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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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December 17, 2012

O Holy Night Mirror and Advent Mantel

Friday was a day of unspeakable tragedy, loss and heartache. We are grieving along with the rest of the world and we have held our loved ones a little bit…ok…A LOT…closer.

It can sound trite to say that we are praying for those who’ve lost, but we truly are. Our mothers hearts ache.

There are some bloggers who’ve chosen to have this be a day of silence and we respect that. But, we’ve chosen something different today. We’ve chosen to share what or rather WHO can bring light into the darkness, comfort to the grieving, peace to the hurting.

In my family, celebrating advent has become a beloved tradition. And last year I added to this tradition by putting a twist on things and doing an advent mantel rather than an advent wreath.

I’ve done the same thing this year with the very special addition of an ‘O Holy Night’ mirror. In the midst of sorrow and suffering, “the weary world rejoices” at the arrival of a Savior.

I purchased this incredible vinyl ‘O Holy Night’ decal from our Sponsor Leen the Graphics Queen. She was able to customize it to the size of my mirror and I kind of squealed a bit when I got the first letters on and realized how much I was going to love it!

 On the mantel itself, I placed a wooden tray candle holder with 5 candles perfect for marking each Sunday of advent leading up to Christmas as well as Christmas Eve.

 Greenery and berries help to fill it in and I also wove in a strand of battery powered lights.

Each Sunday evening, we gather in the family room together and read from an advent devotional our church provides and often add a children’s book or story to help our children understand why we celebrate this holy season.

Then we light the appropriate number of candles and just relish the moment of peace in the midst of what is such a busy time of year.

It was only after I had placed these fresh little trees in glass jars that I realized how symbolic it was to be able to see the soil and the roots. A reminder of being rooted in God’s love and the foundation that gives us.

Glittery pine cone candles in trophy urns finish off the mantel.

I’ve always thought that this should be called our “living room” instead of our “family room” since this is where we do most of our “living”. But, when I really stop and think about how often we gather here together as a family I think it’s  name is the most fitting after all.

 We will be gathering here together a lot in these days leading up to Christmas. My children will race down the stairs early Christmas morning to find their stockings “magically” filled to the brim and I will see their eyes light up with joy.

More than ever before, I will be aware of just how precious and fleeting this life is. I will know that there are parents who will be having a very different kind of Christmas morning. And, I will be praying for them to feel the comfort and healing that can only come from the One who arrived that Holy Night all those years ago.

Thank you for letting me share my Advent mantel and my heart with you today at the Fence,

Sharing here:

Metamorphosis Monday

Home for the Holy Days

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25 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, DIY, Holidays Tagged With: Advent, Christmas, Christmas decorating, Christmas mantel, O holy night

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carolynn says

    December 17, 2012 at 6:33 AM

    Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and uplifting message of HOPE! It has been a difficult week for so many and yet, one thing has not changed. God is love…He loves us and offers us hope for better things to come!
    Blessings and a Merry Christmas,
    Carolynn

    Reply
  2. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    December 17, 2012 at 7:02 AM

    So beautiful. I love the mirror and your mantel, both are perfect. I think we are all feeling a little different this Christmas. Such sorrow at such a wonderful time is so hard to put together. God Bless you and your Family and may you have a very Blessed Christmas. Hugs, marty

    Reply
  3. Amy says

    December 17, 2012 at 7:28 AM

    Lovely message, and what a great idea for an Advent mantel. Thanks for the inspiring message and for continuing to spread HIS light, even in darkness.
    XO
    Amy

    Reply
  4. Thistle says

    December 17, 2012 at 7:35 AM

    Vanessa,

    What a beautiful, beautiful post! My heart is so heavy for those who have suffered unspeakeable tragedy. You have put into words what so many are feeling today.

    Thank you for blessing me today,
    karianne

    Reply
  5. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    December 17, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    Beautiful post Vanessa. I love that you decided to share something beautiful and hope filled in the midst of great sorrow. That is what Advent is all about. Thank you for the reminder.

    Reply
  6. Bonnie says

    December 17, 2012 at 9:24 AM

    Very appropriate, Vanessa. I personally feel that it is good to see positive “pretty” things in a world so full of evil so we are reminded that there is still good in the world. I do think these times call for simpler posts with an acknowledgement of what is going on in Connecticut by sharing our sorrow. When we continue on immediately after without a thought about the tragedy on our blogs, it seems kind of shallow. In a way, I feel we have a responsibility as “public” spokespersons. With that said, I so appreciate your words and your room that shows the reason for the season!

    Reply
  7. Sharon says

    December 17, 2012 at 9:29 AM

    I absolutely love the idea of an advent mantel. And the Holy Night graphics added to the mirror is striking. The photography on this post is beautiful too.

    Reply
  8. Judy says

    December 17, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Your advent mantel is a wonderful idea. Gorgeous in it’s execution as well.

    Reply
  9. Leo @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    December 17, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    Vanessa,
    Beautiful photos. Merry Christmas

    Reply
  10. Debbie says

    December 17, 2012 at 4:35 PM

    I remember your advent mantel last year. I loved this year’s version even more. The O Holy Night mirror is the perfect touch, too. (I loved the part of seeing the roots in particular.)

    I have contemplated the silent blog day. I understand the positive message of it yet can’t decide if being silent is what I feel called to do. Still pondering.

    Reply
  11. Elizabeth@ Blue Clear Sky says

    December 17, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    Your mantel is beautiful and the meaning behind it even more special. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    December 17, 2012 at 6:15 PM

    Vanessa, you were right to speak out with these beautiful words!!!! It is important to remember that only God can truly comfort us… and that Jesus is God’s physical comfort to all the world. Beautiful decoration… beautiful post!!!

    Reply
  13. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    December 17, 2012 at 7:57 PM

    It’s just beautiful, Vanessa. Our hearts are all so heavy–yet the darkness around us does show us just how much we need the Light, doesn’t it?

    Bless you, friend!

    Reply
  14. Aimee - It's Overflowing says

    December 17, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    Beautiful…this is what it is all about. Thanks so much for sharing not only these beautiful pictures of your warm home, but sharing your heart!! He truly is the greatest gift EVER! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  15. Maureen says

    December 17, 2012 at 11:25 PM

    I do think it’s important to shine some light into the darkness that descended last Friday. We have to believe that there will be an end to this kind of horror.

    Reply
  16. AnaMB says

    December 18, 2012 at 2:02 AM

    great post, great photos, great thoughts…

    Reply
  17. Recreate and decorate says

    December 18, 2012 at 4:09 AM

    Thanks for the inspiration today. My heart breaks with America. Our prayers will be with the families as well. Your advent mantle is beautiful and I love the stockings I have two of them myself! Great taste! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Cynthia says

    December 18, 2012 at 5:45 AM

    Just lovely the mantel and the mirror look spectacular.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  19. Jeannee says

    December 18, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    LOVE THIS! Ty for sharing <3

    Reply
  20. Donna White says

    December 18, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    Very soulful and inspiring! Thank you!

    Reply
  21. Kate says

    December 19, 2012 at 4:16 AM

    https://www.embracinglifesjourney.com/2012/12/why-does-it-take-tragedy.html?m=1

    Reply
  22. Vanessa says

    December 19, 2012 at 6:08 AM

    How lovely are your Christmas decorations! Truly beautiful.

    Hugs,

    Vanessa

    Reply
  23. Linda says

    December 19, 2012 at 6:28 AM

    We lost our 6 year old Granddaughter Anna, 8 years ago this past November. She had been born with heart issues. We had no idea she would only live 6 yrs., and it was so hard…and yes, that Christmas was so hard to face without her. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of so many sweet children around the same age as our Anna. Our prayers are with all of those parents and families of those victims.

    Thanks for this beautiful post! I am so glad we have Jesus who was born on that Holy Night! He truly is our Hope..and our everything!

    Your home is lovely!

    Merry Christmas!

    Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

    Reply
  24. Carol says

    December 19, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    Your mantel and mirror are truly lovely, Vanessa, and your sweet, heartfelt message is beautiful!

    xoxo,
    Carol

    Reply
  25. Michele says

    December 20, 2012 at 4:33 AM

    To shut down and turn inward to grief is a natural response, but does little to honor the spirits of those lost in the massacre a week ago. Your mirror and mantel speak to the eternal, hard to keep in mind sometimes, but oh, so important.

    Reply

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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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