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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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November 8, 2013

A Thankful Thanksgiving Mantel

I’m thankful for many things…

I’m thankful for that very first sip of coffee in the morning…I can feel it coursing through my veins and bringing my out of my early morning stupor.

I’m thankful for that moment when I rip off my skinny jeans and pull on my sweats…oh sweet, sweet elastic waistband come to mama.

I’m thankful for the smell of the first batch of Chex mix of the season…but not so thankful for how quickly it disappears in our house!

I’m thankful for dual-purpose decorating.

Like being able to easily turn my Fall Mantel into a Thanksgiving Mantel.

Thanksgiving-mantel-with-chalkboard-platters atthepicketfence.com

I’m also thankful for the wonderful invention that is peel-and-stick chalkboard paper.

chalkboard paper roll

And so thankful that it comes with cutting lines on the back.

chalkboard paper grid lines

That wonderful invention of peel-and-stick chalkboard paper allowed me to create a wall of thankfulness.

Turning simple silver platters into expressions of my heart.

Because, you see, as much as I am thankful for that first sip of coffee and elastic waistbands and Chex mix…

Thanksgiving Mantel Decor from atthepicketfence.com

I know that really those are just simple pleasures.

They don’t mean as much to me as the real stuff.

Thankful platters Thanksgiving mantel atthepicketfence.com

How absolutely blessed and privileged I am to be a mom to my two precious kiddos.

The joyful feeling I experience in watching them grow into these incredible, hysterical, marvelous little human beings.

The feeling of being so completely loved by my husband of 15 years. How content we are to sit together in the evenings and talk about absolutely everything or absolutely nothing.

peel and stick chalkboard paper on vintage silver trays from atthepicketfence.com

I look at those platters and know I will be sharing them with you here and feel so unbelievably grateful to you, that you take the time to come along on this journey with me as I share my heart and my home.

Thanksgiving-mantel-with-chalkboard-platters atthepicketfence.com

And, most of all, I am thankful.

Thankful that I am totally and completely undeserving of all of these things and yet God has given them to me.

I like to think that I don’t take them for granted…but I’m sure that I do.

But this year, I will be walking past that wall of thanksgiving every day.

And it will serve as a gentle reminder to stop and remember just how much I truly have to be thankful for.

 Oh, and here are two  more thing I’m thankful for…

I’m thankful that the peel-and-stick chalkboard platters were so easy that they totally qualify to be part of our 5 Minute Craft Series which happens here every Friday!

5 minute crafts peel and stick chalkboard platters

And I’m also thankful that I’m participating in the Bountiful Harvest Blog Hop today

bountiful harvest blog hop

With all of these incredible ladies!

Coffee and Pumpkin Tiramisu at Cupcakes and Crinoline

Free Thanksgiving Printables at Yellow Bliss Road

Thanksgiving Mantel at At The Picket Fence

DIY Burlap Silverware Holder at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Thanksgiving Goodie Bags at Domestically Speaking

Simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece at French Country Cottage

Thanksgiving Tablescape at Setting for Four

As always, thank you so much for meeting me here At the Picket Fence,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

30 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Crafts, Decorating, Mantels, Thanksgiving Tagged With: mantel, simple holiday decorating, Thanksgiving

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim says

    November 8, 2013 at 5:21 AM

    Well, I need to check out that peel and stick chalkboard stuff. I still need someone with good penmanship though. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kristin says

    November 8, 2013 at 5:22 AM

    Love your mantel and the blessings plates are wonderful.

    Reply
  3. Heather says

    November 8, 2013 at 5:46 AM

    Vanessa – A gorgeous mantel made by a Gorgeous Mama!!! I’m so thankful to have met and know you two lovely talented ladies! We may be separated by many miles but our friendship is close at heart! Happy Thanksgiving Heather and Vanessa!! xo Heather

    Reply
  4. Martina says

    November 8, 2013 at 5:51 AM

    I LOVE IT Vanessa!! The silver pieces look beautiful hanging above it and I love the pretty display of pumpkins and raffia you have on it’s shelf too!

    Reply
  5. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    November 8, 2013 at 6:00 AM

    Love your mantel and the chalkboard platters are perfect!

    Reply
  6. Carol Reddin says

    November 8, 2013 at 7:32 AM

    Very special, Vanessa! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  7. cathy phelps says

    November 8, 2013 at 7:39 AM

    please tell me where I can purchase the peel and stick chalkboard paper! does hobby lobby carry it? I live in Kentucky, if that helps.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 8, 2013 at 7:55 AM

      Hi Cathy! I purchased mine at Michael’s Crafts but I wouldn’t be surprised if Hobby Lobby has it too!

      Reply
  8. Jeanie says

    November 8, 2013 at 8:04 AM

    I love this! A quick and easy way to add the sentiments of Thanksgiving that looks so pretty, too!

    Reply
  9. Shelia says

    November 8, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    You’re just the most creative one! This is lovely.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  10. kristin says

    November 8, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    THis is so pretty and I love all the wording! ok where did you get the chalkboard paper? Hoping Michael’s has it, I have a project I wan’t to do but I can only find it online. Hmm, now you have me hungry for some chex mix 🙂 So happy to be partying with you today.
    XO

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 8, 2013 at 1:08 PM

      Thanks sweet friend! And yes I got mine at Michael’s over where they have the cork boards, etc. 🙂 I’m hungry for chex mix now too! LOL!

      Reply
  11. Marty Walden says

    November 8, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    I totally used the same product at my husband’s surprise graduation party and loved it! Love your wall!

    Reply
  12. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says

    November 8, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    So pretty Vanessa & the fact that it’s super easy makes it even more gorgeous!

    Reply
  13. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    November 8, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    What a great and beautiful idea!…I am grateful for many of the same things you are…like that first sip of coffee in the morning and taking off the jeans and putting on the sweats…love your blessing platters…

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 8, 2013 at 7:27 PM

      Nothing quite like sweats, right Shirley! Thanks so much for coming by today! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Mary Ann says

    November 8, 2013 at 5:26 PM

    So beautiful and creative. Where did you find all the silver trays?

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 8, 2013 at 7:27 PM

      Hi Mary Ann! I’ve collected the trays over time from different vintage and thrift stores. They’ve been used in lots of different ways around my home! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Courtney says

    November 8, 2013 at 7:07 PM

    Oh so much fun~ love this idea Vanessa!! Pinning away and happy to be partying with you!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 8, 2013 at 7:26 PM

      Thank you friend!

      Reply
  16. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    November 8, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    What a beautiful post! Your list is quite long… yes, you are truly blessed! LOVE the manyel and the chalkboard paper!

    Reply
  17. Cindy says

    November 8, 2013 at 9:54 PM

    Me too, love my morning coffee! Sweet mantle, so much to be thankful for!!!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  18. Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline says

    November 9, 2013 at 2:20 PM

    Oh my goodness ~ you totally rocked my craft world. I had NO idea the peel-and-stick chalkboard ‘stuff’ even existed ~ big woot to my oh so temporary style of decorating. I love the sentiments on each and every platter, your lovely mantel and I am so very happy to be partying, hopping and being Thankful with You.

    Blessings!
    Mary Beth

    Reply
  19. angie says

    November 10, 2013 at 4:44 AM

    A wonderful expression of all the things we take for granted. A great reminder of what we have to be “thankful” for! Just perfect.

    Reply
  20. Heather - Chickabug says

    November 13, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    What a wonderful way to fill the heart of a home with positive messages. Thank you! : )

    Reply
  21. Pam @diy Design Fanatic says

    September 5, 2014 at 11:57 AM

    Your chalkboard silver platters are wonderful! Awesome reminder as we enter a season of thankfulness!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Coffee and Pumpkin Tiramisu ~ A Bountiful Harvest | Cupcakes and Crinoline says:
    November 8, 2013 at 6:20 AM

    […] Heather and Vanessa at At The Picket Fence […]

    Reply
  2. Free Printables for Thanksgiving - Yellow Bliss Road says:
    November 8, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    […] Thanksgiving Mantel at At The Picket Fence […]

    Reply
  3. Thanksgiving Goodie Bags Printable ~ A Bountiful Harvest Blog Hop - Domestically Speaking says:
    November 8, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    […] Thanksgiving Mantel at At The Picket Fence […]

    Reply
  4. How to Create Simple Vignettes in Your Home - At The Picket Fence says:
    November 11, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    […] the perfect vignette would include raffia and candlesticks and pumpkins all in a soft palette with thankful platters hanging […]

    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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