Let’s face it, we can all get into a rut when it comes to what we eat. Even group fellowships can fall into a routine that isn’t nearly as fun as it should be!
Last week our small group broke out of the traditional meals (Mexican, Italian, Pizza, etc) and had a Charcuterie Board meal! Everyone was instructed to go check out some ideas on Pinterest and bring a board that would be suitable for supper. Here’s a pic of all the boards spread on my kitchen counter…
We had a Salad Board, Cheese and Meats, Fruits and Veggies and other fun additions. No one left hungry!
I decided to do a Baked Potato Board with all the fixings, as well as a Fruit and Chocolate Board.
For a the shortest month of the year, February was certainly full AND fun! I thought I’d share the highlights with you today as we wrap up this last full week.
Paint – We had all of the downstairs of our house painted (except my husband’s office). After 9 1/2 years of living here, it really needed to be freshened up! I chose to cover the original khaki color with WHITE! It’s called, Blue Kiss. It has slight cast of blue in the white, rather than gray, brown or yellow. I love it! It really brightens the rooms up. I chose a semi-gloss and love how it reflects the light. I know it’s going to be easier to clean as well.
We are traditionalists on most holidays. The same foods are usually served each year on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But you know what? Sometimes it’s really fun to break out of that “mold” and do something completely different! That’s what happened this year.
My daughter hosted us for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and she and her sister did all the food. Not only did I not contribute to the meal, I wasn’t allowed to lift a finger. That was a gift in itself. They are the sweetest.
Here are the meals they planned and prepared.
Christmas Eve night, they had all appetizers. (BTW, This would make a great menu for New Year’s Eve, too!)
We had a mid-morning brunch on Christmas morning. The egg casserole Whitney made was a.maz.ing! It had all the brunchy feels to it and balanced out the sweetness of the Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls that Alli and her husband made! What a way to start the day!
Learn from a 5-year old how to eat a cookie. Fill your plate with your favorites. Look carefully at the cookie to decide which corner to attack first. Then go in and nibble away until completely devoured!
After church yesterday we were blessed to host everyone for Sunday dinner. It was very impromptu, but I made a simple meal everyone loves – Soup beans and cornbread. I used the simple recipe I’ve shared here. This is such a great meal for ease and for comfort. I served it with roasted potatoes, cornbread, and cooked apples. Even our little guys love this meal.
All these meals were great, yes, but the best part was sitting around the table as a family, thanking the Lord, chatting, laughing, listening, watching, loving, caring and serving. That’s what mealtime is all about.
Plan something simple this week and invite others to join around your table. Eat slowly. Make conversation. Serve them. Love them. There’s nothing that tastes any better!
What kind of foods did your family share over Chrismtas?
Since I am hosting Thanksgiving this year, I have made a timeline for myself that began a few weeks ago. It’s been so helpful to get projects done and pre-baking in the freezer.
Someone asked if I would share my agenda for Thanksgiving day preparation, and I am happy to post my schedule. Keep in mind, however, that I am having help from my girls with a charcuterie board, sides and dessert, so those items will not be part of my plans.
I will also add the specific times for my Thursday agenda. That way I will know that the turkey has 45 minutes to one hour to rest before carving (it will be covered with foil and dish towels to keep warm). While the turkey is resting, the gravy will be finished up and the biscuits will be baked. Any other items that need to be warmed will also be put in the oven.
Lord willing and the biscuits rise, dinner will be served at 1 o’clock!
Are you following a minute by minute schedule that will keep you on time? What else do you add to your prep?
Happy Thanksgiving, friends! I will post again next week!
We love being outside when we’re home. For that reason, I wanted to add some nice fall decor to enjoy out there. I’m not finished yet, but here is where we are so far.
I can’t wait to build a fire and have friends/family sitting with us around it!
This swing is my favorite piece of outdoor furniture! Who doesn’t love to swing? But it also lays down flat, creating the perfect place for a nap!
Blankets are ready for cool nights.
Here’s a peek at the front with my GIANT mum that has come back for several years now.
I look forward to entertaining outdoors this fall. Fires in the fire pit on cool evenings are just so cozy and inviting. I’m praying about planning an event so we can invite our neighbors over.
A simple menu of
Hot dogs
Donuts
Cider
Marshmallows to roast
would be so easy to pull together! What could you do simply that would pull people into your backyard or home? Popcorn? Pizza? Donuts from Dunkin or these easy homemade ones? Pray about it, then put it on your calendar! Use it to encourage others, pray for the hurting and be a blessing to your own family.
RefreshHer 