• 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

November 11, 2013

How to Create Simple Vignettes in Your Home

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be writing a blog post about how to create vignettes I would have said you were crazy.

Actually, I probably would have said you were cra-to-the-zy!

You see, the word ‘vignette’ just wasn’t apart of my daily vocabulary. Not until I became a blogger that is. And then it seemed like it was everywhere.

Along with the word ‘cloche’ which I still don’t think I properly pronounce!

how to create simple fall vignettes from atthepicketfence.com


And the thing is, creating these so-called ‘vignettes’ has intimidated me for a very long time. These empty expanses of tabletops and mantels and niches and shelves just seem to mock me…taunting…go ahead…they say…we dare you to try and figure out how to decorate us.

I would panic and do too much or not enough and never end up satisfied with the end results.

So, I stopped. I stopped over-thinking it….stressing about it…letting those tabletops and mantels and niches and shelves get the better of me.

spray-painted-ceramic-lamp-on-glass-chest atthepicketfence.com

I began to simplify the process. Realizing that, for me, creating vignettes in my home isn’t about the latest trend or the most Pinterest worthy concoction.

It’s about putting things together that I love.

The things that make me feel the most like…well…me!

And that a vignette is really just a fancy way of describing a grouping of things that make my heart go pitter-patter.

Like, dried hydrangeas in a creamy pitcher sitting on a large tray on my glass coffee table in the living room. Next to a photo of me and my 3 favorite people in the whole world. And a mercury glass box on top of a stack of books.

Simple…uncomplicated.

hydrangeas on coffee table

It’s ok that my family room shelves aren’t filled to the brim. Frankly, they are fairly flimsy and can’t hold a lot of weight. So I made peace with the fact that they might only have 2 or 3 things on them.

But that meant I could get away with adding more to the top of the built-in cabinet. Placing paintings strategically to cover outlets and adding seasonal decor like a simple bunch of wheat in an urn.

Simple fall vignette from atthepicketfence.com

I’ve realized that a vignette could simply be two lovely things together…each bringing out the beauty of the other.

simple shelf decor from atthepicketfence.com

And that vignettes are as much about what is happening on top of a surface as they are about what’s happening all around it.

fall-dining-room-corn-husk-wreath atthepicketfence.com

Orange pumpkins piled high in a silver bowl (given to me as a wedding gift by my grandmother) provide the perfect pop of color underneath the neutral corn husk wreath and next to the cluster of wheat.

And really, doesn’t everything just seem more special, more stately when placed on top of a stack of books?

pumpkins-in-silver-bowl atthepicketfence.com

Of course, there are times when I break away from simplicity.

Especially in the fall when it is virtually impossible to fight the urge to bring every single beautiful thing you see outside right on inside your home!

Adding layer upon layer of texture and interest.

fall-dining-room-table-decorating

A pumpkin on top of a grapevine wreath wrapped with maple branches resting in an urn which sits on top of a wooden tray filled with dried hydrangeas and gourds on top of a simple square of burlap fabric.

Layers, depth, texture.

fall-dining-room-tablescape1

Maybe in one part of your home the perfect vignette would include raffia and candlesticks and pumpkins all in a soft palette with thankful platters hanging above.

Thankful platters Thanksgiving mantel atthepicketfence.com

But to me, it’s no more beautiful than a single dried hydrangea bloom tucked inside a silver teapot.

hydrangeas in teapot

And that’s really what it’s all about isn’t it?

Knowing that it’s YOUR home.

And knowing that those expanses of tabletops and mantels and niches and shelves are simply your canvas.

You can “paint” on them however you want.

Whether you use lots of pattern and color or you stick to neutrals and clean lines.

There’s never a right or a wrong as long as YOU love it!

how to create simple fall vignettes from atthepicketfence.com

I’m so thrilled to be one of 25 bloggers in this series on creating fall vignettes. And I think that as you visit each one of these talented ladies you will see that while they are all different and unique in their approach, the one thing that remains the same is their ability to stay true to themselves.

