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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

November 11, 2011

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 40!

 
Inspiration Friday Graphic
  Boy, 40 weeks just flies by when you are having this much fun! 

And we certainly have a ton of it each week when you share all of your wonderful talent and creativity. Does anyone else out there feel the momentum building and building as the Holiday season approaches? We can just sense the creative juices boiling here in Blogland and some of you have already started sharing your Christmas crafts and décor!

We are right behind ya on that one, but before we jump into the next season with both feet (and hands!), we wanted to share with you a few of the remaining touches of Fall around our homes.


Let’s pay Vanessa a visit, shall we?

The colors in my home year-round provide such a wonderful backdrop for the colors of Fall, so I embrace them with open arms. This dough bowl filled with natural elements sits atop a stack of books in a tray on the living room ottoman. It has been very hard for little fingers to resist and has been known to hide a toy or two down inside!

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The dough bowl shares the tray with this chicken wire cloche.

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On my entry table, this green pitcher is filled with some “faux” Fall.

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And in the family room a new purchase this year. This lantern is super heavy and super duper loved by yours truly! A candle and some little gourds add some Fall-ness to it.

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And because I absolutely adore my sweet friend Becca from Adventures in Decorating and pretty much want to copy everything she does, I had to turn this basket on its side (like she did in her entry)and let the pumpkins spill out.

If I had not seen her do this first, this poor basket would have just been sitting there…all boring and upright. Imagine what it would have missed out on!

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Onto Heather’s home! ~Vanessa

So we just have to say again how much fun it is for us to share a blog! Getting to see each other’s seasonal décor is such a treat!

Whew! I really wasn’t sure if I would be able to pull off Thanksgiving decorating while trying to finish up my major projects, but it’s amazing what a motivator hosting Thanksgiving dinner in your home is to decorating it! One of my favorite little vignettes is my “pumpkin towers” on my kitchen counter.

 fall decor 2


All from the Dollar Tree and recycled pumpkins someone gave to me years ago!

I also found this darling little white ceramic pumpkin at the Dollar Tree, and thought it looked so sweet under my muffin cloche.  I love the combination of the white and silver on this little corner of my counter.

fall decor 3



I wanted to use my DIY Apothecary jars for Thanksgiving, so I filled them with some lacy fallen leaves from my Japanese maple… I love the pop of red!

  The matching dough bowl to Vanessa’s (both were inherited from our grandmother) hold some simple beans and candles on our kitchen table.

fall decor 5


I learned long ago that if I wanted my centerpieces to stay ON the table with Bama Boy around they needed to be low, simple and un froofy…this one seems to fit the bill!

fall decor 6


You might remember my “Tale of Three Pumpkins” Series where we made over Dollar Tree pumpkins.  Here is where they all ended up residing…

fall decor 4


  I love this sweet three tiered basket, I literally stumbled over it in the Goodwill aisle this summer. It has been an herb garden, a pumpkin patch…and who knows what lies in store for it come Christmas…you’ll just have to wait and see… grin.

Up last, another glimpse of my soon to be revealed Design Challenge dining room makeover.  I shared with you my framed chalkboard art last week, and gave you a small view of the changes I’ve made.

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I love the little fall vignette of leaves, pumpkins and candles.

I will be hosting Thanksgiving this year, and while the table will be a little more elaborately set for dinner that day I love to keep it simple during the rest of the season.

2011 11 10

I was able to create this entire centerpiece for $15.00 from the Dollar Tree and clearance items! I love a good bargain, can ya tell? Did ya catch the glimpse of my dining room gallery wall in the background? sigh…I’m so in love with it! I hope to reveal it all to you next week! Well, thanks for stopping by my place! Wish I could have you all sitting at our table…it would truly feel like “Family”! ~Heather




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Now, let’s get to those Features!

Nancy from Nancy’s Daily Dish shared this absolutely gorgeous Brown and Aubergine Fall Tablescape which was inspired by a Ralph Lauren Euro sham she found on Clearance. Ummm…anyone else able to create something this stunning after seeing a Euro Sham? Not us! Notice anything unusual about those “chargers”?

Yep, you guessed it, those are small grapevine wreaths. So clever and yes, we will be copying that Nancy! Winking smile

This next feature absolutely blew us away! We couldn’t believe how Angie from Knick of Time Interiors was inspired by finding an old (albeit beautiful) Dictionary, to transform her entryway into this charming and character-filled space. You must visit her to see all of the incredible details!

As much as we are still enjoying Fall, the Christmas bug has definitely bitten us! So, it is no surprise that we absolutely loved these beautiful Glitter Ornaments from Susan of Hometown Girl.
She shared a wonderful simple tutorial on how she made them as well and we think these would make incredible gifts!

Ornaments 003
We often wonder how y’all with lots of little ones at home can still find the time to create such beautiful projects! Rachael from House of Noise…I Mean Boys is no exception! Rachael handmade this beautiful pillow for her mom.  It has lots of love and sentimentality stitched and stenciled into it! Visit her post to see the details behind this lovely design.

 


Connie from Hartwood Roses is building this gorgeous, fabulous greenhouse out of salvaged materials, and pretty much on her own!! We think she is just amazing! We’ve provided the link to her entire greenhouse series so you can see the step by step process.

Okay, so if you know Heather at all you know she wasn’t going to just let this houndstooth chair slide by! This gorgeous chair and these starburst mirrors are part of a living room redo by Barbara the “mother” of the blog, A Mother and A Daughter! Now I know they live in Arkansas (Go Razorbacks!)…but I think that a University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) fan my lurk way down there in Barbara somewhere with this chair. Winking smile 

We’ve been asked before to create some projects using sheet music, we think these THREE sheet music ideas from Fancy Frugal Life fit the bill perfectly! All three ideas were created for a wedding but they could be used for all occasions!

Now, don’t forget! There is still time to enter to win this gorgeous Vintage Silver Teapot from our Sponsor

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The Giveaway runs through next Wednesday so click here to find out all the details!

  Thank you to all of our features this week as well as to all of you who share your amazing ideas, projects and inspiration with us each and every week! If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located in on our Buttons Page found under our header!

Are you following At The Picket Fence on Facebook?  Don’t forget we feature many of your links during the week on our Facebook Page! If you’ve been featured there, grab a button as well! Thank you to everyone who shared so many fabulous posts with us last week!  We appreciate you!
Now it’s time to share with us what has inspired you this week!
Thank you so much for joining us for Inspiration Friday at the Fence,
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:



stuffandnonsense
vif187


Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s the rules!
  • Friend At The Picket Fence in some capacity
  • Link Up any post you’ve written that has Inspired You and will Inspire Others-it can be a home improvement project, craft, recipe, story, devotional…if it inspires link it up!
  • Be sure to link back to your original post (MANDATORY) and not just your url (main blog address)
  • Please post our button (code on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! Tutorial on how to link up a button: Blogging 101
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you! We try to visit as many posts as we can but as Inspiration Friday grows sometimes we miss some and for that we apologize.  It makes us feed good knowing others are visiting people as well!  Thank you..it truly means a lot to us!
Are you new to linky parties and kinda confused how they work? Have you wondered if you’re following “linky party etiquette”? We invite you to pay Donna at Funky Junk Interiors a visit and follow her great Linky Party Series! She’ll be answering all of your linky party questions and more! (no pressure or anything Donna Winking smile )


This Inspiration Friday is Sponsored By:

64 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays, Inspiration Friday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ruby Jean says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    Lovely features… And Yes Angie’s Dictionary Wall was just simply Amazing!!!! Just linked up thank you for hosting…

    Reply
  2. Stuff and Nonsense says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    love that chicken wire cloche
    and all the yummy autumness going
    on y’all’s homes

    great features and thanks for hosting!

    alison

    Reply
  3. FABBY'S LIVING says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Great features! I specially love the black and white chair and decor. I like Nancy’s tablescape too. Thank you for hosting and having me. Hugs, FABBY

    Reply
  4. Sherry says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    You have been getting your fall on Vanessa! It looks wonderful! Thanks for hosting the party!
    Sherry

    Reply
  5. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Wow! So many great features! Thanks for sharing! I look forward to linking up each week. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  6. Amanda says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    The features are wonderful, love the dictionary pages wallpaper!
    Thank you for hosting another inspiring linky.

