the Family Room now, shall we, and take a look at our Advent Mantel.

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Every year I ponder how to incorporate our Advent into my Christmas Décor. Growing up we always had a traditional Advent “Wreath”, but I think it is fun to put new twists on tradition.
Advent means “expectant waiting”. And in our home we wait expectantly for Christmas Day, not only to revel in the stuffed stockings and the gifts under the tree, but to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by lighting a candle each Sunday leading up to Christmas. In recent years, our oldest son has been the one to show off his reading skills by beginning in the book of Luke, chapter 2 and reading to us the story of the first Christmas one section at a time each week.

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To create our Advent Candles, I brought in some pots which are normally found outside on our patio table but worked perfectly for this. I took each candle and coated the bottom with “Stick-Um” before placing them down inside the pot.
Each little pot was then wrapped in greenery with some red berries tucked in and then nestled into some gauzy fabric I found in my remnant bin.

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I placed these tall buckets on either end for height and love the punch of color they add. They were a new purchase this year from Tuesday Morning but everything else I used to decorate this mantel were all things I repurposed from previous years.

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In my determination not to buy something new, I went hunting for just the right thing to put inside the buckets. As I began pulling my Christmas bins out of the attic, I stumbled (literally!) across these dusty old ivy topiary trees which had been stored up there for probably a good 2 years. I felt like I had struck gold!

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I simply stripped them of the dusty ivy which left me with the grapevine form. Next, I wrapped them in this simple berry garland which filled it in nicely and yet still left it with an airy quality.
Super quick…super cheap…and super easy!

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I seriously love this ribbon and bought every spool of it I could find at JoAnn’s! For 50% off of course!
It is sweet and simple and fits so perfectly with this theme. I ended up using it on our “family” Christmas tree too but you will have to wait a bit longer to see that one!

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So, there you have it. Two Mantels, one meaning…both anticipating a most miraculous event.

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All righty, that is enough Mantel Overload for one day, don’t you think?
Be sure to come back tomorrow as the we keep rolling on down the Block!

I will meet you here in the morning all hopped up on caffeine bright-eyed and bushy tailed and ready to show you my Front Porch dressed for Christmas!

And, even better, I will be eagerly anticipating seeing all of your 
Doors and Porches
You will not want to miss out on all of the fantastic inspiration as well as the incredible
GIVEAWAYS!

So, be sure to rest up and get ready for this party to roll on!
Thanks so much for joining me at the Fence today,

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Also sharing this at these fantastic parties:
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From My Front Porch to Yours: 2011 Mantel Party

Home Stories A to Z: Christmas Mantel Party
Funky Junk Interiors: SNS Mantel and Stocking Party
Too Much Time on my Hands: Get Schooled Saturday

30 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Holidays

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Previous Post: « Heather’s Mantel~ Christmas Blogger Block Party 2011
Next Post: Holiday Dining at Heather’s House! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. debbie refresh restyle says

    December 6, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Vanessa, your mantels are so beautiful! and I’m going to copy you…I have the letters NOEL waiting to be transformed too! Love your style.
    Debbie

    Reply
  2. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    December 6, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Vanessa, what beautiful mantels. So much eye-candy! Love your NOEL letters! Very pretty! All of the botanicals are such a fresh take on Christmas. I love it!

    Reply
  3. Ruby Jean says

    December 6, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    Okay this is NOT a Party for the Faint of Heart… There is some SERIOUS hopping going on… I am going to need a nice BIG cup of Hot Coco with LOTS and LOTS of Whipped Cream… Your Mantel looks LOVELY… I love how you have been using lots of Follage (did I spell that right) in your decorating…

    Reply
  4. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    December 6, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Beautiful! I love the Noel letters! What a great idea! They are both stunning!

    Reply
  5. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    December 6, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Beautiful! Picture perfect Holiday post card! Can’t wait for the next round of partays!

    Reply
  6. Eclectically Vintage says

    December 6, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    LOVE the moss covered letters! Btw, my daughters name is Vanessa.
    Kelly

    Reply
  7. Debbie says

    December 6, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    I just leaned forward and exclaimed “I LOVE IT” right out loud. Yep. I did. I really love both of them, but that advent mantel is fantastic. I don’t know why I never, ever thought to do that.

    But I better not copy you again this season. I am already copying that thing with the oranges and apples/limes and cranberries.

    Now, to look at the other mantel.

    Reply
  8. Lynn@ The Vintage Nest says

    December 6, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    I am totally enthralled with your take on the advent wreath. I totally love it!!

    Reply
  9. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    December 6, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    Both of your mantels are just beautiful! The NOEL mantel is not like anything I have seen at all. It is so pretty and girl you are crafty! And the second mantel is really great too. The meaning behind it is wonderful. I love that you included that in your decor…because we certainly should remember the true reason for this season. Gorgeous, Gorgous!!! You did a fabulous job. Kristine

    Reply
  10. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    December 6, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    Oh Vanessa I LOVE them both!! Love the moss covered NOEL on your living room mantel, BTW I love those pretty sconces in there too:) Your family room mantel is my favorite with the berry twig trees and the advent candles, LOVE IT!! A BIG thanks to you girls for throwing this fun party! Martina

    Reply
  11. Miss Charming says

    December 6, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    Two wonderful looks. I love the mantel of red and white but my favorite item is the mossy NOEL. Beautiful job!

    Reply
  12. Gail says

    December 6, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    Both your mantels are beautiful Vanessa! I love the moss NOEL.

    Reply
  13. Brooke @ Spruce Your Nest says

    December 6, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    Gorgeous!! I adore your cranberry trees 🙂

    Reply
  14. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    December 7, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Wow, Vanessa, they are both gorgeous! The pictures over your living room mantel work so well with this display, plus I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one that leaves existing pictures up. : ) Love the moss covered NOEL. I wonder if you paint the letters green if that would help ~ at least for the back remaining uncovered. Love how you did your pots on your Advent mantel. How great that you were able to use what you already had.

    Reply
  15. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    December 7, 2011 at 12:14 AM

    I love your beautiful Christmas mantels! The Noel letters are so pretty!

    Reply
  16. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    December 7, 2011 at 12:32 AM

    Hi Vanessa, Both mantels are so pretty! I love the moss covered letters and the berry trees. Beautiful job!
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  17. Becca says

    December 7, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    VANESSA (yes, I’m screaming) … you outDID yourself, girlfriend! Both of your mantels are incredible! The floral mantel is totally genious … the moss letters beyond creative, and the way you tied it all in with your botanical prints above deserves an A++++ !! Your Advent mantel is truly one of a kind and so special. I love that you created the fabulous topiaries out of something you already hand on hand … the vases are beautiful, too! You should be giving yourself big ol’ pats on the back … you rocked it!

    Reply
  18. Kelly says

    December 7, 2011 at 1:27 AM

    I love that idea of putting moss on those letters! Very clever! You’ve got two really interesting and pretty mantels to share. They’re all garden inspired too (which I love).

    Reply
  19. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    December 7, 2011 at 2:00 AM

    I really like both of your mantels. I appreciate that you did the advent candles for each of the four weeks. That is such a great idea.

    Reply
  20. NanaDiana says

    December 7, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    Vanessa- You outdid yourself! I love both mantles. NOEL is my daughter’s last name so I might try to copy that for her next year.

    And I absolutely adore the second mantle. I love the whole thing..you did a perfect job! xo Diana

    Reply
  21. Pamela says

    December 7, 2011 at 3:49 AM

    So pretty Vanessa and I love Heathers too! You two gals would make perfect neighbors!;) Attempted pics of our outside today. Cloudy and not so good so I will have to try again tomorrow after work.

    Reply
  22. Cindy says

    December 6, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    They are both BEAUTIFUL! Love your Noel & mercury glass with pinecones…nice touch!!!

    Reply
  23. Judy says

    December 7, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    Your mantels are just beautiful. I love how you created the NOEL letters. Gorgeous. I love that you have two mantels. Lucky.

    Reply
  24. Deborah says

    December 7, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Oh gorgeous Vanessa!
    Love, love, love it so!!

    Deborah xoxo

    Reply
  25. Maria Elena says

    December 7, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Vanessa, what beautiful mantles! I love the Noel letters! Just gorgeous!

    Reply
  26. Vicki @ CurlyWillow says

    December 7, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Both are so beautiful and gives me some great ideas to change up my mantel and give it a little extra pizzazz!

    Reply
  27. Leslie says

    December 8, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    WOW.
    I am so glad I am late to all the parties (not really, but this has been a busy season!) so I could glean tons of ideas from YOU!
    My mantel has seen no Christmas-y decor yet.
    My poor front door? On it hangs a live greenery swag I got at Trader Joe’s last week for $5.99 (It’s lovely).
    So, when I do get cranked up (Sunday) watch out!
    The tinsel will be a-flying!
    So blessed to know you and thank you for sharing your happy home!
    Love, me

    Reply
  28. Gracie's Cottage says

    December 10, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    Great ideas! I especially love the moss Noel. Thanks for sharing.

    Jan

    Reply
  29. Richella says

    December 19, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    LOVE your mantels, Vanessa! They both look beautiful, and they’re both full of meaning. Christmas is all about a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring miracle–what a reason to celebrate!

    Thanks so much for linking to my Home for the Holy Days party. You are always so kind and encouraging, and I appreciate you greatly. Happy, happy Christmas!

    Reply
  30. free standing toilet paper holder says

    March 2, 2012 at 3:44 PM

    what beautiful mantels. So much eye-candy! Love your NOEL letters!

    Reply

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“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
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