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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 17, 2013

My Picket Fence Fall Mantel…literally!

Wouldn’t it be so neat if I decided to pay homage to our blog by decorating my mantel for fall with a “Picket Fence” theme?

Decorating a mantel for fall using a picket fence from atthepicketfence.com

I would be feeling so sentimental about our “little blog that could” that I would run all around town trying to find an old section of a picket fence to put on my mantel.

And when I couldn’t find one, I would decide to build one out of sheer determination to celebrate my love for At the Picket Fence.

Double grapevine wreath on a picket fence for simple fall mantel decorating

I would purchase all of the pickets and the back boards and set up shop in my garage where I would put together my own little picket fence and be so proud of myself and be thinking in the back of my mind that if this whole blog thing doesn’t work out I could always start a new career as a picket fence builder!

Can’t you just imagine me gently placing that picket fence on my mantel and adding a large over-sized grapevine wreath and then a smaller one inside of it?

Use an unadorned grapevine wreath for simple fall decorating

And then I would search high and low for real pumpkins and then when I finally found them I would place a trio right in front of the picket fence.

Trio of pumpkins on fall mantel from atthepicketfence.com

Wouldn’t it be such a special moment when I got it all done and I stood back to look at my Picket Fence Fall Mantel and marveled at my cleverness for decorating based on the name of our blog? And I would write a blog post all about how this fall mantel was created with a ‘pun intended’.

That would be pretty amazing, huh?

Fall foliage in an urn for simple fall decorating from atthepicketfence.com

But, is that what happened?

Nope.

Oh sure, I searched high and low for a picket fence before finally building one myself and setting up my Picket Fence Fall Mantel and found just the right trio of pumpkins to place in front of it.

And yes I stood back and admired how it turned out and patted myself on the back for making my own picket fence.

But never ONCE did it occur to me that my Picket Fence Fall Mantel had anything at all to do with our At the Picket Fence blog.

Not when I had it all decorated.

Not when I walked past it every day for two weeks.

Not until my parents came to visit and my mom said, “Oh I just love your mantel all decorated for fall! I think it might be my favorite one you’ve ever done and how clever of you to decorate it with a picket fence to reflect your blog!“

Oh….ummmmm….yeah….that’s right.

Our blog is called At the Picket Fence and I made a Picket Fence for my mantel.

Fall family room and mantel decorating from atthepicketfence.com

Yep. That was totally intentional!

Because, I’m clever like that! 😉

Be sure to come back tomorrow when I show you how you can make your own Picket Fence Wall Art!

I’m so excited that this post is part of the awesome Autumn Abounds Fall Blog Hop, Linky Party and Giveaway.

Autumn Abounds graphic

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming up tomorrow when Heather from Setting for Four shares her Glam Fall Mantel.

glam fall mantel

Here are the fabulous projects we’ve seen so far:

Shannon from Fox Hollow Cottage shared her Thrifty Junky and Free Fall Mantel

Heather from At the Picket Fence (you might know her!) shared her House Numbers Pumpkin Topiary

Jennifer from the Jennifer Rizzo Design Company shared How to Paint a Pumpkin Art Canvas.

Kristin from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia shared her Rustic Fall Mantel.

Maryann from Domestically Speaking shared her Autumn Apple Poppers. 

Kristin from Yellow Bliss Road shared a Welcome Autumn Breakfast.

And here’s what’s coming up in the next two weeks:

Thursday, Sept. 19 Mary Beth @ https://cupcakesandcrinoline.com
Friday, Sept. 20 Becca @https://www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com
Monday, Sept. 23 Kristen @ https://www.ellaclaireinspired.com
Tuesday, Sept. 24 Angelina @ https://jojoandeloise.com
Wednesday, Sept. 25 Courtney @https://www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
Thursday, Sept. 26 Debbie @ https://debbie-debbiedoos.com
Friday, Sept. 27 Kim @ https://sandandsisal.com

AND on September 30th it’s YOUR turn to share your Autumn inspiration with us and enter for a chance to win this $1,000 Prize Package! Woo hoo!

autumn abounds prize graphic

Thanks so much for joining me and my totally intentional Picket Fence Fall Mantel!

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

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42 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, DIY, Wreaths Tagged With: fall, fall crafts, fall decor, fall Decorating, mantels

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Comments

  1. Becca says

    September 17, 2013 at 5:29 AM

    You crack me up, Vanessa! I love your post AND your picket fence Fall mantel that, appropriately, became dedicated to your blog name, even though it wasn’t?!?! LOL 🙂 The layering is beautiful … genius mounting two wreaths to your very impressive handcrafted picket fence! The splashes of orange are fabulous, and I’m jealous you found the perfect pumpkins! Happy Fall, sweet friend!

    Reply
  2. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    September 17, 2013 at 5:57 AM

    I love it! It’s simple, gorgeous….it’s perfect!
    Leslie

    Reply
  3. Danielle says

    September 17, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    LOVE your Fall mantel decor. This is brilliant – simple but so eye-catching!

    Reply
  4. Cynthia says

    September 17, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    I really like what you did. It is really simplistic but make a statement.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  5. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

    September 17, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Hahaha Vanessa! That sounds like something I would do 😉 Well, it’s super cute and that is really all that matter right? hehe. Thank gosh for our mommas!! Happy Fall to you :)))

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2013 at 1:40 PM

      Thanks so much Shannon!! Definitely thankful for my momma! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Lisa @ Creative Raisins says

    September 17, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    Beautiful, I love the Picket Fence ~ Lisa

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2013 at 1:40 PM

      Thanks so much Lisa!

      Reply
  7. kristin says

    September 17, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    It is so pretty! I love that it was so unintentional, that is something I would do 🙂
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2013 at 1:39 PM

      Glad to know I’m not the only one Kristin! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Heather says

    September 17, 2013 at 12:00 PM

    I love your mantel Vanessa! Complete serendipity!! Your room looks so cozy! Pinned!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2013 at 1:39 PM

      Thanks so much Heather! Definitely serendipitous!

      Reply
  9. Kim says

    September 17, 2013 at 2:34 PM

    But, yes you are ever so clever!

    Reply
  10. Karee says

    September 17, 2013 at 2:51 PM

    So clever, I love the wreath within a wreath!
    Karee

    Reply
  11. Jennifer says

    September 17, 2013 at 3:46 PM

    Super cute post and I do love your mantle. =) I just pull out some of my fall decorating, so I have a lot to do to catch-up with the blog-world!

    Reply
  12. Shenita says

    September 17, 2013 at 3:50 PM

    Vanessa. this was such a cute post! I can’t believe that you did not make the connection from the very beginning! Your mantel is lovely. The picket fence is so appropriate! Very cute!

    Reply
  13. Courtney says

    September 17, 2013 at 4:03 PM

    Looks so cute Vanessa!! Pinning!!

    Reply
  14. Mary Alice Patterson says

    September 17, 2013 at 6:21 PM

    I love how you used a picket fence as a backdrop for your mantel display. The combination of so many different textures are perfect for Fall.
    Mary Alice

    Reply
  15. debbiedoos says

    September 17, 2013 at 6:26 PM

    WOW how much I love thee! You are just so clever:)

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 17, 2013 at 7:26 PM

      Thanks sweet friend!

      Reply
  16. MDR says

    September 17, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    It’s as warm and fall-ish in person as in this picture. Love it! Mom

    Reply
  17. betsy says

    September 17, 2013 at 9:56 PM

    Great idea, love it!

    Reply
  18. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    September 18, 2013 at 7:17 AM

    What a cute story to go along with your picket fence! I had a good giggle this morning. The wreaths on the picket fence are so creative… well, everything is so creative!

    Reply
  19. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    September 18, 2013 at 8:04 AM

    Haha!!! You are too funny! I adore your mantel and have shared and pinned your picket fence awesomeness! Maybe I should make one with paint cans and brushes and drop cloths to go with my blog name!

    🙂 Linda

    Reply
  20. Angelina-JoJo and Eloise says

    September 20, 2013 at 10:55 AM

    Oh!! I LOVE this. It is so Absolutely Cozy and Perfect! I love how your Sweet Momma pointed out the Relation between your Mantel and your Lovely Blog. Very Sweet!
    Happy Fall!
    xoxo

    Reply
  21. Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline says

    September 24, 2013 at 3:16 PM

    Such a pretty mantel and a great story to boot! I love the uncluttered look ~ just enough. p.s. Most of my life has been spent having aha moments….I sort of live in a state of oblivion!

    Have a great week ~ pinning and sharing of course!

    Reply
  22. Kristen says

    September 29, 2013 at 3:25 PM

    So perfectly rustic and beautiful! I LOVE IT!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2013 at 8:22 PM

      Thank you so much Kristen! I don’t normally do a lot of rustic but this one was fun!

      Reply
  23. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    October 16, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    Love the Picket Fence!(and At The Picket Fence, hehe) Your mantel looks great. Love the simplicity.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Our Fall Home Tours ~ Finding Fall & BHG - At The Picket Fence says:
    September 19, 2013 at 4:25 AM

    […] And while in the past, I tried and tried to decorate this fireplace mantel with an abundance of fall-ishness, what feels the most right is the simplicity of my ode to the picket fence. […]

    Reply
  2. Sweet Potato Apple Soup,Some Pretty Table Decor and Mini Pumpkin Placecards | Cupcakes & Crinoline says:
    September 20, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    […] Tuesday, Sept. 17th Vanessa @ At the Picket Fence ~ Picket Fence Fall Mantel […]

    Reply
  3. How to make Men's Boutonnieres - JoJo and Eloise says:
    September 24, 2013 at 6:01 AM

    […] Monday, Sept. 16th Kristin @ https://www.yellowblissroad.com Tuesday, Sept. 17th Vanessa @ https://www.atthepicketfence.com Wednesday, Sept. 18th Heather @  https://www.settingforfour.com Thursday, Sept. 19th Mary Beth […]

    Reply
  4. Van gogh copy cat - Debbiedoo's says:
    September 26, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    […] Monday, Sept. 16th Kristin @ https://www.yellowblissroad.com Tuesday, Sept. 17th Vanessa @ https://www.atthepicketfence.com Wednesday, Sept. 18th Heather @  https://www.settingforfour.com Thursday, Sept. 19th Mary Beth […]

    Reply
  5. $1000 GIVEAWAY and an Autumn Abounds Round Up - Yellow Bliss Road says:
    September 29, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    […] At The Picket Fence Decorating A Fall Mantel […]

    Reply
  6. Autumn Abounds Link Party + Mega Giveaway says:
    September 30, 2013 at 5:07 AM

    […] At The Picket Fence Decorating A Fall Mantel […]

    Reply
  7. Autumn Abounds recap and a huge giveaway…! says:
    September 30, 2013 at 5:33 AM

    […] At The Picket Fence Decorating A Fall Mantel […]

    Reply
  8. Everything Fall Home Party and Thousand Dollar Prize Giveaway - Fox Hollow Cottage says:
    September 30, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    […] At The Picket Fence Decorating A Fall Mantel […]

    Reply
  9. 8 Fabulous Fall Mantels – Bright Ideas says:
    October 1, 2013 at 3:28 AM

    […] A Picket Fence Mantel from At The Picket Fence. This mantel is all about layers: A trio of white and orange striped pumpkins pose in all their harvest glory in front of a DIY distressed picket fence. Two grapevine wreaths create natural texture and a vase of foliage adds a pop of autumn orange to this beautiful mantel. […]

    Reply
  10. Pumpkin Apple Bread with Streusel Topping says:
    October 3, 2013 at 5:45 PM

    […] Monday, Sept. 16th Kristin @ https://www.yellowblissroad.com Tuesday, Sept. 17th Vanessa @ https://www.atthepicketfence.com Wednesday, Sept. 18th Heather @  https://www.settingforfour.com Thursday, Sept. 19th Mary Beth […]

    Reply
  11. Fall Mantel Makeover DIY, Only $6 | One Day Weekends says:
    October 11, 2013 at 3:00 AM

    […] find it here […]

    Reply
  12. How to Make a Decorative Picket Fence - At The Picket Fence says:
    October 15, 2013 at 10:49 AM

    […] up recently when I went in search of some kind of vintage fence piece to use in decorating my Fall Mantel. Do you remember that one? The one that I got all set up and photographed and edited the photos and […]

    Reply
  13. A Welcome Autumn Breakfast with Free Printable Mini Chalkboard Banners - Yellow Bliss Road says:
    September 23, 2014 at 3:16 PM

    […] Vanessa @ At the Picket Fence […]

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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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