    Reply
  7. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Hey Girls your fall decor looks amazing! You guy’s are such an inspiration! Thanks for hosting, Martina

    Reply
  8. Richella says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Things are looking beautiful for Thanksgiving at BOTH your houses! Man, this makes me wish one of my sisters had a blog!!

    Reply
  9. Hartwood Roses says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    Thank you, THANK YOU for featuring my greenhouse. I’m practically working my fingers down to the nubs, racing to get it all closed in before Old Man Winter makes his annual appearance.

    There’s always such great inspiration here! I’m off now to see what’s inspiring this week.

    Reply
  10. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Thanks for hosting the party every week.

    Reply
  11. Lina - Fancy Frugal Life says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Hi Girls! Thanks so much for the feature..always a fantastic surprise 🙂 Your thanksgiving decs look so beautiful.

    Lina
    Fancy Frugal Life

    Reply
  12. Yummy Mummy says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    You have the greatest parties, Ladies! Thanks!

    Reply
  13. Martha says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    Great features! Love them, especially the greenhouse and the cloche! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  14. Laurel says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    Hello ladies, thanks for the fall tour. Makes me think I need to spend more time at the Dollar Tree…who knew??? 🙂 All linked up…thanks for hosting! Laurel@chippingwithcharm

    Reply
  15. Ange says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    Hey girls, I don’t have anything fun to link up but just wanted to say that I love stopping over, checking out the fun stuff and love all your fall decorating! Also, that houndstooth chair, gorgeous!!!!!

    Reply
  16. Jann Olson says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Hi,
    Wow, I have faux pumpkins spilling from a basket in my entry. Never thought I couuld be as cool as you gals. lol! Love the pumpking towers!! I have a three tiered basket I just love. It is so fun to decorate for every holiday! Thanks for hosting. I love the features. Can’t wait to check out that greenhouse!

    Reply
  17. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Your fall decor is inspiring…as are the awesome features! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  18. A Mother and A Daughter says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    Thank you Heather and Vanessa for featuring my Houndstooth and Starburst! I am a little jealous that Alabama gets to wear houndstooth instead of Arkansas. Why couldn’t Frank Broyles or Lou Holtz have been the houndstooth wearing coach that Bear Bryant was? Oh well, I still love to wear it and I still love to decorate with it! Roll Tide!

    Reply
  19. Judy says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    Wonderful features. So much inspiration at your party. I love both of your homes all decked out for Thanksgiving. Looks beautiful. Thanks for hosting each week.

    Reply
  20. NanaDiana says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    I love the way BOTH you girls do things…and each of you has your own style! Nice features here today, too! xo Diana

    Reply
  21. Debra @ Common Ground says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    I just LOVE every little bit of your Fall decor, just linked up, be sure and come by and enter my new GiveAway!! xoxo

    Reply
  22. Christina says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    Vanessa and Heather – I love your autumn decor SO MUCH – but most especially Vanessa’s lantern (I mean, it’s totally hideous Vanessa; but if you insist I will take it off your hands…), and Heather’s table decor (it may be simple for the season, but it’s stunning!)

    Thanks for another great party! This time I’m linking up a mini pumpkin wreath I made (link #64). I have actually finished two of them.. and yeah, I’m already ready to take ’em down and start the x-mas decorating! But darn it I toiled away on those babies so they are staying up! Hope you like them 🙂

    Take care,
    Christina
    http://www.designingbynumbers.com

    Reply
  23. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    I love what you’ve done in both of your homes! Gorgeous and warm! I feel for you with regard to Bama Boy complaining about things being unnecessary or “froofy”. Ugh. I don’t go in his garage and complain that it’s cold and uninviting…

    Great features. LOVE that monogrammed pillow. Thanks for hosting. 🙂

    Reply
  24. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    I love your features and blog! I don’t know how I entered this link twice! Please remove one! I’m so sorry! Thanks for providing the opportunity to link!

    Reply
  25. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Thanks for hosting, girls.

    Reply
  26. Sue says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    Such gorgeous fall vignettes!!! I have to admit that I have taken mine all down and am readying myself for the Christmas holidays!! Seeing yours made me regret it a little bit… But- on to other things now that the bug has bit! hugs, Sue

    Reply
  27. Tammy @BeatriceBanks says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    So much beautiful inspiration! Thank you for hosting this fun party!

    Reply
  28. Debbie says

    November 10, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    I don’t even know where to begin to start clicking. All of your features look wonderful.

    I also loved the fall decorating ideas from the Picket Fence Sisters. Those stacked pumpkins are a cute idea, and now I will definitely be looking through my baskets for a prospective tipper.

    Reply
  29. Honey at 2805 says

    November 10, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    Such great inspiration! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  30. Lorna says

    November 10, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Thanks for hosting such a great party. This is my first time linking and I have found so much inspiration.

    I especially love the touches of fall in your homes. The Chicken Wire Cloche is awesome as well as the Apothecary Jars. Great job!

    Reply
  31. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    November 10, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    Gorgeous decorating, ladies! : ) So many great ideas that I may steal from you for next year. I haven’t hosted Thanksgiving in years, but I almost wouldn’t mind doing it again. It is now my daughter’s venue, although I’ll be cooking and bringing along some family favorites!

    Reply
  32. Dawn @ Redbird Cottage Art says

    November 10, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    Love all the fall decorations and that greenhouse! Wow!

    Reply
  33. andrea says

    November 10, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    Hello! Thank you for hosting! My fav little pumpkin on your post is the petite white one under the muffin cloche- very chic! andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  34. Gail says

    November 10, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    Beautiful fall features from you both! Can’t wait to see your reveal Heather! Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  35. Anita says

    November 10, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    Vanessa, I frequently find toys inside everything! And Heather, I LOVE the Japanese maple leaves in the jars! Too pretty!!

    Reply
  36. Nancy @ Nancy's Daily Dish says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:07 AM

    I also welcome Fall colors. I could live with them everyday and do have quite a bit of colors in my home that seem to welcome Fall! Your dough bowl is so pretty and I laughed because I remember so many times I’d find kids toys in a plant or bowl of fruit, etc.

    Thank you for featuring my table to! I’m flattered to be with all of these other great features. I’m going to make some of the paper covered balls..so pretty!

    Nancy

    Reply
  37. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Oh my, unreal eye candy and inspiration. Thanks so much for hosting such a fun party. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  38. Lynn@ The Vintage Nest says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    I love linking to your fun party. Thanks so much for hosting. The blogs you featured are fabulous. Happy Friday. xo

    Reply
  39. Lynn Richards says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:16 AM

    Shoot. Your homes are stunning. But, I have to tell you, when I read Heather’s remark about being motivated to decorate because of Thanksgiving, I snorted water all over my keyboard. It struck me as so funny!!! Nothing quite like that motivator…I want to know where you are putting all the dust from all the renovation!!!
    thanks for hosting!
    xoxo
    lynn

    Reply
  40. Lynn at Cottage and Creek says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    So many pretty Fall decorations. I feel my house is sorely lacking! Love the warm colors and interesting vignettes. Thanks for hosting, girls.
    Lynn

    Reply
  41. Pamela says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:18 AM

    Awesome features ladies!! Thanx for hosting!