I hope you will pay them all a visit and that it will encourage you in your own endeavors towards making your home reflect who you are!

Here is the schedule for The Scoop on Creating Fall Vignettes tour:
Friday Nov 8
Back Porch Musings
On Sutton Place
Sophia’s 
Chateau  Chic
Confessions of a Plate Addict
Saturday Nov 9
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Town and Country Living
A Stroll thru Life
Mom 4 Real
Setting for Four
Sunday Nov 10
Savvy Southern Style
Hymns & Verses
Lilacs & Longhorns
Marty’s Musings
White Lace Cottage
Monday Nov 11
Stone Gable
The Everyday Home
Our Southern Home
At the Picket Fence
My Soulful HomeTuesday Nov 12
Top This Top That
Inspiration for Moms
All Things Heart and Home
Domestically Speaking
Botanic BleuThank you so much for joining me today at the Fence,1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

38 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas, Mantels Tagged With: decorating, fall decor, fall Decorating, how to

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Cottage In The Oaks ~At The Picket Fence Parade of Homes
Next Post: A Blue, Blue, Blue Thanksgiving Tablescape! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ashley @ 3littlegreenwoods says

    November 11, 2013 at 4:51 AM

    Those blank spaces stress me out too. Thanks so much for remind me that decorating is about me and what I love.

    Now… if can just figure out what to put on my Thanksgiving table. 😉

    Thanks for the inspiration!
    Ashley

    Reply
  2. Christy @ Our Southern Home says

    November 11, 2013 at 5:10 AM

    You ladies nailed it! That blank space can be intimidating…try to get that right balance! Your vignettes are just breathtaking….think y’all have mastered it! XXOO ~Christy

    Reply
  3. Pat@Back Porch Musings says

    November 11, 2013 at 5:19 AM

    Simple uncomplicated and gorgeous! All of your vignettes are fabulous. I always like to do fairly uncomplicated vignettes. Really works great at my age.:-)

    Reply
  4. Mary Alice Patterson says

    November 11, 2013 at 5:19 AM

    I LOVE your post!!! You’re right…there are no rules, it’s about staying true to ourselves and reflecting who we are as we create a haven for our families.
    You have some beautiful vignettes going on in your lovely home!!!
    Mary Alice

    Reply
  5. Kim says

    November 11, 2013 at 5:25 AM

    Beautiful vignettes and beautifully written, Vanessa. I knew your ideas would be great.

    Reply
  6. Marty Walden says

    November 11, 2013 at 5:37 AM

    Your post is so much like mine (except much better communicated!) I didn’t know what a vignette was, either, and it scared me to death to do this series! But you’re right. It’s all about what you love (and I love a good yard sale bargain!) that brings a smile to your face. Great job, Vanessa!

    Reply
  7. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    November 11, 2013 at 5:47 AM

    You’re absolutely right, Vanessa! Thanks so much for this post. And thanks for being you–and letting YOURSELF shine through your decor and the way you share it!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2013 at 2:52 PM

      Thank you sweet friend! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says

    November 11, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    What a beautiful post, Vanessa! Your vignettes are beautiful and I loved what you said about creating a home that reflects ourselves and who we are. So dead on. It’s easy to get away from that when you’re looking at what everyone else is doing on their blogs and in magazines.
    Thanks for your inspiration today and so happy to be touring with you!!

    Reply
  9. Shenita says

    November 11, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Great post, Vanessa! All of these vignettes are fabulous; and I’ve gotten some great inspiration for a project that I’m working on right now!

    Reply
  10. Dana@chocolateandsunshine says

    November 11, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    I couldn’t agree with you more about putting together things that you love in one area. You did a beautiful job. I love the silver chalkboard wall, too. I already had one of them but not a collection on a wall which is just awesome. Your outlook on the whole process is perfect — no need to stress out on something to make your home personal and happy.

    Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your blog very much!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2013 at 2:52 PM

      Oh thank you so much for your sweet comment Dana!! 🙂 So glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  11. Anne says

    November 11, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    Vanessa what beautiful fall vignette inspiration! Love your chalkboard platters,love your open shelves creating a beautiful fall vignette!So thrilled to have you as part of the tour!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2013 at 2:48 PM

      Thank you Anne!

