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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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February 13, 2019

How to Decorate an Entry Table

Did you know that harem style pants (a la MC Hammer) are making a comeback? Yep. The other day, in a Facebook group I’m apart of, someone shared a photo of an advertisement for an outfit that was a romper version of this ‘style’ and I couldn’t help but think that there are some trends that were so bad the first time around that they really should never make a comeback. And they actually made it even worse! I mean, can anyone actually pull of that look? Every time I see those pants they remind me of when my kids tried to walk around with fully loaded diapers.

And, it made me thankful that I am at a stage in life where I know what works for me and what doesn’t, both in my wardrobe and in my home. I wasted so many years trying to fit into a certain look or trend and I can’t even begin to explain how much freedom there is in embracing your own style.

Case in point, this table in my entry has seen many manifestations. Some of them make me cringe now when I look back at them. Because it was just trying too hard to be something it wasn’t.

But, when I finally struck the right chord, it was as if it let out an audible sigh of relief. And the final piece of the puzzle came recently in the form of the perfect free-ish lamp.

All of my shopping at TJ Maxx/HomeGoods/Marshalls resulted in a generous rewards certificate which completely covered the cost of this ceramic beauty. I can’t tell you how much I loved marching up to the counter with it and walking out without paying a dime.

The rest of the tabletop decor came together from things I already owned. The little oil painting is a cherished treasure. When my husband and I were dating, he left for a few weeks to backpack through Europe with some of his college buddies. He brought back this sweet painting for me and I love having it on display here.

A stack of books with a mercury glass box on top add just the right touch of sparkle to the display. The creamy linen-covered book is actually ‘Life in Season‘ without the jacket and I just love how versatile it is. I think you might need one in your house too! Hint…hint…

An orchid from Trader Joe’s is a thrifty way to have flowers without having to buy them fresh every week and I just plunked it down in an urn to add some height.

Trends will come and go and come and go again. I have to admit that hearing the word ‘retro’ to describe styles which were popular when I was growing up might make me feel super old but the beauty of this season of life is that, by now, most of us are more comfortable in our own skin even if it is a little more saggy.

I wonder if MC Hammer will dust off those pants he wore when he danced across the TV screen in his music videos now that they are making a comeback. Somehow, I think even he knows that it’s better to let them stay in the past.

Staying true to yourself and embracing what works for you and your home is always in style. But, can we agree that maybe that doesn’t need to include saggy bottom pants? 😉 “Can’t Touch This!” 

I’m so thrilled to be teaming up again this month with my friends on the Thrifty Style Team where we bring you all kinds of budget friendly ideas and inspiration. Make sure to pay them a visit!

An InLinkz Link-up


16 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Deborah says

    February 13, 2019 at 7:15 AM

    I totally agree and this totally fits you. A simple and beautiful elegance.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 13, 2019 at 11:53 AM

      Thank you friend! xoxo

      Reply
  2. Margaret says

    February 13, 2019 at 8:01 AM

    I have a dresser (old family piece of furniture) almost identical to yours .
    You have inspired me to bring it out of the basement and use it either in the
    entry or in a bedroom. Yours looks beautiful the way you have used it.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 13, 2019 at 11:50 AM

      Definitely bring it out of the basement Margaret!! I was so thrilled with I found mine in a second-hand shop. It’s beautiful and functional as we store all of our scarves/mittens/etc. in the drawers. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

      Reply
  3. Michelle @ The Painted Hinge says

    February 13, 2019 at 11:18 AM

    I love the lamp! So cool you were able to pick it up with your rewards certificate! And I can totally relate with the relief of finding your own sense of style – it makes life so much easier!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 13, 2019 at 11:53 AM

      Thanks Michelle! I know that I had to spend money to earn the certificate but I like to just pretend that it really was ‘free’. LOL! 😉

      Reply
  4. Mary Beth says

    February 13, 2019 at 1:22 PM

    Your new lamp and the entire display are so beautiful, Vanessa! That little painting is so pretty and the back story is so sweet. Also, I love the harem pants analogy…made me chuckle!

    Reply
  5. Courtenay says

    February 13, 2019 at 3:21 PM

    This just really speaks to me. You’ve definitely struck a nice balance that feels like what I’m always trying to achieve in my own home. Also, thanks so much for the trip down memory lane! I wore those pants with the best of them when I was 7!

    Reply
  6. Kristi Dominguez says

    February 13, 2019 at 4:18 PM

    This lamp is beautiful, Vanessa! It looks perfect alongside the rest of your gorgeous decor!

    Reply
  7. Julie says

    February 13, 2019 at 4:54 PM

    I didn’t know the trend left us? lol. I see it all the time. …it’s okay as long as they don’t go completely to the knee, lol!!! Your lamp is so pretty! And FREE!!!!!!!

    Reply
  8. Cindy says

    February 13, 2019 at 5:15 PM

    What a pretty lamp, perfect size for the table! I’m guilty of buying something I don’t love bc it was cheaper, and then wishing I’d waited!!

    Reply
  9. meegan says

    February 13, 2019 at 6:47 PM

    I know the feeling, exactly what you mean! It is fun to see the trends come back around-like they are something new. Your home is always lovely and inviting. Your book adds the PERFECT touch to your space. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Shelia P. says

    February 13, 2019 at 9:20 PM

    Hi Vanessa! I love your new lamp and that beautiful piece of furniture it’s sitting on! That little painting is so sweet and even looks European leaning there. It’s a keeper. I can totally relate to it being so strange hearing people referring to things I grew up with as Vintage. It makes me feel so ancient! But at least my mind is still young! lol! 😊. It’s so good to finally feel comfortable in my own skin, even if like you said, a bit saggy, hahaha! Thanks for a wonderful post. Glad to have someone who can relate. Have a great evening. 😊

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 14, 2019 at 10:22 AM

      Hi Shelia! Isn’t it so strange to have those things we grew up with called ‘vintage’ or ‘retro’?! Makes me wish I would have saved some of them for my daughter but most things were super ugly even then. LOL! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words! 🙂

      Reply
  11. laura janning says

    February 14, 2019 at 2:44 AM

    Hammer Time! love your free-ish, new-ish lamp .

    Reply
  12. bliss says

    February 15, 2019 at 3:57 AM

    Right before I started blogging I was purging stuff feeling like I just had too much, and then it looked empty around here. I learned it wasn’t necessarily too much, just that I hadn’t displayed it to the full potential. I still struggle with getting it right, but it’s day and night from where I used too be with it.

    Reply

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