• 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

October 25, 2012

Thanksgiving Tablescape, Corn Husk Flowers and a Linky Party!

Like many people, having family spread out across the country means

we often have to combine our holidays or celebrate them “off season”.
We may be totally confusing our children but at least we have the memories, right?

On a side note, one time I took my then 3 year old son to visit my parents before Halloween and dressed him up in his little train engineer costume, had him go out their back door, walk around the yard to the front door and ring the doorbell so that he could “trick-or-treat” at Nonna and Poppa’s house.


We have no shame.
 

 

Often, Thanksgiving and Christmas wind up being combined at our house which could make it easy to just skip right over this lovely day set aside for gathering together and giving thanks.
But, I’m determined to keep it special and to help my kids remember what it’s all about.
I know at many homes, the children sit at the “kids’ table”.
But, at our house, the added mayhem of having them at the “grown-up table” is what makes Thanksgiving so special.
Even the occasional escaped “toot” is forgiven when we are all hopped up on Turkey!

 

One tradition we are starting this year is the making of our
“What Are You Thankful For? Table Runner”

 

The only supplies you will need for this simple craft are:
A roll of Butcher Paper
Leaf Cutouts
Pencil
Crayons
And here is how you make it:

 

 

Don’t forget to put some crayons on the table so that your guests can add to it!

 

 

Who knew that a butcher paper table runner layered over a burlap tablecloth could look so elegant?

 

 

Another tradition I cherish is using heirloom pieces in my table settings.
The glasses are part of a set that my grandmother (my mom’s mom) began collecting for Heather and myself when we were young and added to over the years.
She passed away right before Christmas last year and every time I see these they remind me of her and her love for all things “vintage”.
The silverware belonged to my husband’s grandmother and was given to us as a wedding gift.
I love having both sides of the family heritage represented on one table.

 

Last year, I found myself thrilled by the endless uses for Corn Husks and some of you may even remember my Corn Husk Wreath.
Well, believe it or not, I still had some corn husks left over and I still wasn’t about to actually use them to make tamales.
So, I decided to try my hand at making a

Corn Husk Flower Napkin Ring

 

Here’s how to make these:

 

 

1) Gather your tools: curling iron, scissors, corn husks, hot glue gun
2) Take a small, narrow piece of corn husk and twist and wrap into a “knot”
3) Cut petal shapes out of the corn husks
4) Glue petals around the knot to resemble a flower
5) Use curling iron to curl back each corn husk petal
6) While curling corn husk petals, wonder if your hair will forever smell like tamales
7) Take a wider corn husk piece and dampen with water to make pliable
8) Roll into ring shape and glue ends together
9) Using hot glue gun, attach flower to ring
10) Wrap a small piece of corn husk around the base of the flower to cover where it attaches to the ring and glue it in place.

 

 

 

 

 Keeping things simple and natural are the name of the game this year.

Glass Dollar Tree plates were decoupaged with images from The Graphics Fairy and then topped with a little grapevine wreath, also from Dollar Tree.


An old tool caddy filled with autumnal (don’t you love that word?) goodies and mercury glass votives rests on a bed of branches.

A sweet twiggy pumpkin sits on top of a small urn.

And real pumpkins on top of mercury glass candlesticks add just the right finishing touch.
I think I can safely stop worrying about my kids sitting down for Thanksgiving someday with their in-laws and asking if they are going to open presents after dinner!

The only thing that could possibly make things more special, is if we were celebrating this Thanksgiving with my beautiful sister, her wonderful family and a glass of this 
Pumpkin Pie Latte
she shared yesterday!
pumpkin, pie, latte, coffee, Thanksgiving

  
We’re so excited to be sharing both of these posts as part of this awesome celebration of
 Thanksgiving Traditions!


How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
Do you have special recipes, decor, traditions, crafts?

We want to see them!
Link up here to join in the fun as we travel from the North, South, East and West celebrating together!
Here are the rules for linking up!

.
…and here are the fabulous projects already shared by the hostesses:
Settings for Four…Tablescape and Maple Acorn Squash
A Cottage Industry-Thanksgiving Leftovers Printables
Mrs. Hines Class-Pork Tenderloin in Raspberry Chipotle Sauce and a Fall Mantel

We’ll be featuring our favorites…so link up!


Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest


41 Comments Filed Under: Celebrations, Crafts, Good Ideas, Holidays, Kids, Thanksgiving

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Pumpkin Pie Latte…a perfect fall treat!
Next Post: Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 87! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heather SettingforFour says

    October 24, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    I absolutely love your table setting and corn husk napkin rings Vanessa! Sweet kids craft too! Heather’s yummy drink will be one I make often now too! Your heirloom glassware and silverware is stunning. Thanks for cohosting this party with us 🙂

    Reply
  2. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says

    October 24, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    I LOVE your tablescape! The burlap does look so elegant, and the “table runner” is an excellent idea, especially for small kids! The husk flower napkin rings are pretty! …Very welcoming sight!

    Reply
  3. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    October 24, 2012 at 12:47 PM

    Love the idea of adding the paper down the center to write what you are thankful for, Vanessa. Your table looks beautiful!

    Reply
  4. Laura from Top This Top That says

    October 24, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    I think this idea for the kids ( and us big kids) is just so special. I think we will be doing this too!

    Reply
  5. JodieMo says

    October 24, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    As soon as I make something for Thanksgiving, I am totally linking up. 😉

    Reply
  6. cherished bliss says

    October 24, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    Thanks so much for the awesome party! I linked up my thankful board, I’m so excited to use it this year with my kids : ) : ) Thanksgiving is so fun…eeeek. Can you tell I’m excited! I put a link in my post and now off to check out the others : )

    Reply
  7. Sylvia says

    October 24, 2012 at 1:46 PM

    Love, love, love this table setting! Original, inviting, Autumn – ish, simply perfect! The idea of ” What are you thankful for? ” table runner is brilliant!!! Awesome job!

    Reply
  8. CK Mangold says

    October 24, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    I love that you use hand-me-downs to set your table. To me, those are the most cherished things that I have and such a great idea to bring them out on special occasions! Great post!

    Reply
  9. Janel from NellieBellie says

    October 24, 2012 at 2:26 PM

    Thanks for the party!!! I don’t have much ready to link up yet. Okay, maybe I won’t ever :). But…I threw in my fabric leaves. Cause I want to party with you all!!! Have a great week!

    Reply
  10. Debra @ Common Ground says

    October 24, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Love this post! Wonderful having the kiddos involved with this beautiful project!

    Reply
  11. Debbie says

    October 24, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    I really love the napkins rings. I happen to have left over husks as well from when I copied you with the wreath. (It’s hanging in a different spot this year, but it’s still hanging.) I have pinned this to try.

    Reply
  12. Karen says

    October 24, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    Vanessa, I love all the different textures you have added to the tablesetting from rustic to shabby chic (as they say). But, most of all how special your children feel by sharing the table with the adults and letting them share what they are thankful for. Girl, this is where I fell short, was teaching gratitude with my two. I encourage you to instill this while they are young.

    Reply
  13. Tammy Partin Spangler says

    October 24, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    I love your table! I have started a collection of candlewick glasses and have a large set of Rogers First Love silver as well!!

    Reply
  14. Stacy Curran says

    October 24, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    What a beautiful, beautiful post! I love the table runner idea! One thing i am thankful for is blogs like this, and the awesome ladies who wrote it!
    Stacy

    Reply
  15. Penny Phillips says

    October 24, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    I just joined the party and want to thank you for hosting! I love your table, especially the napkin rings! Hugs, Penny

    Reply
  16. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    October 25, 2012 at 12:27 AM

    Your table looks lovely! I’m happy to link up to your party too!

    Reply
  17. Michele Cole says

    October 25, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! I am enjoying all of the beautiful fall links.

    Michele @ Betterorganizedliving.com

    Reply
  18. Eclectically Vintage says

    October 25, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    Ah, nothing says Thanksgiving like a random toot or two from the kids (or grandpa)!

    Love a craft where I can break out my curling iron – it really hasn’t gotten much action since the 80’s!
    Kelly

    Reply
  19. Leslie says

    October 25, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    Thankful for God? Me, too, kids. Me, too.
    Thankful for you two sisters, too <3
    Love, me

    Reply
  20. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 25, 2012 at 1:53 AM

    I so loved reading about your traditions…the love of God and family..and the memories of the past and making beautiful memories in the moment. We had started that tradition a long time ago with writing our thoughts of what we were thankful for..our blessings… on craft paper on the table. Our Thanksgiving table could have up to 40 people at a time…of family, extended family and friends who are alone at Thanksgiving…Thanksgiving was always my dad’s favorite holiday…as he would say, I love that day because we all gather tougher to give thanks and count our blessings and not count our presents!…:)

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    October 25, 2012 at 2:28 AM

    Love the table setting and all the reminders of days gone by. Can hardly wait to be together at Thanksgiving and an early Christmas with you, too! We do what we can when we can, huh? Love you, Mom

    Reply
  22. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    October 25, 2012 at 2:39 AM

    I loved this post Vanessa! The table runner is a great idea, that I think I will implement at our house too. I love the burlap tablecloth, the wood tool caddie, the heirloom pieces. So awesome!!!

    Reply
  23. Anne @ Domesblissity says

    October 25, 2012 at 3:55 AM

    Hi Vanessa! Thanks for hosting.

    Anne xx

    Reply
  24. Maxie Sykes says

    October 25, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    Love the table centerpiece, and I love corn too. Your pumpkin pie latte is a perfect coffee recipe for the Halloween season.

