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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 1, 2014

Christmas in the Kitchen

 “For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when it’s mighty Founder was a child Himself.”  ~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

This past weekend was one of those weekends that you remember for years to come. Not because anything especially spectacular happened. In fact, it felt so incredibly ordinary. And yet there was also something extraordinary about it.

What would seem like a lot of ‘nothing’ to some, felt like a whole lot of ‘something’ to us.

Christmas brunch or breakfast tablescape

Oh sure, there were the bigger moments. Yelling ‘TIMBER’ as we cut down the Christmas tree and the annual embarrassing of my children as I sing ‘Oh Christmas Tree’ in my best opera voice standing there in the middle of the tree farm as my kids beg me to stop. And, of course, there was Thanksgiving in all of it’s nap inducing glory. But, in between those seemingly bigger moments there many, many moments of just…well…being. And we needed them.

On Friday morning, I found myself standing in my kitchen just soaking in the sweetness of the sounds around me. The familiar strains of Christmas songs playing in the background. Through the door to the dining room I could hear my husband and son talking and laughing as they worked on the giant puzzle spread out on the table. My daughter was happily playing in her imaginary world which that morning included rigging up her stuffed deer to pull an old wicker sleigh she had found in the attic when we pulled out the Christmas decorations.

And I was reminded once again, that the kitchen truly is the ‘heart’ of the home. Here I stood in the epicenter of it all and felt the sheer bliss of that moment.

When you become a mom, you realize the true joy that comes from creating the ‘magic’.

Chalkboard paper tablecloth for Christmas breakfast atthepicketfence.com

So, when World Market invited me, along with several other bloggers, to show off our Christmas kitchens, I felt my heart leap for joy. Because to me, my kitchen is where all of the magic of the season really takes place.

Like the magic of a Christmas morning breakfast complete with a chalkboard paper tablecloth.

chalkboard paper placemat outline place setting

And the personal touch of a monogram mug with napkins reminiscent of candy canes sitting on top of the glass dishes my grandmother collected for me all of those years ago. There is definitely something magical about the linking of the old with the new.

Christmas breakfast or brunch table setting atthepicketfence.com

I’m certain that this jingle bell garland fell off of Santa’s sleigh as he flew over our house last year. And it looks perfect wound around a trio of sparkly white trees.

Christmas trees with jingle bell garland centerpiece atthepicketfence.com

On these cold, wintery days my kids love to come home from school and have a cup of hot cocoa. So a hot cocoa station is always a staple in our kitchen at Christmas.

Hot Cocoa Station atthepicketfence.com

This little easel chalkboard creates the perfect welcome.

chalkboard easel on hot cocoa station atthepicketfence.com

What is it about sparkly little houses that add to the feeling of magic at Christmas? My daughter loves to imagine what they people are like who reside in this tiny abode.

vintage scale with christmas house atthepicketfence.com

A tiered stand provides the perfect place for storing everything you need to make the perfect cup of hot cocoa.

wire two tiered world market stand

Small glass jars hold crushed peppermints and chocolate chips because, you know, hot cocoa isn’t quite sugar-y enough without adding a bit more! 😉

small glass canister for hot cocoa bar

And why would you ever just use a spoon to stir your hot cocoa when you could use peppermint stirrers instead?

peppermint stirrers for hot cocoa station atthepicketfence.com

Capturing the magic of Christmas in your kitchen can be as simple as using bakers twine to add a small wreath to existing wall decor.

Christmas greenery hanging on wood cutting board atthepicketfence.com

Or proudly displaying the gingerbread carousel you and your daughter made on that magical weekend of blissful nothing-ness.

Elevated on a pretty cake stand  it adds the perfect touch of whimsy to the kitchen.

gingerbread carousel on cake stand atthepicketfence.com

And a trio of gingerbread men cookie cutters tied on canisters hint at the wonderful baking to come.

gingerbread cookie cutters tied on canisters atthepicketfence.com

You know, my kitchen isn’t what I consider to be the most beautiful or the most perfectly decorated space in my home. The cabinets need to be painted and the floors need to be refinished. There are spelling lists tacked to bulletin boards and lunch boxes on the counter waiting to be packed for the next school day. Mail spills out of the basket on the desk and the sink is rarely void of dirty dishes.

And yet, it’s my favorite room in the house. Because, like a heart, it’s constantly ‘pumping’ into the veins of our life.

My kitchen almost feels like another member of our family.

gingerbread cookie cutter tied onto canister on kitchen counter

It works hard this time of the year to create those magical moments.

Those moments when you fully realize how extraordinary those ordinary moments are.

Christmas coffee station atthepicketfence.com

Like the look on the faces of your children when they see sprinkles on top of whipped cream on top of a sparkling and colorful concoction like this Christmas morning punch made with clementine soda.

Christmas Morning Punch from atthepicketfence.com

 

Christmas punch with clementine soda atthepicketfence.com

Print
Christmas Morning Punch

Christmas Morning Punch

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Clementine or other fruit flavored sparkling beverage
  • 1 cup Ginger Ale
  • Juice of 1 Lime
  • 1 cup Orange Juice
  • Whipped Cream
  • 2 tbps. fresh orange juice

Instructions

  • Mix together clementine soda, ginger ale, lime juice and orange juice in a pitcher and chill until ready to serve.
  • Add 2 tbps fresh orange juice to whipped cream and place a dollop on top of each glass.
3.1
https://www.atthepicketfence.com/christmas-kitchen/
This recipe is copyrighted by At The Picket Fence

From the time my children were babies, I have found myself wishing I could bottle up every moment. Every time I felt their little hand slip into mine. Or the sound of their uncontrollable giggling. Or the spontaneous ‘I love you mommy’ that brings tears to my eyes each time without fail. And never have I wished for a magic bottle to capture those moments more than at Christmas.

I read once that ‘the only thing better than being a child at Christmas is experiencing Christmas with your own children.’

So, maybe I really don’t need magic bottles to hold those moments.

Because I get to experience them over and over again every time I see their precious faces.

The imprint of the moments is all over our family…our home…our kitchen. 🙂

14 Beautiful Christmas Kitchens with Recipes and Free Printables

 

For more Christmas kitchen inspiration I hope you will visit these talented ladies!

Yellow Bliss Road
Ella Claire
Liz Marie Blog
Just Destiny
Clean & Scentsible
Making Home Base
Domestically Speaking
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
AKA Design
Sand & Sisal
Lolly Jane
Eighteen25
Love Grows Wild

And I’m so thankful we had this moment here together today At the Picket Fence,

Vanessa signature

 

*Disclosure: I was compensated through product from World Market but all opinions are 100% my own*

21 Comments Filed Under: Beverages, Celebrations, Christmas, Decorating, Family, Good Ideas, Holiday Parties, Holidays, Recipes

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Comments

  1. Shelia says

    December 1, 2014 at 6:04 AM

    Oh, Vanessa, your post brought a tear to my eye. Love your kitchen and all of your sweet Christmas touches.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  2. Shannon Acheson | AKA Design, Bloggers & Brands says

    December 1, 2014 at 6:34 AM

    It’s so nice to hear of a blogger actually taking the time to enjoy a Holiday weekend with family at this sometimes crazy busy time of year, Vanessa! 🙂 Your hot chocolate bar and chalkboard table setting are adorable!

    Reply
  3. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    December 1, 2014 at 6:36 AM

    Beautiful table…love the chalkboard table cloth!…and of course your kitchen all dressed for Christmas is just magical!…

    Reply
  4. Suzi says

    December 1, 2014 at 7:02 AM

    Love this! So many ideas to glean for my kitchen which I am working on today 🙂 Thought you would want to know that the Domesticly Speaking link simply goes back to your page.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 1, 2014 at 7:11 AM

      Thank you so much Suzi for both the sweet comment and about the link to Domestically Speaking! It’s all fixed now! 🙂

      Reply
  5. June says

    December 1, 2014 at 8:27 AM

    Vanessa,

    I want to jump right through my computer and sit and have a hot chocolate with you.
    I love your writing and how you bring it all to life.

    Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful.

    My home is quiet right now as my two boys have gone back to grad school and college after a delightful Thanksgiving weekend. Oh how I wish I could bottle the noise of this past weekend…grandog and all.

    Hang on to those wonderful memories with your little ones. They grow up so quickly.

    Reply
  6. Kristin says

    December 1, 2014 at 9:35 AM

    You really need to have a disclaimer at the top of each post that says, “grab tissues before reading,” I love the way you write, and all the festive little touches you added to your kitchen. Everything is just lovely.

    Reply
  7. Lolly Jane says

    December 1, 2014 at 4:23 PM

    So pretty, love it all, ladies.

    Reply
  8. martina says

    December 1, 2014 at 9:37 PM

    Everything looks beautiful Vanessa!! How cute is that chalkboard tablecloth…and I love your beverage stations…heck I loved it all!!

    Reply
  9. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says

    December 2, 2014 at 12:05 AM

    Love your hot cocoa bar…. my kiddos would love that spread. I know many sweet memories will be made in your home this Christmas!

    Reply
  10. becca says

    December 2, 2014 at 4:19 AM

    I want to spend time in the heart of your home, sitting at your beautiful holiday table! I love how you drew the placemats on chalkboard tablecloth, and I’m more than ready to fill my cup up at your cocoa station (I promise I’ll clean up after myself!) You’ve created such a thoughtful Christmas kitchen, Vanessa … one where, undoubtedly, magic and memories are certain to take place in the coming weeks!

    Reply
  11. Megan says

    December 2, 2014 at 11:11 AM

    Love this whole post! And the white sparkly trees and gingerbread cookie cutters on your cannisters are adorable. Your home and kitchen looks so warm and cozy and I’m sure many fun and special memories will be made!

    Reply
  12. kristin says

    December 2, 2014 at 11:49 AM

    The ordinary days are the best 🙂 Love everything, so festive and gorgeous. Good thing you don’t live by me or I would stop by and steal those trees, they only had 1 left at our cost plus 🙂 XO

    Reply
  13. taryn @ Design, Dining and Diapers says

    December 2, 2014 at 12:55 PM

    Such a beautiful post Vanessa! And I just love that I’ve been in your kitchen and can appreciate this post so much more. I love those monogram mugs and and the little chalkboard table. So sweet.

    Reply
  14. sandie says

    December 2, 2014 at 5:40 PM

    Where did you get the chalkboard tablecloth?

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 2, 2014 at 7:30 PM

      Hi Sandie! It’s actually a roll of chalkboard wrapping paper. Made for a fun ‘tablecloth’! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Destiny says

    December 2, 2014 at 5:49 PM

    So pretty! Love all of the details in your kitchen! That Christmas punch is a MUST!!!! Thanks for sharing girls and so nice to meet you! xoxo Destiny

    Reply
  16. Liz Fourez says

    December 2, 2014 at 8:00 PM

    You’re absolutely right. Those “moments” we create are something truly special! Such a beautiful space you’ve made for your family!

    Reply
  17. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    December 3, 2014 at 10:06 AM

    Such a cozy place to enjoy with your family and experience those special moments!

    Reply
  18. Anna says

    December 3, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    I love every single detail! I don’t even think I can pick a favorite, everything is so pretty and perfect. I love it!

    Anna 🙂

    Reply
  19. Chelsea says

    December 3, 2014 at 2:35 PM

    Lovely, Vanessa! Not only do I love the beautifully decorated space, I love your words. I love the idea that you can love your kitchen so much whether it’s your favorite decorated space or not, that it’s part of your family! I feel the same way! Happy Holidays to you both! xo

    Reply

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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
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