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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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I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 y I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 years now and every year I ohhhh and ahhhh over the blossoms like it's the first time I've ever seen them. I gush and I take photos (that look exactly like the ones I took the year before and the year before that) and I make my family come outside and look at them with me which you know they just LOVE to do. 😉 I think that is one of the main reasons why I love spring so much. On the one hand, it's predictable and yet, on the other hand, it still feels like such a surprise after the long months of barren branches.

And yesterday, as I was staring at the gorgeous blossoms for the umpteenth time, I couldn't help but think that I hope this is how I feel when our lives return to some semblance of normalcy.

I hope that the predictable feels special and that the typical feels anything but. I hope that I ohhh and ahhh over the simple things I've realized I've taken for granted. And, most of all, I hope that feeling doesn't go away for a very, very long time! 💗
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Happy Easter from my home to yours!
Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to be a different kind of Easter for sure but some things don’t change. Have you been baking and getting ready for tomorrow? What’s one thing on your menu that you have to have every year?
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”? It all seems backward doesn’t it?

What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered? What could be good about the shame and betrayal?

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It just feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.

And, so it is with Good Friday. I know there will be victory over death, but I can’t skip ahead in the story.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew what he would experience. And he knew why he would go through it. He did it for me. He did it for you.

Do you know that? Have you felt it down in the very core of your soul? 
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Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!

There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.

That is why it is called GRACE.

His grace is freely given. We don’t have to pay for it. He paid the price for us already.

Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”? A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.

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