    Reply
  25. perfume sample says

    October 25, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    Good post Vaneesa ! You have tried your best and it is looking very nice so keep it up dear we appreciate such type of pages . Conratulations.

    Reply
  26. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    October 25, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    Vanessa your table looks beautiful and what a sweet idea making that table runner! Love that!!

    Reply
  27. Dewdrop Gardens says

    October 25, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Your dining room looks wonderful! I love the tool caddy all decked out for the holidays. The napkin rings are so cute, and wow, what a fantastic idea for the table runner!! Everyone will have so much fun adding to it, and what a keepsake for your family…remembering what everyone is thankful for.
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  28. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    October 25, 2012 at 7:46 PM

    What a lovely post, Vanessa. I love your centerpiece, and I really like the Dollar Store plates with pretty graphics and grapevine! I think I have some corn husks left over, so I will have to try out the corn husk napkin rings–they’re lovely!

    Reply
  29. Lisa says

    October 29, 2012 at 7:00 AM

    Never EVER cease to amazing me. Wonderful post. 🙂

    Reply
  30. yard light says

    March 16, 2013 at 10:59 PM

    Thank you, I have recently been searching for information about this subject for a while and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you positive about the supply?

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. fabric leaves tutorial says:
    November 4, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    […] in a pretty vase and you have….Linking this craft at these great linky parties:-The DIY Showoff–At the Picket Fence–C.R.A.F.T.- -Uncommon Designs-google_ad_client = "ca-pub-0886170766488099"; /* under post */ […]

    Reply
  2. you’re invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with me says:
    November 7, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    […] printables. Heather & Vanessa of At the Picket Fence (Midwest) showed us how to make a cornhusk napkin ring. Cheri of It’s So Very Cheri (South) made a very cute bunting. And next week, Clydia of Three […]

    Reply
  3. Something new…best of the week | livingsimplyfree says:
    November 9, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    […] a peek into a Simple Thanksgiving Tradition?  Take a peek at how one family celebrates Thanksgiving and learn how to make a corn husk napkin ring, although I was drawn to their table runner, no craft […]

    Reply
  4. https://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/11/fall-decorating.html says:
    November 13, 2012 at 7:39 AM

    […] a butcher block paper table runner where you can write down what you are thankful for…and where your loved ones (for whom you […]

    Reply
  5. Thanksgiving Traditions N-S-E-W continues at Three Mango Seeds says:
    November 14, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    […] printables. Heather & Vanessa of At the Picket Fence (Midwest) showed us how to make a cornhusk napkin ring. Cheri of It’s So Very Cheri (South) made a very […]

    Reply
  6. With Thankful Hearts says:
    November 21, 2012 at 10:01 PM

    […] This is so easy to make and the tutorial can be found here. […]

    Reply
  7. Autumn tablescape 2012 says:
    June 24, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    […] Party at Setting for Four, Weekend Wrap-up at tatertots and jello, Thanksgiving Linky At The Picket Fence, Blog Linky Party at Somewhat Simple, DIY Fall Festival at DIY […]

    Reply
  8. 22 Easy DIY Projects for Your Thanksgiving Table says:
    November 19, 2013 at 5:00 AM

    […] Corn Husk Flowers : Corn husks are a great crafting supply this time of year! (by At the Picket […]

    Reply
  9. DIY Thankful Board - Cherished Bliss says:
    February 4, 2014 at 12:33 PM

    […] linking up this post here: Today’s Creative Blog, here, and to the Traditions Link Party over At The Picket Fence The DIY […]

    Reply
  10. 16 Simple Fall Napkin Rings says:
    July 9, 2014 at 8:52 AM

    […] corn husk flower napkin ring (via atthepicketfence) […]

    Reply
  11. 16 Cool Yet Simple Fall Napkin Rings says:
    July 9, 2014 at 6:06 PM

    […] corn husk flower napkin ring (via atthepicketfence) […]

    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!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

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

  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards of your labor! The whole family pitched in to get our bark spread around the yard (I’m the master at raking it until it’s nice and even) and by the end of the day we were all done. Now we can head into summer with our big yard projects completed! 🙌🏻 Do you put in fresh bark every year?
Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’ Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’s your favorite thing about this month? Mind can be summed up in this quote…

“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” John Steinbeck
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom and the principles upon which our country was founded. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables t I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables to pit next to our outdoor couch and when I spotted these plant stands at @walmart from their @betterhomesandgardens line I knew they would be perfect…and they are!! 👏🏻 This is not a sponsored post. I’m just happily sharing this great find and why we should always be open to thinking outside of the box when it comes finding solutions for our decorating dilemmas.

Now we’re ready to head into this beautiful weekend! ☀️
What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka.

Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence