• 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
  • 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

March 8, 2016

Easter Mantel

If you’ve spent any time over here you know that I love words. I’ve tried to do one of those blog posts where it’s just pictures but it ends up being about the same as when I’m having a conversation with someone and there are big, long pauses. I can’t do it. I simply MUST fill in the gaps! It’s a sickness, I tell ya.

Easter mantel with chalkboard art and shutters

But although I have a very obvious love affair with words, there is one particular word that I struggle with, especially when it comes to decorating.

And as I was putting a little Easter twist on my living room mantel the other day, I was thinking about this word and about how it might perhaps be the reason I’ve always decorated more for Spring than specifically for Easter.

You see, I have a problem with the word ‘cute’. In and of itself, it’s a lovely word. I, myself, actually use it quite a bit in my day to day conversations. But most of the time those particular conversations are with my young daughter.

I have found that using the word ‘cute’ to describe something can go either one of two ways. If used to tell a little girl that her hair is looking especially darling that day, the word ‘cute’ is the perfect choice.

Stone cross and birds nest on Easter mantel

If, however, it’s used to describe my home decor, I guess I just bristle a bit.

Because, I think sometimes people can take this sweet little word and twist it into something that can sound almost patronizing. Like how you feel when someone pats you on the head. Or when a sales clerk who is 20 years younger than you calls you ‘sweetie’.

I will never forget showing my home to an extended family member for the first time. We were so excited about moving into a house we never dreamed we’d be able to live in and as I shared all of my plans with her she was just absolutely silent. We walked from room to room with me babbling on like an idiot while she barely made a sound. And after one of those long, dreaded pauses that I so desperately wanted to fill with words, she uttered only one single word of her own. Her gaze swept around the kitchen and breakfast room and into the family room and she said,  “Cute.” Just.Like.That. Her nose may have even been turned up when she said it but I could also just have created that in my imagination as I’ve relived that moment over and over again. 😉

Birds nest Easter mantel decor atthepicketfence.com

I think that maybe these slightly traumatizing encounters I’ve had with the word ‘cute’ have made me nervous about decor in my home that would even remotely smack of it.

So, I’ve just avoided it all together.

Chalkboard Easter verse on mantel

I’m happy to put out Spring branches and a few little nests but I haven’t dared to try and create anything specifically Easter-y for fear of going over the edge of cuteness and never returning.

Topiary in galvanized bucket as mantel decor

But this year was different somehow. Maybe it’s because I just turned 40. Maybe it’s my newfound sense of security in who I am. Maybe I know my style better now and feel confident in it.

Or maybe it’s just I really wanted to declare my feelings about what Easter means to me on a chalkboard.

Simple layered spring mantel with chalkboard art

As I placed the topiary in the bucket on top of the mantel I stood back and thought to myself, “That’s so cute!”

And, surprisingly, I was ok with it.

Maybe I’ve made my peace with cute.

In moderation, of course! 😉

Thanks so much for meeting me at the fence today,

Vanessa signature

24 Comments Filed Under: Easter, Holidays, Spring Tagged With: Easter, spring, spring decorating

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « The Father Daughter Ball
Next Post: Dreaming in Season »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pat Matheny says

    March 8, 2016 at 5:27 AM

    Actually, I was thinking it looks lovely.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 8, 2016 at 10:36 AM

      Thank you so much Pat! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lisa Mothersead says

    March 8, 2016 at 5:38 AM

    Your home/mantle is lovely. Happy Easter!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 8, 2016 at 10:36 AM

      Thank you so much Lisa! I always appreciate you stopping by. Happy Easter to you too!

      Reply
  3. Cindy says

    March 8, 2016 at 7:02 AM

    So very peaceful and full of grace…

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 8, 2016 at 10:35 AM

      Thank you Cindy!

      Reply
  4. Jeanie says

    March 8, 2016 at 9:15 AM

    I love it!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 8, 2016 at 10:35 AM

      Thank you Jeanie!

      Reply
  5. Suzanne says

    March 8, 2016 at 9:34 AM

    Cute was not the word that came into my mind as I looked at your post. It was Peaceful and Meaningful. Looks lovely.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 8, 2016 at 10:35 AM

      Thank you so much Suzanne!!

      Reply
  6. Dorothy Bruner says

    March 8, 2016 at 11:32 AM

    I tried and tried to ignore your misspelled “mantel” but as a former teacher I can’t. It’s mantle not mantel. I do love your site thoughl

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 8, 2016 at 12:10 PM

      Hi Dorothy! Thanks for your kind words about our site! I just did a quick search to confirm the spelling and my understanding is that a ‘mantel’ is in fact a shelf above the fireplace while ‘mantle’ is a sleeveless cloak. 🙂 I’m a stickler for spelling too (even though I’ve been known to need some editing here and there and definitely welcome the help!) so I just wanted to make sure that I didn’t need to go back through and change all of my references. Thanks again!

