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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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June 16, 2016

Five Ways to Add Summer Style to Your Home

You have no idea how badly I wanted to give this blog post a different title. In my mind, it really should be called, “Stick a bunch of seashells in bowls around your house and call it good!”. But, I was afraid that it didn’t sound quite blog-title-ish enough. So I went for the more ‘professional’ route instead and today I’m going to be sharing with you some of the most easy-peasy ways to add summer style to your home.

Five ways to add summer style to your home atthepicketfence.com

1. Seashells, lots and lots of seashells

Perhaps the easiest way ever to welcome summer to your home is with the addition of seashells.

Simple summer decor with seashells

Over the years, I have found that I do myself a huge favor by simply changing up existing decor seasonally. This vintage scale had a nest on top of it in the spring and now it holds a white bowl filled with seashells.

Vintage inspired summer style

 And this reproduction balance scale received a similar treatment. Seriously friends this all only takes minutes!

seashells on vintage balance scale

2. Nautical Touches

Summer decor doesn’t necessarily have to be overt and obvious. Decorative pieces that have rope trim are always a great way to add a little nod to the nautical.

metal lantern in a wire basket as easy summer decor

A blue and white ticking stripe pillow behind my toile pillows gives the sofa a fresh look.

Bosporus toile and ticking stripe pillows atthepicketfence.com

And, of course, it’s always ok to go for the obvious if you want. 😉

wooden sailboat on mantel

3. The Colors of the Sea

It’s been said that every room should have a touch of black somewhere in it. Well, I think that in the summertime every room should have a touch of the colors of the sea.

It can be as simple as blue napkins tucked under a stack of bowls…with seashells in them of course.

Stacked bowls with seashells

Or vintage books in colors reminiscent of the water placed on a summer mantel.

seashell and vintage books

4. Fresh Flowers

I know what you’re thinking. Duh, right? Of course fresh flowers are an essential component of summer decorating!

Vintage inspired summer decorating idea

But, I’ve had it confirmed to me this summer just how important it is to be strategic in your landscaping. Think about which blooms will go with the color palette in your home and plant accordingly.

hydrangeas in wicker vase holder

And if all else fails, hit up your local farmer’s market! Because this season of having fresh flowers available and affordable goes by way too quickly.

lisianthus flower arrangement

 5. Citrus

Summer and citrus go hand in hand.

lavender topiaries on dining table

And whether you use the real thing or the ‘faux’ thing, adding pops of bright color here and there is a great way to welcome summer to your home.

farmhouse style shelf decor

Now, I realize that none of this is really rocket science. I won’t ever claim to have the latest and greatest of home design to show you.

My hope is that it will just be that gentle reminder that it takes so little time and energy to add simple summer touches throughout your home which is really how it should be.

Because we should be out enjoying it, right? Not spending time decorating for it.

So get out and enjoy it sweet friends…and maybe bring a little bit of it back inside with you.

I’m so glad you could meet me at the Fence today,

Vanessa signature

7 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas, Summer Tagged With: budget decorating, decorating, summer, summer decorating

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Comments

  1. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    June 18, 2016 at 6:59 AM

    Just beautiful Vanessa! You are spot on and your home is stunning this summer! It really reflex the beauty within you! LOVE you!

    Reply
  2. Julie says

    June 18, 2016 at 8:05 AM

    Gorgeous summer inspiration! I forget about using shells, so that’s actually a great tip! 🙂 Thank you, ~julie

    Reply
  3. Gwen says

    June 18, 2016 at 3:28 PM

    I was going to skip right over this. I’m glad I did not. I’ve got oodles of sea shells. We don’t live far from one beach with great shells. I have a clear ocean roar looking square bowl that looked just like a famous artist I’d eye every time I went to an upscale shopping experience across from this world famous hospital id go to weekly. My gift? To look at these world famous designers of glass and I think it was not perfect so they sell to Ross or TJMaxx. I’m getting that out to put some shells in as it will go with my bottles. Time to get out my galvanized tray from magnolia market!! Add my lantern and a bit of rope!!! Hmmm do I have that Bobbsey Twins book?? Ohhh my creative juices are flowing. Birds away. Get out a few driftwood logs. I’ll search now for something to show off layers of black sand from one favorite beach and regular sand from another!!!
    It shall be. But first I’ve got some Bible reading to do and praying. My husband just has not felt well at all for so long. Not an easy path for him. Plus he takes care of me. I’m handicapped. God sees. God knows. God loves.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 20, 2016 at 7:23 AM

      I’m so sorry that your husband is dealing with health issues Gwen! Praying for both of you and I so appreciate you stopping by. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Julie says

    June 19, 2016 at 1:53 PM

    What an inspiring post! Sometimes the simplest things are the best. When things are too complicated I tend to glance over it. But, when things are simple and easy, I think I could do that. I just put out a few shells in my family room. I tend to use the shells only in my outdoor decor. Why not bring it in! I have really been enjoying your blog. I like your decor posts and your thought filled ones as well. You have a gift for sharing your thoughts. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 20, 2016 at 7:23 AM

      Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words Julie! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Emmie says

    June 2, 2018 at 2:42 PM

    What is the source for the Lord ‘s prayer ?

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “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! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November 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!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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