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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 6, 2011

A Simple Solution for Coffee Lovers and Introductions…

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Blogging can be a strange thing.  You start out with your head full of all of these ideas that you can/want to blog about and then you slowly find yourself thinking, “Is the only thing worth sharing some big kitchen reveal, or dining room makeover or a complete wainscoting of the house?”  You start to worry that the simple little ideas and changes will appear…well boring.  But if you are going to blog for the long haul then often the small projects you do are what will keep you chugging along between the big reveals, re-do’s and makeovers.  For example, my new “coffee station”.  It’s a simple little idea really, but one that makes me happy and has made the everyday, mundane task of making coffee just a wee bit more pleasant. 
If you are like me there are only certain things that are “allowed” to be on the countertops but having to hide everything away can make food preparation in the kitchen a hassle.  Also, when we decided to leave a section of our cabinets open in our kitchen remodel, it eliminated the area where I hid away my coffee cans, filters, sugar, etc.
Enter in the “Coffee Station” 

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I found a darling little “vintage” wood and galvanized tray at Hobby Lobby on clearance recently and I knew the perfect purpose for it.  I gathered up some items I already had and purchased a few more here and there on clearance and the coffee station was born!

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I had this unusually shaped little galvanized bucket that had been hanging around forever looking for a new home.  It was a perfect solution for those odd shaped coffee filters!  They nestle in perfectly but are easily accessible.

Then I found these darling little glass containers at HomeGoods on clearance.  They had a little indention that was crying out for some chalkboard paint.  I painted in these little label spots and stored tea in one

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and our sweetener packs in the other

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I found the darling sugar jar at TJ Maxx and I already had the ideal lidded jar for our coffee beans

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and all together they make the perfect Coffee Station for our counter. 

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We often fill our house with guests and we love them to feel at home..which could include being asked to make a pot of coffee. smile.  It is lovely having everything readily available without them having to dig around in our cupboards. They can help themselves to coffee, tea and all of the extras that come along without us having to dig it all out for them. In fact…if you want to head on over I’ll let you make yourself a cup of coffee and we can have a nice long visit…

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…now that would be “simply” lovely.

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Up next we have two special introductions! First we want to introduce you to our

We adore everything that this blogger creates!  Her husband told her she “had too much time on her hands” we think she just has “too much talent for one person to possess!”

Kim from
Too Much time on my hands

Always has the neatest ideas, frugal knock-offs and fabulous projects! Ones like these:

luggage tag lamp
Luggage Tag Lamp
pottery barn clock knock -off
Pottery Barn Clock Knock-Off
Anthropologie Dresser Knock-Off
We want to invite you to head over and pay our featured blogger Kim a visit to her fabulous blog, Too Much Time On My Hands.  Make sure you have some “time on your hands” though because you’ll be there awhile drooling over all of her amazing ideas!

We also want to take a moment to introduce you to our Etsy Shop of the Month here At The Picket Fence

Stay tuned, later this week we will be hosting a giveaway sponsored by Stacey the author of A Sort of Fairytale, and owner of Maggie Jane’s Vintage! We are so excited to be working with Stacey and her fabulous Etsy Store!

This post is Partying at the following places:
Green Door Designs and SAS Interiors: Saturday Spotlight
A Stroll Thru Life: Tabletop Tuesday
Elements Interiors: Whassup Wednesday

28 Comments Filed Under: Etsy, Featured Blogger, Good Ideas

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Previous Post: « A Legacy of Sighing? Confessing on a Simply Sunday!
Next Post: A “Sew” Simple Update and a Revisit »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judy says

    June 6, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    I don’t drink coffee, but my husband does. What a great idea for a coffee center. I might have to “steal” some of those ideas. Maybe I can put together a father’s day gift? BTW I posted the announcement about the blog block party today. It’s going to be awesome!

    Reply
  2. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    June 6, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Sometimes the simple ideas are the most inspirational. I think your coffee station is great.

    Reply
  3. Pattie says

    June 6, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Coffee station looks great love the idea… and the cups LOVE them…. Post about the Blog Block Party I’m ready to go sounds like fun…

    Pattie

    Reply
  4. Amanda says

    June 6, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    The coffee station is a fantastic idea, since getting our pantry sorted I have to get the items from more places, this is a great solution!

    Reply
  5. Christine @ Stonehouse Living says

    June 6, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Hi Heather,

    I couldn’t start my day without a good cup of coffee! I enjoy our Sunday coffee best when we take our time and enjoy the whole pot! The coffee station is an excellent way to have your guests indulge as well, so neat and tidy. Love all of the vintage inspired pieces.
    All the Best,
    Christine

    Reply
  6. NanaDiana says

    June 6, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    Well, I have my own little “coffee station” too-but it is not nearly as cute as yours. I love all your little jars and your “tray”. Perfect set up!!

    I think you know that my home away from home is Starbucks..where everybody knows my name…where everybody—(sung to the tune of the old Cheers song). Yeah..gotta go now- Starbucks is calling my name! xo Diana

    Reply
  7. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    June 6, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    I don’t drink coffee, but this would be a great idea for when we have guests stay over! Love the sugar jar and the tray!

    Reply
  8. Amy Kinser says

    June 6, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    I have a coffee station as well and love it. It is so handy.

    Yours is wonderful also.

    I agree about the little projects keeping us going while we wait for the big ones. I don’t always have big stuff going on, but I do always putter around doing small things here and there.

    Reply
  9. Karen says

    June 6, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    We are huge coffee drinkers, I love the idea of a coffee station. Yours is really great. Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply
  10. Bonnie@Creative Decorating says

    June 6, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    I have a little coffee station with the tray and the coffee maker fits in the tray along with a cute sugar and creamer set. I love how it makes me feel somewhat organized!

    Reply
  11. Kelly says

    June 6, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    I have a coffee station, but it’s more or less a basket of coffee-related stuff all thrown together! I may need to rethink this….. love your featured blogger!

    Kelly

    Reply
  12. michelle says

    June 6, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    That is so cute! I love the chalkboard tags. HA HA I am with Diana, my little Chai station is at Starbucks where they know me by name as well. 🙂 Too funny!
    Enjoy your coffee!!
    XOXO

    Reply
  13. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    June 6, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    I’m in love with this idea! I can’t start my day without coffee…I have a bunch of wood boxes, might have to copy you 🙂
    XOXO
    Kristin

    Reply
  14. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    June 6, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    Being only into blogging for just a few months — this is a very helpful upost to read!! I agree that we forget that the ‘little’ things/projects are necessary and in a way, give us a break! AND I LOVE your coffee station! You make such a good point about having everything out so guests don’t feel intrusive if they’re up before you and want to get the coffee going! I just LOVE this idea! Thanks for sharing it!!

    Reply
  15. Natasha says

    June 6, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Your coffee station idea is brilliant and definitely something I will be trying out myself (if you don’t mind!)

    This was a brilliant post! Thank you.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

    Reply
  16. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    June 7, 2011 at 12:44 AM

    I love coffee. I have the keurig maker so I only use pods. THis is such a cute idea Heather.

    Reply
  17. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 7, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    Love your coffee station. I don’t really have a designated station, but I do have everything close at hand. I have the coffee in a glass canister and the filters are in a little wooden box open right next to the coffee maker and the sugar bowl is in the cabinet right over the coffee jar and the cream is in the fridge right beside the coffee maker. Love what you did with the jars. You are so right about sharing the little things too or we will run out of stuff to blog.

    Reply
  18. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    June 7, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    I would love to come and have a cup of coffee with you Heather:) Your coffee station is perfect! Martina

    Reply
  19. leah mari says

    June 7, 2011 at 2:56 AM

    I love your little drink station really cute! I want to do it for tea!

    Reply
  20. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    June 7, 2011 at 4:32 AM

    LOVE the coffee center idea- I get the coffee ready ahead of time at night so that when we get up in the morning a fresh brewed cup is ready! 🙂 Love your jars ~ such a sweet idea

    Reply
  21. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    June 7, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    I love your coffee station. I love all the containers and you have them all displayed so beautifully. Very clever. I love me some coffee and occassionally some tea also. Perfect. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  22. Richella says

    June 8, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    I like your coffee station! What a good idea to keep things all together and easy to reach. A great example of how everyday items can look beautiful!

    Reply
  23. meg says

    June 8, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    i LOVE this idea!! the canisters are just adorable!!! so cute. you have a beautiful blog; looking forward to following you! thanks so much for your sweet comments on my blog!

    Reply
  24. thetwistedruffle says

    June 8, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    i was just holding that coffee mug from anthro in my hands this weekend, and i left without it! i reeallly liked it…

    i love your coffee station, i have one similar, but i love the tray you found! i’m going to be on the lookout!

    Reply
  25. Tanya says

    June 8, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    I have a coffee station too! Yours looks wonderful 🙂 Visiting from Elements Interiors.

    Reply
  26. Gypsy Heart says

    June 8, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    I love this! I have minimal space on my counter tops but I like the convenience of everything easily available.

    I stopped by from Kara’s. Have a great week!

    Pat

    Reply
  27. Kim @ Too Much Time says

    June 9, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    Hey Heather!
    Your coffee station is fab. I love my coffee and having an organized and cute little area for all the goodies is such a comforting and welcoming thing to come down to every morning.
    AND, thanks so much for the shout out and making me your blogger of the week. I always appreciate both of your comments and never ending love you send my way. You are doing such a wonderful job here and your blog always makes me smile!

    Reply
  28. KAT says

    June 12, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    HI Greta idea..I love my coffee too! and I love how wonderful you have made the coffee stuff look so elegant and homey
    KAT

    Reply

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This is such a busy time of year and I’m always This is such a busy time of year and I’m always on the lookout for easy recipes that use minimal pots and pans therefore requiring minimal cleanup. 🙌🏻

This one sheet roasted veggies, sausage and gnocchi definitely fit the bill! And I don’t know how I’ll go back to boiled gnocchi after tasting it roasted. 😋

Here’s how easy it is to make: 

Preheat oven to 425

Use any combo of veggies you like. I used sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts and red onion. 

Dice into small pieces and spread on a sheet pan. 

Slice up the sausage and add to vegetables. Then add the uncooked gnocchi. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. You can also add any herbs you like! 

Roast in over for 25 minutes stirring once halfway through. 

While it’s in the oven, melt a stick of butter in a saucepan and add in two teaspoons of garlic. 

When you remove the pan from the oven, drizzle the butter/garlic mixture over the top and stir well to coat everything. Top with Parmesan cheese! 

Easy peasy and SO yummy! ✨

#sheetpandinner #sheetpanrecipes
The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “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! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year 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!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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