      Reply
    • Lisa Mothersead says

      March 8, 2016 at 12:41 PM

      Actually, both are fine. Mantle is not as common. (former teacher/reading specialist)

      Reply
  7. Jerry Stocks says

    March 8, 2016 at 1:07 PM

    Love your mantel and dislike the word cute. I once showed my oldest daughter a primitive painting that I had done for a poster, and she said, “That’s cute.” I was crushed and vowed to myself that I would never use the word again.

    Reply
  8. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    March 8, 2016 at 1:38 PM

    I love your Easter “mantel” … it is perfection…. simply “graceful” ….. and mantel is the correct spelling….I always remember by “Mantle” is “Mickey … not a surface above a fireplace….

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 8, 2016 at 7:21 PM

      Thank you so much sweet friend! 🙂

      Reply
    • Lisa Mothersead says

      March 8, 2016 at 8:43 PM

      Again, mantle is correct, also. I checked before commenting.

      Reply
  9. Leslie says

    March 9, 2016 at 7:11 AM

    I so understand your dilemma…and I love the mantel…not cute… It’s wonderful. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Rebecca Turner says

    March 9, 2016 at 8:14 AM

    Some people have a limited vocabulary use, and apply the word “cute” when they actually mean lovely or beautiful…but sometimes, people are deliberately condescending. Insecure people. Still, it can smart, I know. When I met my new sister-in-law for the first time, she informed me that she knows right where I live, because she’s driven past. She went on to explain that she still owns a house nearby, which she uses as rental property. “I used to live there myself,” she said, “back when it was still a NICE neighborhood.” OUCH! I try not to worry about what others think of my home, because it is our HOME, and it’s paid for. I’m aware though, that it’s never going to measure up to some people’s standards. I decorate to please myself, and my husband, who has a similar sense of style. If anything, his choices are more formal, and that’s saying something, because I lean in that direction. I fight it a bit in order to make our home feel warm and welcoming, and not stuffy. For each holiday I decorate with a few “Kitschy” items (cute things) that I put out for our grandchildren to enjoy. Truth be told though, I probably enjoy them more. They make me smile, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

    Reply
  11. Rebecca Turner says

    March 9, 2016 at 8:17 AM

    I meant to add, “He is risen, indeed!”

    Reply
  12. Susan says

    March 9, 2016 at 6:48 PM

    I really like your spring decorating! Love the fireplace mantel!

    Reply
  13. Jo @ Let's Face the Music says

    March 10, 2016 at 9:47 AM

    I find it charming. Hope mine turns out half as nice. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music

    Reply
  14. Kim @ Hunt & Host says

    March 10, 2016 at 7:30 PM

    “Busy” is my “cute”…you sure are “busy” aka I don’t now what the hey you do all day! lol. Your mantel is wonderful, especially the chalkboard 😉

    Reply
  15. Lynn says

    March 17, 2016 at 9:57 AM

    I follow you on twitter and facebook – love your blog and content- always a fresh straightforward approach. this display is classy and fun. I love the Chalkboard frame.

    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!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to sha Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to share all of the details of our family room shelving makeover but I’m super impatient and just had to give you all a sneak peek!! We are SO happy with how they turned out and it finally looks like I’ve always envisioned. Our quick fix years ago (scroll to see the before photo) never felt quite right but now? Soooo much better!! 🙌🏻 Big shoutout to our amazingly talented friend Matt @redemptive_woodworx for bringing our vision to life and doing such impeccable work.

I hope you all have a great start to the 4th of July weekend and make sure to check my stories later for Friday Funnies!
The month of June is coming to a close and it has The month of June is coming to a close and it has been JAM packed! The highlight by far though was my son's graduation from high school. When I started blogging, he was only 6 years old and some of you have been apart of my community here for that entire time. Now, he's 19 and there is a reason parents are told not to blink because the years truly do go faster than I ever could have imagined. He has become such an incredible young man we are so excited to see how God is going to unfold the next chapter of his life. We celebrated with parties galore (SO many open houses to attend!) and made memories we'll forever cherish. My mama heart was filled to bursting with the joy of it all! Now we're taking some time to just enjoy these warm, summer days making even more memories because, when you’re at this stage of parenting, you know all too well how much you need to grasp every opportunity to spend time together.

I hope your summer is off to a great start too dear friends! 🪴
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts o “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Happy first day of summer dear friends!! I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted something new here but life has been crazy. I’ll have some new photos of house projects and life events to share with you soon but, got now, I’m just going to enjoy this gorgeous first day of summer after our ridiculously long, wet spring. ☀️
“It was June, and the world smelled of roses. Th “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.” (Maud Hart Lovelace) 

Welcome June!
“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. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. 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.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence