Life Archives - Feet Under My Table

2026 St. Jude Dream Home

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:20:50 +0000

I’m not sure if your area hosts the building and giveaway of a St. Jude Dream Home, but it’s a beautiful fundraiser that raises money for St. Jude and I’m all in for that. Do you have a local St. Jude’s Dream Home Giveaway? Last year was the first I had missed touring in many years. A new hip made navigating the entry and staircases a bit daunting. The 2026 St. Jude Dream Home this year is located in Eagle Landing, 719 Eagle Rest Drive, Grand Rivers, KY 42045. It’s very close to Kentucky Lake and Patti’s 1800’s Restaurant which is a huge draw for visitors. It makes it sweeter that for the past eight years one of my former student’s construction company has been the builder. He knocks it out of the park…each and every year. Here are a couple of the past homes for you to view. The first is one that’s next door to this year’s St. Jude’s Dream Home. And here’s another that was beautiful. This year’s Dream Home has a beautiful stone and wood exterior that fits the lakeside area where it’s located. As you enter, the interior seems to draw you in to the outdoor colors and theme seamlessly. The foyer enters into a large great room with a fireplace flanked with bookcases. Two things caught my eye–the clock above the fireplace and the lights above the bookcases. The neutral color scheme didn’t fight with the beautiful outdoor views either. Plenty of seating with an open view of the kitchen. Beautiful accessories in the living area just complimented the room with a nod to the lakeside area. And here’s the kitchen…you know one of my favorite rooms, right? Isn’t it lovely? With seating at the island for conversations while prepping for meals or entertaining… Loving the stove with the pot filler and that stone hood above…oh, my! The windows on each side of the stove gives a European feel and positions great lighting for using those countertops to prepare meals. I’m in love with the microwave drawer that is right below that counter. Simply a drawer that opens and closes with a drop down control center that doesn’t scream it’s a microwave. Yes, please. It was interesting that this kitchen had white cabinets around the stove area and the side wall– and the island had a beautiful white large sink set into beautiful wooden cabinetry. The hardware tied them all together. From the Kitchen, a hallway leads to other features. First, a hallway with a half bath…dark colors seem to just tuck it away to feel more private. The Primary Suite Again, the neutral colors seemed to give the primary suite a soothing and restful feel. Even the positioning of a small sofa along the wall invited you to sit there. The slight shade difference in the molding added to the soothing feeling. The soft hardwoods continued through this room with a neutral rug to ground that inviting bed flanked by side tables. This home gives the feel of a vacation home, so the walk in closets were large but not overly expansive. Then there was the primary bath. Luxurious. A huge walk in shower held two separate shower systems. The bottom of the glass shower walls added privacy with tiled walls below the glass that let light in. Seating is also a bonus in that walk in shower. Even still, a beautiful tub for bathing and double vanity provide an open feel that does not make it feel overly crowded. The separate room for the commode was a great choice. The pocket door was perfect to prevent a door swing in or out. The kitchen led to two additional areas… First, a great pantry that offered both drawers and shelves. Great for storage with a pocket door to add privacy when desired. The next doorway led to the laundry room that opens to the garage. Large, expansive and beautiful. Complete with a sink and lots of storage cabinets, yet beautifully painted and appointed. The last doorway from the kitchen led to the dining room. Beautiful. More nods to the lakeside location. The hardwood floors topped with the rug anchoring the table was perfect. The ceiling and lighting just gave a quiet nod to elegance. Even the beautiful table setting invited you to be seated for dinner in yet a bit of casual elegance. The large expanse of windows from the dining room drew you out onto a large deck that was the full width of the home. A comfortable gathering area on one end with a dining area on the other takes your entertaining outdoors when weather allows. Now, there was so much conversation about this rug that I had to share what a great buy some at Walmart are for you. I may need one for my deck, too. Both the ceiling and composite decking left you with an extra special touch than most decks offer. This year’s St. Jude’s Dream Home has a new feature. Can you guess what it is? A walk out basement. Complete with an outdoor covered patio. The same beautiful doors that lead out to another full width concrete patio under the upstairs deck. Stunning. As you walk down the stairs, you are greeted with the same beautiful wood flooring and a round game table. Perfect for family or entertaining guests. The rolling, swivel chairs add a bit of fun and whimsey to the seating. In the open expanse of the basement is a large sectional couch and more chairs to host an abundance of family or guests. All furniture is grounded with a beautiful neutral rug and round wooden side and coffee tables. Elegance with a comfortable and casual feel. The wall of windows gives light and open feel to the room so that you forget it’s a basement area. Additional can lights and lamps provide more lighting during evenings. One wall has pictures rather than a television letting you not forget to interact and play games…even if it’s on that coffee table. Did you wonder where the other bedrooms were? In the basement, of course. Down a hallway from the entertaining room in the basement, you’ll find two bedrooms and a full bathroom. Beautiful walk in closets give more storage area. Since these bedrooms are on ground level…they have windows that once again make you forget you are in a basement area. One room gives a feminine feel with pinks and bows… The second bedroom has the lake life and more masculine nod. Again, light and airy with lots of storage space. Again the downstairs rooms have a darker shade of trim to cornice and door and window frames. Beautiful. My only change would be to continue that beautiful hardwood flooring into these bedrooms with great area rugs to soften the rooms and ground the beds. Do you feel that way, too? The downstairs full bath in the hall between both bedrooms is a great match for the downstairs. What great tile choices for the floors and tub areas. A nod to Midtown modern cabinetry in the bathroom and game room seem to keep the feel timeless. So, how can you be a part of this St. Jude’s Dream Home Giveaway? If you are in the area, you still have time to visit. The tours are free! Only two more days to tour before the giveaway…and if you’d like to buy a ticket to win this great home, you can find information here: Builder: James Mitchell of MC Homes (his eighth Dream Home project) Design: A rustic-inspired craftsman lake cottage featuring a blend of wood shingles, horizontal siding, and stone veneer near Kentucky Lake. Open House Tours: Open August 15 through September 6, 2026 (Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Ticket Info: Tickets cost $100 to support the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You can view official updates and details via WPSD Local 6 or the St. Jude Paducah Dream Home Page. Drawing will be held on WPSD Local 6 on September 10. I’m always a fan of supporting St. Jude’s in any way that I can. It’s one of my favorite charities for so many reasons…one of which is my nephew’s amazing care there. Consider adding them to your list of those who need our support, won’t you? Thanks for joining me for the tour, friends!

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Favorite July 4th Recipes

Leslie J Watkins — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 17:48:31 +0000

It’s hard to believe that the fourth of July is this weekend! I’m not sure how much outdoors we will do with the extreme heat now and forecast, but I’ll be prepared with our favorite July 4th recipes. For sure! July 4th Favorite Recipes First, salads. Potato Salad I don’t know about you, but potato salad has to be on the table for the July 4th gatherings. With the heat, I’ll be sure to add the bowl to a container over ice just to keep it cold since it is a mayonnaise based recipe. Mayo doesn’t like heat so be careful with any of your recipes with that ingredient and make sure they stay cold. Marinated Salad Aunt Helen’s marinated salad is a GREAT recipe for celebrating the 4th because of it’s vinegar base that handles heat beautifully. It made it’s appearance at our family reunion last weekend and was loved by all. Corn Salad Oh, my goodness! This is a favorite. You can always have corn on the cob…but this takes fresh veggies over the top with this July 4th favorite recipe! Caprese Salad Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella slices, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar…so quick and easy…and delicious! Burgers Burgers off the grill shouldn’t disappoint. Save by using ground turkey instead of beef. Here’s our favorite recipe, page 20 in the Vue magazine. Grilled Ahi Tuna Steak Sandwiches Simply the BEST. Here’s the recipe. Fourth of July Watermelon So easy and festive! Just cut the watermelon with star cookie cutters! Red, White and Blueberry Pie If you follow me on the Vue magazine, this is pie is a favorite Pampered Chef recipe, page 61 of this issue. Campfire S’mores Pizza The s’more flavor with a twist! Click here for the recipe. ICE CREAM! And last, but not least! Ice Cream! page 32 in that Vue issue… Make it any flavor that you want! You can pull out the old hand cranked or electric freezer…but, this is SOOOO much easier. If you’d like more July 4th ideas for entertaining, please join me here! By the way, I picked up this great little book at Kirkland’s yesterday for half off…250 facts about America. Lots of facts to share this weekend. Grab one if you have a Kirkland’s close to you. Or click below to order online… Happy 250th Fourth of July, friends! And whatever you choose to add to your menu, may all enjoy every bite and moment with feet under your table…wherever that may be! I’d love to know your menu in the comments. Thank you for joining me here,

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Southern Graces- Last Respects

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:56:02 +0000

Southern traditions include last respects for those who have passed and care for the family and friends left behind. How can you do that?

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A Time to Rest and Reset

Leslie J Watkins — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:09:34 +0000

We are in the second month of a new year and time for a bit of reflection, rest and reset here. A few months ago was an unraveling of sorts. An after surgery release from my surgeon and finishing physical therapy should have restored everything back to normal, right? Well, not exactly. Although I am doing great, there was an overwhelming expectation that “normal”, whatever that was, should have been on my doorstep. When the unlocking of the door happened with no restrictions…that’s when I knew I needed a bit of rest and reset. Finding a place to do that was the next thing on my agenda. Even my husband said I needed to rest with no distractions. Perhaps among your plans are changes in the new year or resolutions of sorts. And, now into February, you may be reanalyzing those resolutions, right? Adding a time to rest and reset may be among your list. Just to rest and reset. No deadlines. No “look what needs to be tackled” here. Simply a “let’s pause and let things go for a few days” was what was ordered. Truthfully, most of the unmet expectations were simply created by me. Isn’t that how often happens for us all…when the expectations before us are created by us? Creative projects that had been planned; deadlines for writing; events to attend; closets to clean; zinnia seeds to harvest; garden beds to clean; plants to repot; seasonal decor changeout; season prep; and recipes to make to name a few. What I felt I should or could be doing were just beyond reach. The overwhelming sense that every decision was paramount needed to be calmed. The overactive brain with unrealistic “to do” lists needed to be halted. In my heart I knew that I needed “down” time. Which seemed quite ridiculous since most of the past months had been recuperating time. But, really? To get away in a cabin in a wooded state park–by myself–was welcome. No frills. Simple and clean. The TV never turned on. The craziness of life put away for a while. A face full of lists and decisions removed. Putting away the phone. Sleeping, journaling, praying and resetting the goal. And that happened. Only out of the cabin to take in a bit of fresh air, sunshine and meals happened. Hours of writing in my journal, quiet time, prayer, music and rest were the agenda for 3 days. And the result? More ease when I returned home. A continued need for stillness and quiet time. You see? We all have times when for everyone’s well being we need to take the time to pause. Rest. Reset. Trust me. It doesn’t have to be fancy. You don’t need entertainment to refill. Even if it’s a chair on the back lawn or a walk in the woods or a stroll through a park. Just a quiet stillness to calm your heart. Even a simple break from meal prep was enjoyed. But, goodness, if you plan to rest at this park, be prepared for portion control. This was the first night’s dinner. This is the way you order the fried chicken…no substitutions…out of the oven to the table like this. UNLESS you are in a group and then it’s all served in bowls and platters, family style. Oh, my! Giant City Lodge’s food was amazing…but, smaller meals and less of them were sufficient after the introduction to caution. Back at the cabin? No computer. No social media. Not even a microwave or fridge to make you want to reheat leftovers allowed. You see… Never fear…everything will be there when you return. So, if I am speaking to someone today? Is it time for you to step away…take down time to rest and reset? Especially with a new year in fast pursuit? I realize that for many with heavy workloads, full houses filled with kids, homework, athletics and events that this may seem an unattainable goal. But, I challenge you to make choices that will be better for you AND those you love and provide care in your home. Look for ways and times to calm the noise in your head that prevents rest. And, may I add…alone time? Not a girl trip where the noise adds more to the processing of life. At least, that’s what works best for me. Extend yourself grace. Some thoughts from stepping away… Do you need a rest and reset? Think about how a rest and reset happens for you. What fills your tank? Renews your heart? Makes you the best version of yourself to give to others. Everyone needs the best you. Then please take time to do that. Everyone will benefit from it. A great way to reset and restart. After all spring is just a few weeks away. Before the season change adds activities to accelerate your life…pause, reflect…recharge. Cheering for you on the sidelines. Thank you for joining me here,

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Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville 2026

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:03:54 +0000

Oh, my goodness, friends! We just returned from this year’s Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville…and it did NOT disappoint. This year’s theme was American Elegance…a blue and white theme for the show that was stunning. This show is one the the most respected shows of it’s kind…drawing celebrities and local gardeners who simply love the beauty and the inspiration found there. The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville began in 1990 with a mission to give back to the Nashville community. In the past 36 years, over $12 million has been raised with this event to it’s two original charities–Cheekwood Estate and Gardens and ECON charities. Such a great reason to attend! Each year it is a joy to go and then share with all of you the beauty, inspiration, gardening, and finds there. The theme and focus changes each year. But, many of the vendors who have become friends through the years are there to welcome you with open arms, great stories and new to you merchandise. There are welcoming parties, world known guest lecturers, and more events that you can enjoy if time and your budget allows over the 4 day event. For me? A few hours fills me up and allows me to take home both inspiration and purchases for my home and garden. Join me for a recap of the 2026 Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville… The entrance is always welcoming and this year’s did not disappoint. The American Elegance blue and white theme for the show began at the entrance. Stunning. Upon entering the event hall, there is always a huge garden landscape that is stunning. This year’s was a boxwood garden filled with white flowers, flanked on either end with a gate house with a central focus of a fountain. Beautiful. There are always carpeted walkways throughout the event with skirted tables topped with fresh flower vases in the middle. Park benches are randomly spaced for sitting and pondering and perusing the gardens. So very lovely. This year’s seating was a little more elegant in some areas of the show. More Featured Gardens… As you move into the show, there are always other gardens that are featured. This year boasted a rectangular garden that had this beautiful sculpture in the center. A mixture of rustic and refined were in this garden. Fencing with natural wood bark added the rustic to the refined blue boxes and lattice that surrounded the garden space. On one side of the sculpture was a sitting area with table and chairs…perfect for a meal. On the other were two lounge chairs perfect for a nap in the garden. A Hartley greenhouse is always my favorite feature of this garden show… A Hartley greenhouse is usually featured each year at the Antiques & Garden show. The difference this year? It was tucked behind a garden feature to make it feel more a part of the garden rather than the main feature. If you look closely, you can see the entrance of the Hartley peeking through the garden surrounding it. Even the cedar shakes on the other side of the outside helped to settle the greenhouse into a more rustic and natural setting. Inside the greenhouse was a beautiful table setting. Wouldn’t you love to have guests with feet under that table? I am even in love with the stone pavers and gravel flooring. And then of course, the gardening area of the greenhouse holds the best area for potting plants. Wouldn’t you love to pot new plants here? Here’s the fountain in the garden area surrounding the Hartley. Spectacular Vendors The arrangement for the show always has the gardens as a central focus in the center with vendors meandering around them in the middle and all along the edges of the show. The vendors’ design often continues the inspiration and imagination. This antique camper is even used as decoration among the vendors. Isn’t it amazing? Stunning showpieces displayed by the vendors were exquisite. Some huge…and others smaller…but all beautiful. And then the stories shared by vendors and antique dealers are always the best… I loved the story of this statue of St. Francis shared by the Antiques dealer who owned him. As a part of a Canadian fishing camp for generations, it was thought that patting the statue’s head would bring good luck to those who fished there. After the camp was sold, it burned, but this statue of St. Francis of Assisi survived. Since the owner was a neighbor of the antiques dealer…she offered the statue to him when she moved. As the antiques dealer shared the story, perhaps his reluctance to part with it was evidenced in his $4,500 price tag…I think sharing his story was more important than selling him. I think I would want to keep him, too. I’m always in awe of the stories shared and the beauty offered by this show. Simply too good to miss if you are close enough to drive in or plan ahead to come from afar for this event. My visit to favorite vendors did not disappoint. Back home with my tiny potted plants brought me joy. Sweet additions to bring life and joy to my home during the darker days of winter. A perfect addition. Schedule and Speakers Each year speakers are always well known. This year David Lauren from the Ralph Lauren Foundation was one of the featured speakers. More well known guests, speakers, and lecturers always draw a crowd for fundraising purposes…and they never disappoint. I’m sure with beautiful weather this year, the crowds joining in over the four days of the show were huge. It appeared that way on the day we were there. I usually arrive early on Friday during the time when many are in lecture halls for speakers and events that I don’t plan to attend. When those sessions let out at noon…walking space might be a bit more difficult. Afternoons are also easier times when the crowds seem to thin out a bit. But, you choose which time works best for you…and those tickets are good for all three days when the show room floor is open. Crowds are slimmer on Sunday, but then the vendor shops are looking more sparse then, too. But, on the flip side? You might get a great deal from vendors who would might rather give you a great deal on Sunday than ship items home. A win for both of you. Hope you loved joining me here, friends. If you’d love to see previous shows, you can find where I have shared them here before. The dates for the 2027 show haven’t been finalized yet…but, check their website for the updates. I’ll be adding it to my calendar as soon as I know! Thanks for joining me for this year’s tour. Hope you loved it! Happy inspiration, friends,

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Beginning the Year with a Clean Slate

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:04:45 +0000

As the holidays settle, decorations put away, items back to their usual spots, and normalcy returns…it gives me time to look at my home as a clean slate. Time to reset function, cleanliness, and flow to help reset attitudes and rest. But, be careful. Often in a state of “hurry” we can make decisions to toss things that we later will regret. Even Martha Stewart gives that advice in her decluttering article. Her suggestion is to go slowly and group things together to see what needs to be kept or tossed. Great suggestions. Do you need a clean slate for the new year? I don’t know about you, but the removal of Christmas decorations and dishes occurs in tiny increments. The obvious Christmas pieces are eliminated easily…while the lights, greenery and cozy throws may linger a little longer. Where do you begin? For me? The list has to be prioritized. An order created. Plan in place. Are you like that? Are you one who leaves Christmas around until after January 6, the epiphany? I tend to be one of those. Putting things away before New Year’s is just simply not my cup of tea. And neither do I believe the superstitions of bad luck with any that accompany leaving them up after New Year’s. Honestly, I got very few decoerations out for Christmas decorating this year. I. have. so. much. And simplicity tugged at my heart…So…putting that all away was easier than ever before. For now, those ice skates on the greenery wreath with a plaid bow on the front door will stay to welcome in February olympics. Perfect. But, a clean slate is needed. So where do I begin? After the decorations are tucked into bins and containers and put back into their places? There’s an obvious amount of emptiness, clutter, and out of place items. 1. Let’s start in the kitchen. Emptying and cleaning the refrigerator is always a bit much. Removing leftovers from holiday meals is a must. Cleaning the shelves, drawers and once again removing out of date items begins the year off right. Restocking fresh produce and staples needed. Clearing out the holiday temptations in tins and containers may be necessary. 2. Move on to the pantry. Often the clean out of the pantry is overdue. When that part of decluttering begins, I am always amazed at how many staples, mixes and dry goods are out of date. Tossing and clearing out items, making sure dates are on storage containers of ingredients happens with my label maker. This step also helps to remind me of needed items to add to my grocery list for seasonal favorites…and to use up ingredients that need to be used. That happened with banana muffins here this morning. Bananas used that were about to be tossed. Then there are kitchen cabinets that need some TLC…including the spice organizer. After the decorations are down…spice organizer, refrigerator and pantry cleaned, the NEXT order of action had to begin with my bedroom and closet. 3. Then begins the primary bedroom reset. I don’t know about you, but there are random things that find themselves in a box or bag in my bedroom. Does that happen to you? It always happens during the holidays so finding those things rightful homes is always a bit tricky. And often it just sits until a “reset” happens. Out goes the Christmas paper, bags, and boxes. Seasonal items back to the attic. And back to the office for the tape and scissors. My list included: If something isn’t working, find a system that does work for you. For me, it meant make the closet work for me. So, arrange your closet to make it work for you. New shelf arrangement and shoe organization was next on my list. Even a perfect spot for bin storage for out of season items was created. A new arrangement for purses and luggage followed. Still fine tuning…and using what’s been done often helps to settle big or subtle changes. Then, it was time to empty out the bedroom bookshelves for a deep clean. It’s a great time to wash windows, duvet covers, window coverings, baseboards and all furniture. Perfect to have everything clean before resetting the room. Rearrange the shelves for seasonal display and then clear off flat surfaces on furniture. Even my grouping above the bed is due for a “reset”. 4. Cleaning things out of each room always has great advantages. A feeling of clean, newness and organization does an amazing job of transforming your attitude. Removing the old, decluttering, and cleaning just seems to make everything better. From working, sleeping, and even relaxing…there are huge benefits. A change of the shelves in the hutch for a brighter look always happens this time of year. Out with Christmas and in with a focus on lighter and brighter gives an uplift. Often, the pinecones linger a little longer through February…but, with a addition of dried hydrangeas provides a lighter feel that will transition to spring. Candles are still part of the seasonal cozy here…but, less of the holiday scents and more of just pure white candlelight…in candleholders or battery operated. Just adding more light helps fight the depressing darkness of winter days. I’m not sure why it often takes us a long time to get into the declutter mode, but perhaps for me, the motivation that works for me is simply “restaging” home for a new year. Creating that clean slate, offers focus on favorite things that make my heart happy. Even fresh new soaps and a change of towels help brighten our attitude. 5. Adding in plants. Adding new plants inside always brightens the mood and brings joy. That will actually happen Friday when I visit my favorite plant shop booth at the Nashville Antiques and Garden Show. I’ll share what I find after I return. 6. Transition for the seasons. How do I do that? I love the winter season and want to celebrate that with a focus on the fire in the fireplace, cozy blankets, candles and even those skates on the front door wreath. So often we hurry through a season decorating for another that we miss the season we are in. Don’t miss the winter days to rest, reset, reflect and renew. I’m here for it. But, supporting the season we are in needs a little refresh. A new journal and devotional, calendar and planner are added to my office. For me, perhaps a new gardening or home design book…you choose what peaks your interest to brighten your reading. A new arrangement of books that center around planning for spring even help. Even a garden planning book to plan landscape and garden additions finds it’s way to my planning area. Maybe its the colder and more dismal weather that screams to stay inside…to make things cozier…add warmth and an inviting welcome that seems to leave after the holidays. Decide what provides a clean slate and makes home function better, feel better and look better. It truly is up to you. But for me? A clean slate means removing the clutter…clearing the atmosphere…and having things inside work fluidly. A great way to begin a new year. Not only for my home…but as a personal reset. So, where will you start today? I’d love to know in the comments. Happy decluttering, friends…and may this new year bring you much joy and happiness,

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Christmas Morning Nibble Board

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 13:23:49 +0000

I don’t know about you, but Christmas morning always brings lots of guests for brunch. This year in an effort to prepare items the day before….a Christmas Morning Nibble Board recipe emerged…or at least a plan. There’s always potato casserole, French muffins, ham, bacon, eggs in some form… perhaps a French toast casserole, waffle board, and fruit tray for starters. When I was thinking about this month’s VUE recipes, why not give all of us the idea of prepping before so that Christmas morning was easier? Now…muffins, potato casserole and egg casserole are prepped the day before. But? putting it all together needed a little ease. Are you with me? So…to amp up the fruit tray with savory items…why not make a Christmas morning nibble board? I began with adding a round tray to a lazy Susan so it was easier to create and serve. Simply begin with your favorite fruit, cheese, cured meats, deli meat, cooked bacon, nuts and olives to make a “wreath” formation. If you have room in your fridge? Just cover and add it to the fridge. Then remove on Christmas morning to tuck in your favorite herbs and non refrigerated items around the edges. So quick. So easy. And perfect for serving options. Who doesn’t like to graze on Christmas morning? A bit of savory and sweet. Here’s a guideline: Feel free to create your nibble board with food items that complement other items you are having Christmas morning. Since the Blueberry French Toast casserole, potato casserole, and other favorites can be made the day before and baked on Christmas morning…this just rounds out the “grazing” with cooked bacon, ham, deli meats, a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and olives. Feel free to add more “kid friendly” favorites such as: tiny muffins or donuts, dollar pancakes, mini waffles, bagel bites, or other breakfast friendly items. The point? Make Christmas morning easier. Delicious. With time to linger. Graze. Enjoy those around you. Don’t forget to add your coffee, Christmas cider, and hot chocolate in carafes to keep warm so you move that off your list, too. See what I mean? Just make sure that you have room for all the prepped dishes, including the ingredients for the nibble board, in the fridge the night before. I hope prepping Christmas morning foods ahead gives you ease. Here are a few things to help make that work. May all who have your feet under your table this Christmas be blessed…and may joy, love, and kindness flood your conversations and gatherings. So thankful for this season to remind us of the gift of Jesus. Of God’s care for us through His son. Much to ponder, reflect, understand and embrace to the meaning of His birth. Thank you, friends, for joining me at the table today and sharing a few moments to focus on the importance of the season, those joining you, and time well spent sharing life together. Hoping you have a Merry Christmas morning, friends,

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Christmas Cider

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:24:22 +0000

During the holidays we love warm beverages to have on hand. Often made and added to containers in the fridge to rewarm. This Christmas cider is one of those recipes that we make, chill and have ready to warm when we need a cup of Christmas cheer. If you have some among your guests who are lactose intolerant? or are not a fan of hot chocolate…and yes, both happen here…then this may be a perfect offering to make ahead to share. Warm, seasonal and delicious Christmas cider… There’s nothing like the warmth of the season and adding that to beverages. It always wins here. We always have red hot cinnamon apple juice made and stored in the refrigerator. But, this cider recipe? Amazing. All of the flavors of the season…a sweetened apple cider with cinnamon, lemon, cloves, oranges, and nutmeg. Yes, please. Decadent and so perfect for holiday gathering that you will wonder how you have done without it all of these years! A few minutes of preparation to mix together the flavors, cool and add to a container and keep ready for warming a cup when you need it is worth it all. Hope you’ll save this recipe. We always have red hot apple juice made and in the fridge for those who always need it during the holidays. Here’s the recipe for that favorite beverage, too. Packages of Christmas mulled cider have been served here, too…but, a fresh without mix additives is simply divine. Favorite things to help serve that Christmas cider: Hope this helps make your holiday warm and festive! I know it will here. Happy gathering, friends,

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Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Tips

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:31:56 +0000

Today, as I began to plan for next week’s Thanksgiving dinner…I thought…why not take you guys on the journey of planning with me. So here we go. Let’s begin. Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Tips In all reality, I begin this process weeks in advance. The guest list is confirmed which determines the number of guests coming that affects the menu and place settings. Now, I have hosted up to 40 for Thanksgiving and as small as six. This year there is a small gathering of the two of us and my niece and family. I love that she always joins us since both of our sons are out of town and traveling for both Thanksgiving and Christmas difficult. Let’s begin with the Menu. The favorites: ALWAYS are always offered. Some version of Sweet potatoes and Pumpkin pie are usually made by niece, as well as, my mother’s dressing. Always a favorite… This year for Thanksgiving dinner? New additions may be added with this roasted sweet potato salad shared in the Vue magazine. And for variation? The pumpkin cake recipe, too. Next in importance is the Time Schedule. Our Thanksgiving dinner is ALWAYS at lunch. Which means that everything has to be completely ready at noon. You see? In order for me to make everything work…from thawing the turkey, prepping foods BEFORE Thanksgiving and then baking on Thanksgiving Day? A time schedule is paramount. I have done this for years. Just makes me organized and removes the stress. America’s Test Kitchen includes more items that may be great for your planning. Can I tell you that the schedule includes days and times before Thanksgiving? Your Thanksgiving Day schedule should include times to begin and end baking, temps, and locations for where everything is prepared. Also included in that prep is how many items you can fit and bake at the same time. If you have more than one oven? Designate on your schedule the items to be baked together- according to time and temp in each. If you have a warming drawer, include what you will move there to keep warm while everything is baking. If you don’t have a warming drawer, consider investing in a warming mat–whether battery operated or electric suiting your serving area. You may find that other appliances you have, such as, crockpots, can keep things warm while other things are baking. Turkey So, the first order of business on the menu is the turkey. My husband brines and smokes a rotisserie turkey on his Weber that always receives oohs and ahhs. So let’s start with your turkey. Back to your guest list? How many will you need to feed? That will determine the size of your turkey. Make a decision on how your will prepare the traditional turkey. Lots of people simple roast their turkey in the oven. The turkey is often the one item that takes most of your baking space in the oven. It can quickly complicate your time schedule of when other things can get into your oven. Make a decision on the type of preparation for the turkey: Turkey Reminder Remember to read your turkey packaging carefully. If it’s frozen…add it to a deep pan (to catch juices) in your fridge to begin thawing in plenty of time before cooking whatever method you choose. Here’s how to safely thaw. Turkey is poultry, so be careful with your thawing and handling. And if you have questions? The Butterball Turkey company is available for help…even on Thanksgiving Day. Who knew? Next, finalize your Menu AND Schedule Plan. Once your turkey decision is made, add when to do each thing for that turkey onto your schedule. Now for the rest of the your Thanksgiving dinner planning tips… Ahead of time comes the table setting. To make things easier, if you are able, set your table early, especially if you have a separate dining table that you will use and not need before hand. Prepare linens, place settings, with glasses and everything ready so that it has a once over and those details are perfect when guests arrive. Hester and Cook always has the best paper products for holidays if you have a large group and need to simplify. Candles for ambiance. Playlist for the portable speaker. Centerpiece low enough to have conversation across are all important touches. Beforehand, don’t forget to get all of your serving and baking dishes out that you will use. Add a post it note to the center of each dish and arrange them on your serving area so you will know how to arrange everything. A buffet style serving helps simplify this process. If dishes are prepped in the fridge, don’t forget to leave a note where each will go in your serving area after baking…even it’s on your dining table. If someone brings a dish, the note tells them where to place it. Another great reason the notes work so well is that they will prevent you from forgetting a food item…from setting it out or even preparing! Set out serving pieces- slotted spoons, forks, etc. near each dish to make sure that you have everything needed. Don’t forget to set out trivets for hot items to protect surfaces. Do this a day or two before, if space allows, so that you don’t have to make those decisions later. Thanksgiving Day? Plan for it to be easy. Prepare cold beverages early. I make my beverages -sweet tea or House tea early in the morning and chill. Make the night before if you prefer. Use carafes to hold more if you need to. Set out your condiments early, too. Butter, salt and pepper and other items. Softened room temp butter is always welcome with those rolls. Don’t forget to set out the basket or serving piece for the rolls. Follow your schedule carefully to bake and prep things. As things are prepared, follow your plan on keeping them warm- either in a crockpot, warming drawer, mat, etc. The last to bake for us is the rolls so that they are perfect. Set it all out…and prepare for the devouring! Nothing like having feet under my table. If possible, set up a separate dessert area and beverage serving area. Stacks of dessert plates, pie servers, knives, etc, and dessert forks are always added to the dessert area. Pitchers of beverages set in one area help keep the serving line flow easier. Make sure that your guests understand the flow for a buffet line, beverage and dessert area. Other helpful tips– Here are a few of similar items that help me with Thanksgiving dinner: Note: Use what you have. White dishes never fail for any holiday. That’s often what I use in serving pieces. I have yellows, greens, and white casserole and serving dishes that seem to work in among the mix. Nothing has to be matchy-matchy. Even if you have Christmas decorations up already–no judgment here–you may still lean into the fall festive decorations when serving your dinner. You may have dishes that lend themselves to the fall. Feel free to be extravagant for holiday hosting, if you prefer. So if you’d love to see beautiful things for a splurge, or practical things that will help make the dinner easier, here you go. May you have the BEST Thanksgiving gathering ever! Whether you are hosting or contributing, perhaps these tips will help in planning your Thanksgiving dinner. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