      Reply
  12. kelly says

    November 11, 2013 at 8:10 AM

    Love it all Vanessa! Especially your credo, which is like mine…”it is your house…it has to feel good to YOU and make YOU happy”! The chalk paint silver trays I might just need to add to MY home too! Great to be on tour with YOU!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2013 at 2:47 PM

      Thank you so much Kelly!! I loved how similar our sentiments were about our homes! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Anita @ Cedar HIll Farmhouse says

    November 11, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    Ok for an ‘non-expert’ it all looks pretty awesome to me!! Thanks so much for joining us on the tour.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2013 at 2:42 PM

      Awwww…thanks Anita! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says

    November 11, 2013 at 9:28 AM

    I love your post… I can feel the same way. Each of your vignettes are gorgeous and most importantly they are things you love.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2013 at 2:41 PM

      Thank you Maryann!

      Reply
  15. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    November 11, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    So many beautiful ideas, as always! Pinned! xo

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2013 at 2:30 PM

      Thanks Claire! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Julia G. says

    November 11, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    Your vignettes are beautiful and very inspiring!

    Reply
  17. Martina says

    November 11, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    Beautiful vignettes my friend…I LOVE the centerpiece you created on your dining room table!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2013 at 2:29 PM

      Thank you Martina!! I definitely had fun doing that centerpiece and was sad to see it go. So glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  18. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    November 11, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    Oh such a great post and you couldn’t have explained a vignette any better. I love all of yours, they are absolutely stunning. Hugs, marty

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2013 at 2:29 PM

      Thank you so much Marty!

      Reply
  19. laura@Top This Top That says

    November 11, 2013 at 6:44 PM

    I always knew you were a rule breaker! Loved the real message in your post. Do what you love!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2013 at 7:18 PM

      Yep, you got me…I’m a rebel vignette-er! 😉 Thanks for coming by Laura!

      Reply
  20. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    November 11, 2013 at 7:23 PM

    I love everything I see here…my favorite is those silver chalkboard platters.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  21. Kristen says

    November 12, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    This is a great post on vignettes! You’re exactly right…they are really just displays of things we love in our homes! The pumpkin in the urn with grapevine and hydrangeas is just breathtaking…one of my favorites. I’m glad to have been part of the tour with you!

    Reply
  22. Laura @ Inspiration for Moms says

    November 12, 2013 at 12:10 PM

    Great tips and examples, Vanessa! You always make it look so easy! Loved being in the tour with you! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Heather says

    November 16, 2013 at 1:54 PM

    So thrilled to be part of this fun blog tour with you!! Love all of your vignette ideas! They are all so inspirational as are you and Heather!! xo Heather

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Fall Vignette ~ Thanksgiving Tablescape - Domestically Speaking says:
    November 12, 2013 at 4:01 AM

    […] Musings White Lace Cottage Monday Nov 11 Stone Gable The Everyday Home Our Southern Home At the Picket Fence My Soulful Home and […]

    Reply
  2. How to Create a Fall Vignette - Cedar Hill Farmhouse says:
    November 12, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    […] Nov 11 Stone Gable The Everyday Home Our Southern Home At the Picket Fence My Soulful […]

    Reply
  3. You can do this…Creating a Fall Vignette | My Soulful Home says:
    November 12, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    […] At the Picket Fence […]

    Reply
  4. How to Create a Fall Vignette says:
    November 14, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    […] Nov 11 Stone Gable The Everyday Home Our Southern Home At the Picket Fence My Soulful […]

    Reply
  5. How to Make a Fall Centerpiece - Town & Country Living says:
    November 16, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    […] Musings White Lace Cottage Monday Nov 11 Stone Gable The Everyday Home Our Southern Home At the Picket Fence My Soulful Home Tuesday Nov 12 Top This Top That Inspiration for Moms All Things Heart and Home […]

    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

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?
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence