• 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
  • Shop My Home
  • 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

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.

064-1

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.

026-1
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.

031
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!

032

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!

064-1
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.

032-1

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.

036-1

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!

037-1

028-1

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.

050-1
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.

015-1

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.

008-2

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.

054-1
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!

080
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!

057-1
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!

013-1

003-2

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

010-1

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,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

Also sharing this at these fantastic parties:
<span class=

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

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

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

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!

  • Simple Fall Decorating Ideas

    Simple Fall Decorating Ideas
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour

    Autumn Home Decor Tour
  • Apple Bread Pudding

    Apple Bread Pudding
  • Paper Bag Pumpkins

    Paper Bag Pumpkins

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Neutral Hot Cocoa Station November 28, 2023
  • The Autumn Season of Motherhood October 18, 2023
  • Simple Fall Decorating Ideas September 14, 2023
  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

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
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence