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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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November 26, 2018

Simple and Traditional Christmas Mantel

Many years ago, as my husband and I sat on the couch on a December evening flipping through the channels on the TV, we stumbled across the tail end of the Rick Steve’s European Christmas Special on PBS. We were immediately captivated and in those few minutes we felt like we were transported into another world. As soon as it was over I got online and ordered the DVD so that we could share it with our kids.

Watching it with them, not only did I just find it so fascinating learning about how Christmas is celebrated in various communities throughout Europe, I was also struck by something that I couldn’t quite put my finger on but that I knew spoke to my soul.

And, over the years, as we’ve watched it again and again, I finally realized just what it was that so captivated me.

Every single home was decorated so very simply, mostly with natural elements, and yet still so perfectly captured the spirit of Christmas.

And I wondered if maybe I’ve been doing it all wrong. You see, for several years now I’ve felt as though I was supposed to have loads of fresh and new and exciting and really, REALLY Christmas-y decor to share with you.

Or I’ve felt like I needed to have themed trees and a neutral, farmhouse-y look in order to fit in with the blogosphere.

But I think, deep down in my heart, I knew it wasn’t really ‘me’. What I wanted was something more simple, more traditional. Touches of the season throughout the house without it looking like Christmas exploded everywhere.

I didn’t want it to look ‘staged’ or like it came straight out of a catalog.

I wanted it to look real and warm and like we actually live here.

So, I didn’t pull out all of my plastic bins of holiday decor. In fact, I sold off two Christmas trees and other decor and donated bags and bags to the rescue mission.

And I’ve resisted buying any more ‘Christmas’ stuff as I’ve been out shopping.

Instead, I’ve focused on simply enhancing what is in each room all year round. No more clearing off entire surfaces so that I can replace every, single thing with something Christmas-y.

No more stressing about whether or not my decorations will be pin-worthy.

No more trying to have me and my home be something we’re not.

This year it was all about intentionally going into this season with less so that I can enjoy it more. 

So, here’s what you can expect from me this year.

You can expect to see paper angel ornaments and family treasures.

You can expect ideas for meaningful traditions and homemade gifts.

And you can expect me to talk a lot about how to have more peace in your heart and your home. 

I’m so thrilled to be joining some of my most favorite bloggers today for the Home for the Holidays tour! Not only will you find so many fantastic ideas to help you kick off the season but we have an AMAZING giveaway for you!

Monday

Maison de Cinq * My Soulful Home * French Garden House * Savvy Southern Style

 

Tuesday

Cynthia Weber Designs

 

So Much Better with Age

 

At the Picket Fence

 

Wednesday

Becky’s Farmhouse * Cedar Hill Farmhouse * Love of Home

Thursday

Little Farmstead * The How To Home * Our Southern Home * Celebrating Everyday Life

Friday

Housepitality Designs * UnSkinny Boppy * Stone Gable * Starfish Cottage Blog

 

GIVEAWAY INFO:
 The tour is sponsored by Bespoke Decor. Read on for an opportunity to enter for a chance to win a $200 gift card to Bespoke. Happy Holiday to you a bit early!
Bespoke Decor is filled with beautiful things for your home & lifestyle from one of a kind vintage to elegant linens. You are bound to find more than a few items you’ll love. Enter to win the chance at a $200 gift certificate by clicking HERE.
Entries for the Bespoke Decor giveaway must be in by December 1st. Our winner will be randomly selected and notified by email.

13 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays

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Previous Post: « When You Can’t All Fit on the Couch Anymore
Next Post: Holiday Housewalk Christmas Tour 2018 »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karen Kleinberg says

    November 27, 2018 at 4:31 AM

    Good morning Vanessa,

    I can’t agree with you more. I too started donating to family and friends a lot of our Christmas decorations that I collected after 40+ years of marriage, and it feels good to just put out what means the most to me and my husband. We have also watched that special you talked about with Rick Steve’s. His show almost makes you feel like you are there with him. Merry Christmas to you and your family and enjoy all that makes your heart glow this season and into the new year.

    Reply
  2. Cynthia Weber says

    November 27, 2018 at 6:18 AM

    Vanessa… you are so right!! I absolutely love your Holiday touches and the fact that your lovely home is being enhanced by the Christmas spirit while still remaining the family home that brings everyone together comfortably. You have created beautiful balance and I so admire that!!!
    xoxo
    Cynthia

    Reply
  3. Shirley @Housepitality Design s says

    November 27, 2018 at 8:12 AM

    It is all so beautiful Vanessa…and I can relate to the Christmas decor….I have given away trees and more…your home is truly a reflection of the love that lives there!!! Merry Christmas Vanessa!!

    Reply
  4. linda says

    November 27, 2018 at 8:50 AM

    We love Christmas markets. I still miss going to them for wurst, gluwine and a little shopping. We have lived in Germany, Hong Kong and China. I love all the decorations we have from those places and other stateside place too. The past couple of yeaars we have been tossing nad passing. When I considered tossing the Nurenburg Christkindle tree topper my husband and kids gasped! Some things just are here to stay.

    Reply
  5. Patty says

    November 27, 2018 at 11:19 AM

    Love your beautiful Christmas decor & I couldn’t agree with you more! Such a wonderful post👏🏻👍🏻❤️

    Reply
  6. Jamie says

    November 27, 2018 at 11:40 AM

    Your Christmas mantel decor is so beautiful and elegant, Vanessa. I love being on this tour with you!
    Hugs, Jamie

    Reply
  7. Kim says

    November 27, 2018 at 12:08 PM

    Amen, amen and amen! I’m not overdoing it either. I thought I was only going to put up one tree, but then creativity took over so I do have three. One is small though. I hate when homes are over decorated and look like you should be shopping in it instead of relaxing in it. You go girl!

    Reply
  8. penny meade says

    November 27, 2018 at 2:29 PM

    Vanessa, thank you for sharing your beautiful blog, keeping Christmas decor simple “speaks to my soul.” Thoughtfully, Penny

    Reply
  9. Lidy at FrenchGardenHouse says

    November 27, 2018 at 5:47 PM

    Vanessa, I just watched that special again too! It is so true, in Europe we decorate a little bit more simply, with natural things. Although I live in the states now, I still carry that tradition, of adding greens, pinecones, and citrus fruits throughout the house. When our kids were really small, I did accumulate bins of decorations too, but like you, I gave away a good portion of those.

    Now I focus on embellishing what we have here at FrenchGardenHouse in a fresh way, but I do decorate a large tree. Your post is so beautiful, and written from the heart. I wish you a beautiful joyful Christmas, celebrating with all the people you love! It’s a joy to be on this tour with you. xo Lidy

    Reply
  10. Sheila says

    November 27, 2018 at 6:02 PM

    I love your traditional and simple decor so much Vanessa! And while I did do a “theme” this year (for the first time, actually) I did get rid of tons a few years ago and make it a point not to have Christmas on every surface! I couldn’t agree more that sometimes simple is the best. And now you have me intrigued since I love Europe so much – I’m going to look for that video and see if I can rent it or stream it!

    So glad to be “hopping” with you again sweet friend:)

    Sheila
    xo

    Reply
  11. kelly Wilkniss says

    November 28, 2018 at 6:08 PM

    YES YES YES Vanessa!! Absolutely spot on & absolutely beautiful !!

    Reply
  12. Home Arise says

    December 23, 2018 at 12:09 PM

    I totally get you! Simple and traditional is the best way to go. Best of all, it never gets old. Whenever I read blog posts that showcase a ton of Christmas decor, a part of me can’t help but wonder how much it must have cost (I am a very frugal person) and how much time it must have taken. I think the holidays are all about spending time with your family and friends. That’s the most important part.

    Reply
  13. Milly Egan says

    May 21, 2019 at 1:02 PM

    Just discovered your blog today and this was my opening read, I love it. So calm, warm and inviting. I love how effective the Christmas palette is that you have created in keeping with your decor, beautifully done Vanessa

    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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