Time Honored Tips for Bringing Joy to the Family Table #JoytotheTable #CrackerBarrel #sponsored
Hi friends, I am so glad you are here! I have
partnered with Cracker Barrel to show you how our family brings #JoytotheTable. Cracker Barrel has provided our beautiful stoneware dishes for this post, and I
have provided the ideas, photographs, and memories. Please read on to see how I invite joy to our table, and see my lovely new stoneware dishes for yourself. They are gorgeous!
When I think
back on the holidays I spent growing up in Southern Virginia, my
fondest memories are of the time spent with my family, often around the table.
I remember my mom cooking her delicious signature dishes in our kitchen, steam
on the windows, yeast rolls rising, and a turkey, ham, or collection of pies in
the oven. Aunts and uncles and cousins would arrive for holiday meals, and we would gather
together in that kitchen to say grace and give thanks for being together for another year. Now
that I am a mom, I want to bring that same sense of family, tradition, belonging,
celebration, gratitude, and joy to my own family’s table. As I host our family's Christmas morning breakfast, I have to ask myself, "What would my mama do?" Here are a few bits of time honored tips that I borrowed straight from my mama and hers, sprinkled with a few modern tips of my own for bringing #JoytotheTable!
1. Intentionally
cultivate joy. Determine how you might find joy this season and how you can
help cultivate joy in the lives of others. Consistently remind yourself of your purpose,
and act accordingly throughout the season.
If you favor a quiet holiday, keep your meal planning simple. If you
prefer a grand affair, by all means, go all out! Being intentional with your
planning and staying true to your entertaining style will make for a less stressful, more joyful meal.
2. A little
planning goes a long way. Prepare well in advance for a special meal. Plan the menu ahead of time. Make a grocery list and shop in advance. Set a menu and decorating budget. Take inventory of kitchen supplies and shop early for needed supplies. A variety of plateware, centerpieces, candles, holiday decor in many styles and colors are all available online for easy, hassel free shopping at http://shop.crackerbarrel.com/home-furniture/kitchen-dining/dinnerware-serveware. Finally, allow yourself more
time than you think you will need.
3. Accept offers
for assistance. Allow guests to bring beverages or a signature dish. Allow children to help set the table or serve
appetizers. Many hands make light work,
and guests often appreciate contributing to the festivities. With less on your plate, you can enjoy more
time with your guests as a gracious and welcoming host.
4. Bring the outdoors
in. When decorating my home, I love to
use fresh greenery and berries. Boxwood clippings, magnolia leaves, and
fir sprigs can all be used in decorating wreaths and place settings, while
fresh fruit and berries make for colorful and often fragrant ornamental decor.
5. Set a beautiful,
welcoming, and festive table. This lovely stoneware set by Cracker Barrel is both beautiful and festive enough for
the holidays with its creams, black, and red floral trim, yet versatile and
sturdy enough to be used all year long. The roosters and miniature individual salt and
pepper shakers paired with the creams and red floral designs give an elegant
farmhouse feel. I love the elegance, versatility,
and loveliness of these dishes, which are the perfect addition to our family
table.
Go to http://shop.crackerbarrel.com/home-furniture/kitchen-dining/dinnerware-serveware
to see these as well as the other beautiful holiday designs. I’m curious to
know which are your favorites!
6. Set an extra
place at the table. The more the merrier, and always be welcome always be ready
to welcome others into your home. Practice hospitality and your neighborhood.
Seek out others who might who might not have someone to share the holidays. Invite
over young couple, an out of town college student who can’t go home for the
holidays, or simply someone who could use a friend and is willing to bring an extra
helping of joy to the table!
7. Love the
ones you’re with. Make sure everyone is gathered together before beginning to
eat. Turn off the electronics while at
the table. Gift each other with undivided attention. Love those around you by
offering your focus, time, and conversation.
8. Savor the season. Remember loved ones who cannot meet at the table, and give thanks for
those who can. Express your gratitude for another meal, memories in the making,
the reasons for gathering together, and for all those who bring joy to the table.
Thank you Cracker Barrel, for allowing me to showcase my beautiful new dishes and share our family’s table with my readers.
ps I am IN LOVE with these distressed farmhouse white trivets! Wouldn't you love to use these on your table? The dishes and table decor are all exclusive to Cracker Barrel. A variety of plateware, centerpieces, candles, holiday decor in many styles and colors are all available on their website at http://shop.crackerbarrel.com/home-furniture/kitchen-dining/dinnerware-serveware. I can't wait to see what you choose to bring joy to your own table!
Until then, I wish you a world of joy!
May blessings abound as you gather around your holiday table!
xoxo, Erin
Southern Virginia Mom
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