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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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September 20, 2016

A Simple Fall Dining Tablescape

A couple of weeks ago the doorbell rang at our house and as I walked towards the door my heart started beating faster.

You see, every day for what feels like forever I’ve been watching for our book to get here. THE book. The one that I worked on for a whole year and that I had yet to hold in my hands.

Fall dining table with plaid throw tablecloth atthepicketfence.com

I knew it was coming and the anticipation was driving me crazy! (Side note…I’ve decided that when you are waiting for something as important to you as your very first book, there should be no other deliveries made to your house until it is in your hands because it was like a cruel joke each time I saw a box waiting on the doorstep only to realize that it wasn’t the RIGHT box! Sheesh!)

But then, one evening as I was preparing dinner, I heard the doorbell ring. Now, this presented a little bit of a dilemma.

Only minutes before I had gone to shake up a plastic container of marinating chicken only to realize that I hadn’t secured the lid properly which thereby allowed marinade mixed with raw chicken juice to splatter all over me.

Fall place setting atthepicketfence.com

So, there I was hearing the doorbell ringing and thinking, “this can’t be the moment.” I mean, it wouldn’t come when I’m wearing grubby clothes covered in raw chicken marinade and scrambling to get dinner ready for my family.

To be honest, I don’t really know how I thought the stage should be set for THE moment (was I supposed to be wearing a ball gown and a tiara???) but I was pretty sure that this wasn’t it.

Fall dining room table setting atthepicketfence.com

I walked to the door and as I glanced through the window I could see the delivery man standing there waiting for a signature. And I knew…I knew that this was it. This was going to be the moment I would remember forever. The moment I held my book in my hands for the first time….and I was going to be covered in dried up marinade.

But after I jumped up and down with excitement and scared the UPS guy with my shrieking and shakily opened the box and slid the stack of books out and held them in my hands and squealed and cried tears of joy and my family came running to see what was happening, I realized that this really was the absolute perfect moment.

Because it was reality.

Fall centerpiece with white pumpkins and dried hydrangeas atthepicketfence.com

And reality is always, always better. Because, let’s face it, my reality filled moment provided me with a much better memory than if I had been wearing a ball gown and tiara. And it gave me a much better story to share with you here.

Reality keeps us humble, it gives us perspective.

And speaking of perspective…

As my son flipped through the pages of the book my heart leaped with joy because I was quite sure that he was feeling overcome with pride in what his mom had accomplished.

He looked at me and said, “This is really cool Mom!”

Simple and lovely fall centerpiece atthepicketfence.com

And just as I found myself beaming at him he followed that up with, “So, what’s for dinner?”

Perspective. 😉

I’m so glad you could meet me at the fence today and I hope you will enjoy paying these other bloggers a visit to see more fall tablescape ideas and inspiration!

fall ideas tour tablescapes

fall ideas tour

2016 Fall Ideas Tour

Monday – Mantels

Postcards from the Ridge  |  Petticoat Junktion  |  Shabbyfufu
Girl in the Garage  |  Virginia Sweet Pea  | 2 Bees in a Pod

Tuesday -Tablescapes

At the Picket Fence  |  Our Southern Home  |  Restoration Redoux
The Chelsea Project  |  Hunt and Host  |  Confessions of a Serial DIY-er
 

Wednesday – Wreaths

Interior Frugalista  |  Hymns and Verses  |  The Everyday Home
Sadie Seasongoods  |  Housepitality Designs

Thursday – Printables

Domestically Speaking  |  House of Hawthornes  |  Mom 4 Real
The Graphics Fairy  |  Artsy Chicks Rule  |  Dukes and Duchesses

Friday – Porches

Refresh Restyle  |  Cottage at the Crossroads  |  At Home with the Barkers
Town and Country Living  |  My Creative Days

26 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas, Holiday Parties, Parties, Tablescapes Tagged With: fall, fall decor, fall Decorating, tablescape

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Comments

  1. Christy@Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says

    September 20, 2016 at 3:35 AM

    I always love how you tell a story! Yes it would have to be at the worst time ever, right? Congratulations on your book! And I love your table centerpiece! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Vicki and Jennifer 2 Bees in a Pod says

    September 20, 2016 at 5:05 AM

    Congrats on the new book – so exciting! It seems in life, timing is never perfect. You now have a memory of a lifetime. Beautiful tablescape! Happy to tour with you!

    Reply
  3. Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says

    September 20, 2016 at 5:13 AM

    I love that story. That sounds like something that would happen to me since I’m always spilling something. Congrats on the book! That’s awesome. And your table is simply beautiful. So glad you’re touring with us! ~ Angie

    Reply
  4. Kathy Owen says

    September 20, 2016 at 8:29 AM

    What a beautiful tablescape. The centerpiece is so pretty. Can’t wait to get my hands on the book.

    Reply
  5. Doreen @ Hymns and Verses says

    September 20, 2016 at 8:34 AM

    Reality is always better! Your table is stunning! And, I absolutely can’t wait to get that book in my hands!!! So excited for you and Heather!!!

    Reply
  6. Lindsay Eidahl says

    September 20, 2016 at 8:58 AM

    I LOVE this! It is simple and stunning. Great ideas! It is fun touring with you this week!

    Reply
  7. Kim @Hunt & Host says

    September 20, 2016 at 9:12 AM

    Sounds perfect! I am so excited about your book friend! I know it is going to be inspiring. Your table is stunning and I am totally copying the blanket situation! Congratulations!!!

    Reply
  8. Paula@SweetPea says

    September 20, 2016 at 9:26 AM

    Congratulations on your new book! I look forward to reading it!

    Your table looks so pretty set for fall. I love the little buckets that you filled with pumpkins and the dried hydrangea surrounding them look so nice.

    Reply
  9. Bonnie says

    September 20, 2016 at 9:31 AM

    I’m so happy for you and you’re right, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment to remember in all it’s glory (and messiness)!!

    Reply
  10. Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says

    September 20, 2016 at 11:54 AM

    Love your gorgeous table!! And that is so me…chicken marinade!! Congrats on your book!!!
    xo
    Nancy

    Reply
  11. Vicki says

    September 20, 2016 at 1:02 PM

    My book should ship around October 4th! I can’t wait. My only regret is that it won’t be a signed copy. I cannot wait to read it.

    Reply
  12. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    September 20, 2016 at 1:07 PM

    Oh congrats!!!!….As I was chuckling at your story, I was swooning over your gorgeous Fall table….Oh kids, they certainly bring us back to Earth don’t they!….How so very exciting for you.

    Reply
  13. Marie from The Interior Frugalista says

    September 20, 2016 at 2:36 PM

    Congratulations on the book – so exciting! Real life timing – gotta love it. Your tablescape is gorgeous and so are your photos. Pinning.

    Reply
  14. MARY-ANN FROM CANADA! says

    September 20, 2016 at 5:12 PM

    How exciting to finally have your book arrive at your door! Congratulations! So happy for you!

    Your fall arrangement on your table is beautiful!

    I will look forward to getting a copy of your book when it arrives at the bookstores.

    Reply
  15. Lori says

    September 20, 2016 at 11:40 PM

    Terrific story about real life…no wonder you have a book coming out! Congrats on the publication! Your “simple” tablescape is gorgeous – I love the throw as a tablecloth (or that’s what I think it is) and the colour is amazing. Fantastic centerpiece idea as well. Enjoyed my visit here…

    Reply
  16. paige.rose says

    September 21, 2016 at 12:31 AM

    Your centerpiece is sooo cute!!! Love the little pots!

    Happy Wednesday!

    Paige.Rose
    from
    http://www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com

    Reply
  17. Jane Windham says

    September 21, 2016 at 9:25 AM

    Congrats on the book! Will order one for myself and a few for Christmas gifts!

    Reply
  18. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    September 21, 2016 at 5:11 PM

    Congratulations on the new book! So happy for you! Love your tablescape … the centerpiece and tablecloth. Perfect for fall!

    Reply
  19. Sadie Seasongoods says

    September 22, 2016 at 3:37 AM

    Simply gorgeous…and a huge congrats on the book! Happy tour week to us all (and thank you so very much for the sweet comment on my wreath). 🙂

    Reply
  20. Karen @Graphicsfairy says

    September 22, 2016 at 7:18 AM

    Wow, Congratulations on your book, it looks amazing you guys!! Your Fall Tablescape is so beautiful! I love the touch of plaid on your table, so warm and yummy!

    Reply
  21. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says

    September 22, 2016 at 10:30 AM

    Hilarious! Yep – sounds about right… Congrats on the book and LOVE that centerpiece!

    Reply
  22. Barbara Garrett says

    September 22, 2016 at 12:21 PM

    Heyyyy, you make it sound like being covered in marinade and raw chicken juice is a bad thing. I see it as a sign of being a blogger. LOL Love your story, and love your table even more. Always a pleasure to see your gorgeous home. xxoo, Barb

    Reply
  23. Vanessa says

    September 23, 2016 at 8:32 AM

    Gorgeous tablescape. I just love all the acorns and hydrangeas on the table. It’s lovely design.

    Reply
  24. Leslie says

    September 23, 2016 at 2:18 PM

    Congratulations on that wonderful book, sweet friend!! I think I will have to have a copy…where can they be found?!!! And love that tables ape!

    Reply
  25. Leslie says

    September 23, 2016 at 2:19 PM

    Congratulations on that wonderful book, sweet friend!! I think I will have to have a copy…where can they be found?!!! And love that tablescape!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 24, 2016 at 7:04 AM

      Thank you so much Leslie!!! The books will be available in stores and online on October 4 but for now you can pre-order a copy through Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Here is the info: https://www.atthepicketfence.com/book

      Thank you again! 🙂

      Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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