• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

January 6, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 46!



We’re back folks! Did you miss us?
Did ya? Did ya?
Well, we missed you! But, we sure did have a fantastic time finally getting to see each other when we all got together at our parent’s home in Arizona. Our mom and dad are the best and we are so grateful for all they did to make our time with them so meaningful and fun. You can check out some of our adventures in the previous couple of posts!
We are so excited about the year ahead and had lots of time while lounging poolside 
to dream and plan about what we hope to share with you in the coming year.

Of course there will be the usual home decor and DIY projects, but we also want this to be a year filled with developing an even stronger sense of community and connection among all of us here in Blogland. So be sure to stay tuned for all we have in store for you!
Now, let’s take a look at some fabulous features from 2 weeks ago!
Sherry of Pondered Primed Perfected gave her chairs a fresh face-lift by adding these beautiful slipcovers. Aren’t those ties just the perfect finishing touch?

Shelley from Calypso in the Country cleverly hid the clutter behind the glass doors in her entertainment center by tacking on burlap fabric. 
We love this quick, simple and inexpensive update!
Christmas may be over, but we think these Paper Doily Trees from Small Home Love could be used in your home decor all winter long!

doile christmas trees
Cottage Living~From Beach to Burbs shared her absolutely beautiful kitchen makeover.
We are only slightly jealous of her brick fireplace!

We may still be coming down off of the Holiday Sugar high, but we can’t just go cold turkey!

Barb of Keeping Up With the Times shared this recipe for Little Sticky Toffee Puddings and we think it sounds like a warm and delightful way to start the New Year.

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!



53 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « It’s not a DIY Project but it’s sure fun…four wheeling in the desert
Next Post: Proving Pinterest… a new video series At The Picket Fence »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lynn at Cottage and Creek says

    January 5, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    So glad to hear you girls had a wonderful Christmas – and relaxing by the pool? Doesn’t get much better than that! Looking forward to all you have in store for 2012. I’m feeling a movement – everyone seems ready for community, creativity, and challenges that make us better women. Thanks for hosting and Happy New Year!
    Lynn

    Reply
  2. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    January 5, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    Glad you had such a great time together, ladies! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  3. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    January 5, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Sounds like fun! Great features! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  4. Calypso In The Country says

    January 5, 2012 at 9:13 PM

    So nice to hear you had a nice holiday! What a surprise to see my burlap doors featured! Thank you so much! And thank you for hosting today! Cheers to the New Year!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  5. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    January 5, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Welcome back and thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  6. FABBY'S LIVING says

    January 5, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    I’m so glad you girls had such a great time! Thanks for hosting and thank you for last year’s fun linking to Inspirations Friday at The Picket Fence and for having me.
    Happy and blessed New Year 2012.
    HAPPY KINGS DAY!
    FABBY

    Reply
  7. Eclectically Vintage says

    January 5, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    Looks like you gals had a blast!
    Welcome back
    Kelly

    Reply
  8. Sherry says

    January 5, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    Oh, this looks like my kind of planning session! Glad you had a nice vacation! Thanks for hosting.
    Sherry

    Reply
  9. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    Happy New Year Heather and Vanessa! Thank you for hosting, and have a great weekend,
    xo, Andrea

    Reply
  10. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    So glad you girls had a great visit. LOVE that pic of the two of you! Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend, Martina

    Reply
  11. A Mother and A Daughter says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:26 PM

    I love that picture of you ladies lounging with your drinks, reading your Traditional Homes magazines! That is so cute! ~ Barbara

    Reply
  12. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    Welcome back. Thanks for hosting. Happy New Year.

    Reply
  13. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:52 PM

    Glad you girls had such a great trip. Loved the pic of you two by the pool looking at magazines!:)Thanks for the party!

    Reply
  14. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    Thanks, as always, for hosting. Glad you enjoyed your vacay!

    Reply
  15. debbie refresh restyle says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    Y’all are so cute! Glad you’re back, glad you got to spend time with each other and the family! I linked my mantel and Shabby Apple giveaway, hope that’s ok.
    Debbie

    Reply
  16. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 5, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting ladies!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  17. Barb says

    January 5, 2012 at 11:12 PM

    So awesome! thank you for featuring my Little Sticky Toffee Puddings!

    Reply
  18. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    January 5, 2012 at 11:24 PM

    Happy New Year, Ladies!! Glad you had such a great holiday!! Thanks for hosting and sharing these great features! Glad to link up!

    Reply
  19. Jacky says

    January 5, 2012 at 11:31 PM

    Thanks for featuring my trees and for hosting! I am actually going to leave them up all year 🙂

    Reply
  20. Kristi says

    January 6, 2012 at 12:50 AM

    Looks like a super fun time!! I linked back to you in my countertop post…Heather’s island transformation is on my to-do list!! LOVE it. Happy New Years, ladies!!

    {HUGS},
    kristi

    Reply
  21. Trish says

    January 6, 2012 at 12:54 AM

    Thanks for hosting and Happy New Year!

    Reply
  22. Richella says

    January 6, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather! Looks like y’all had a wonderful time at your folks’ house. How wonderful for all of you to be able to get together! I’m sure your parents are so grateful they had daughters. I sometimes wonder if there will ever be Christmases when all my children and (Lord willing) daughters-in-law and grandchildren will be together at my house–seems that families seem to gravitate to the wives’ parents’ homes! I’ll just have to be the world’s best mother-in-law and try to make our house extremely welcoming.

    I’m linking up a little wreath I made from leftover Christmas stuff. I’m always a little sad to take down our Christmas decorations. I LOVE putting them up, by taking them down. . . not so much.

    Thanks for hosting! Hope y’all have very smooth re-entries to regular life!

    Reply
  23. Mary Ellen says

    January 6, 2012 at 1:12 AM

    Oh Those little paper trees are so adorable!

    Thank you for the party!

    Reply
  24. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    January 6, 2012 at 1:15 AM

    Glad your family had such a good time together. Times to remember. Thanks for hosting…I’m really late but I made it. Have a super weekend!

    Reply
  25. Shelia says

    January 6, 2012 at 1:36 AM

    Happy New Year, ladies! What a great way to start off the year with your fun party! I’m looking forward to another year of blogging with you!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  26. andrea says

    January 6, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    Thank you for your weekly dose of inspiration and have a great weekend! andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  27. Ivy and Elephants says

    January 6, 2012 at 1:59 AM

    Happy New Year girls! Sounds like you had a blast. Thanks for hosting!

    Paula

    Reply
  28. Debbie says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    Welcome home! I smiled every time I thought about the two of you spending time together. Did the rest of the family put the kabosh on any use of the word “BLOG” while you were there?

    Probably not. They’re probably a great bunch of cheerleaders.

    Or maybe they have earplugs.

    Loved your sampling this week. I am pinning that doily tree. That’s cute! I am saving for next year.

    Reply
  29. Miriam says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:19 AM

    Hahaha. I love the Traditional Home Mag shot. It looks like me and my sis 🙂 Thanks for hosting again, and Happy New Year!

    Reply
  30. Kerry Rossow says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:22 AM

    Welcome back! It looks like y’all had a great holiday!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Happy New Year!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  31. Honey at 2805 says

    January 6, 2012 at 4:28 AM

    Welcome back girls! Hoping you had a wonderful vacation! Thanks for hosting this lovely party!

    Reply
  32. Tina´s PicStory says

    January 5, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    very inspiring pics! 🙂

    Reply
  33. Sherry says

    January 6, 2012 at 5:51 AM

    Thank You, Heather and Vanessa, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing my slipcovered dining chairs! It means so much to have wonderful, inspiring bloggers such as yourselves take notice of something that I have done! You ladies give me the kick start I need to keep at it and make it work! Your holiday looks like it was fantastic…so glad for you. Wish I could give you two a hug.

    Reply
  34. Nann from At Nann's Table says

    January 6, 2012 at 8:41 AM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather…This is my first time here. And I am SO excited about participating in your linky party. I put in 3 or 4 only because I have been doing The Twelve Days of Christmas Series. And I’ve been told by many how inspired they got from seeing them. I will only put one or two or whatever the limit is next time.

    I am a brand new blogger of only seven weeks and it has been so fun finding and meeting great bloggers like yourselves. Thankyou for hosting these linky parties where people can get to know each other. I look forward to many more.

    Nann

    Reply
  35. Stuff and Nonsense says

    January 6, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    you are two peas in a pod
    just settin’ there in your jackie-o shades
    sippin’
    readin’
    and
    gossipin’

    love the features
    and glad you’re back

    all linked up!

    alison

    Reply
  36. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    January 6, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    Again, thank you for hosting this party. I love participating and viewing all the posts of so many talented people. Much success in 2012! Looking forward to all of your great inspirations!

    Reply
  37. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    January 6, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    Thank you for hosting this link party! It’s always fun to see so many talented people! I accidentally put my link on twice! Please delete one! I’m so sorry!

    Reply
  38. Mary says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    Love the picture of you two reading Traditional Home – very cute!

    Thanks for hosting!

    Cheers to 2012!

    Mary (sweetlittlebluebird.com)

    Reply
  39. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    Welcome back!

    Reply
  40. Deidre~ says

    January 6, 2012 at 6:23 PM

    “Welcome Back and Happy new Year”!! Just wanted to stop by and say Thank you for hosting:)Deidre~ https://simplysimplisticated4.blogspot.com

    Reply
  41. New Every Morning says

    January 6, 2012 at 6:23 PM

    Just found your blog and joined the PARTY!
    Happy New Year!!!

    Reply
  42. stefanie says

    January 6, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    oooohhhhh, so much inspiration…thanks!

    Reply
  43. janet says

    January 6, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    Welcome home Gals!

    happy to be sharing my rejection notice with your readers this week.

    janet xox
    https://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  44. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    January 6, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    LOVE the first picture…so cute and true I am sure! lol

    Thank you for your comment about blogging nicely. You are so sweet!!! I just needed to say a few things, you know?! Have a great weekend Vanessa!! Kristine

    Reply
  45. Maria Elena says

    January 6, 2012 at 11:55 PM

    Happy New Year! It is so good to hear you guys had such a great time!
    Welcome back!

    Reply
  46. NanaDiana says

    January 7, 2012 at 12:04 AM

    How wonderful that you girls had such a great time together. I love your featurs, as always, U think those little doiley trees are just darling. xo Diana

    Reply
  47. Cinnamon Rose Cottage says

    January 7, 2012 at 4:54 AM

    Thank you for hosting and Happy New Year to you both!
    hugs,
    Beverly

    Reply
  48. Crafty Mischief says

    January 8, 2012 at 3:10 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting! I hope you’re having a fabulous New Year! 🙂

    Reply
  49. Jen @ Creating with the J's says

    January 8, 2012 at 4:39 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Have a Great week!!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. I Use What as a TP Holder? says:
    January 2, 2013 at 7:34 PM

    […] Up Wednesday Hookin Up With House of Hepworths The Shabby Creek Cottage – Transformation Thursday At the Picket Fence – Inspiration Friday The Shabby Nest – Frugal Fridays 2805 – Potpourri Friday My Romantic Home – Show […]

    Reply
  2. Apricot-Peach Schnapps Pound Cake/Guest help needed! - nellie bellie says:
    March 23, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    […] Crafty Blog Stalker–Delightful Order–Christina’s Adventures- -Stuff and Nonsense–2805–At the Picket Fence–Simple Home Life–504 Main- -Fingerprints on the Fridge–Freckled Laundry–The Shabby […]

    Reply
  3. Pink, Brown, and Peace signs -Desk and Chair Painted just for Gracie…Merry Christmas - Petticoat Junktion says:
    January 3, 2014 at 9:44 PM

    […] A Little Knick Knack EBTKS Meg an Mums Saturday Splendor DIY Home Sweet Home More the Merrier At The Picket Fence Inspiration Friday The Brambleberry Cottage Time Travel Thursday Type A Decorating and Anything Goes A Creative […]

    Reply
  4. Mantel #1 of 2012 - Refresh Restyle says:
    February 12, 2014 at 6:08 PM

    […] At The Picket Fence […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic

    Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic
  • A New Podcast

    A New Podcast
  • Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive

    Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive
  • Kids Need Real Answers

    Kids Need Real Answers

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Making the Case for Heirlooms

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic March 21, 2026
  • A New Podcast March 21, 2026
  • An Autumn Home Tour October 9, 2025
  • How to Adapt Your Traditions as Your Kids Get Older December 13, 2024
  • Christmas Home Tour 2024 December 13, 2024

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

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
Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 At The Picket Fence