    Reply
  42. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    November 11, 2011 at 3:35 AM

    Gorgeous, that sums up both of your homes decor for fall and Thanksgiving! I’m happy to see it. Everyone seems to be jumping right into Christmas, (Vanessa! lol) but I LOVE Thanksgiving and don’t want to skip over it.

    Have a great weekend and thanks for hosting, girlies!!

    ~ Catie =)

    Reply
  43. Cherished Bliss says

    November 11, 2011 at 4:17 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! I haven’t linked up in a while. Glad to be back! : )

    Reply
  44. Kerry Rossow says

    November 11, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    I love your fall colors!
    Thank you so much for hosting!
    Have a great weekend!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  45. Simply Beautiful Now says

    November 11, 2011 at 4:28 AM

    Lots of lovely ideas and recipes…first time linking to your party…thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  46. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Hey girls!! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  47. Angie says

    November 10, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    What a lovely surprise – I came by to link up the Inspiration Friday, only to discover you’d featured my Dictionary Page Wallpaper Entryway!

    Thanks so much for the feature.

    Your Fall decor is so warm & cozy – I can practically smell the pumpkin pie!

    Thanks for all the lovely features you had today and for the link party! I find so much inspiration here!

    Blessings,
    Angie @ Knick of Time Interiors

    Reply
  48. Myric says

    November 11, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    Thanks! Makes me happy to know you like it! Always looking forward to Fridays fir this! I love that lantern! I have something similar given by my mom in law! And. The centrrpieces are sooo gorgeous!
    Thanks for hosting 🙂 looking forward to your coming project!!

    All the blessing
    Myric

    Reply
  49. Christie says

    November 10, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    That greenhouse is to die for!! WOW! I thought I would make it early to the party, but sixty some people beat me to it! Hope you girls are well and getting ready for the holiday season. I can’t believe it is upon us! I feel like I just took my tree down yesterday! Thanks for hosting! Christie

    Reply
  50. Ivy and Elephants says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    Awesome features, as always. Thanks for hosting yet another spectacular party.

    Paula

    Reply
  51. Shannon says

    November 11, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Sisters…I love ya! Thanks for your wonderful posts!

    Reply
  52. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    November 11, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies. I’ll be back to look at the features ;).

    Reply
  53. Val says

    November 11, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    You have completely inspired me….I’m in awe.

    Reply
  54. Mimi says

    November 11, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Love the colors you’ve used in your home. Also love the black and white ornaments. I pl;an to use red white and black Christmas decor in our boutique flower shop this year. I’ll definitely check out that tutorial.

    Reply
  55. Pink Little Cake says

    November 11, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    I am so glad to find you, wonderful ideas for the season.

    Reply
  56. Savvy Seasons says

    November 11, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    I love this post, fabulous features. Thanks so much for hosting. Happy Friday, too! xo ~Liz

    Reply
  57. Veronica says

    November 11, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Wow there is so much wonderful inspiration here… I wish I had time to visit each one and give it the due it deserves! Thanks for having us all!

    Veronica
    Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds

    Reply
  58. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    November 11, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    I Love all the Fall decor and especially the cute muffin cloche! Have a great weekend.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  59. Dayle says

    November 11, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Thanks for hosting such a great party, ladies. Always a joy to come by.

    Reply
  60. Stylebaggage says

    November 11, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    You always have the best “eye candy”…Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  61. Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says

    November 12, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    Love your DIY apothecary jars Heather and I’m so jealous over you inherited dough bowl! Someday I will have one of the big ones….someday 😉 Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  62. CAS says

    November 12, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Yep, you just keep on with the inspiring & fun-filled parties! Thank you both so much for hosting.
    CAS

    Reply
  63. Vanessa says

    November 12, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Hi, Vanessa and Heather

    I found your blog from Addicted 2 decorating. I just love looking around your blog. Thank you for hosting a link party. I am a new follower.

    Vanessa

    Reply
  64. Good Time Charlie says

    November 13, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Great picks! Definitely linking up next week. Those Glitter Balls are my favorite!

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “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! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November 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!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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