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A Mystery Birthday Party

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:18:33 +0000

Last year was a monumental birthday. One of those decades you are certainly in shock when it arrives. How could that number now appear on my cake? Months prior to this became the idea of a mystery luncheon birthday party from a close dear friend. Now, you see, my sister, Vickie, who tells you she isn’t a creative, shared this mystery dinner idea with us years ago. Her idea was such a hit here that we hosted many of them. One of those birthday celebrations was for my dear friend, Ro. The instigator of the big time birthday party. How does a mystery birthday party happen, you ask? Well, it begins with a special friend, a creative husband, sisters and others who try and keep everything from you, if you are making it a surprise. It really works best with a team effort. We have always created mystery dinners, and usually to celebrate birthdays. But, you could actually create a mystery party for retirements, holidays, graduations, etc. For this birthday celebration, a mystery birthday luncheon was planned. First, the guest list is the true compass for the event. Next on to the decorations. A few weeks before, my husband caved and brought me into “some” of the planning. I could help with Flowers, Centerpieces, Linens and Favors… We love to add favors as part of the celebration. For this one, houses were selected and filled with homemade marshmallows. You can find how to create them here. We used cloth linens because those were available and ready to go. Flowers were simple roses and flowers from Aldi and Sam’s Club added to the swan planter and bud vases that we had. Candle holders were Dollar Tree that were added to hurricanes that can be bought there, too. Just a tip: Trader Joe’s carries the BEST dripless candles during the holidays which are the BEST to add to those candleholders. Click here for swan filled planter that was the was the true greeter. Selecting the menu is a big part of the planning. Now, to begin the mystery birthday luncheon–or dinner– you begin creating the menu, with as many items as you like. NOTE: When you are creating the menu, choose if you want to be thoughtful for guests to eat with or without utensils…such as Kabobs… OR items that require silverware, such as, mashed potatoes, casseroles, or meat that needs to be cut. You choose! The planning committee had the original menus and plans from the many mystery dinners that have been hosted in the past. Happily, that group began the creation of name place cards, seat numbers, menus, and programs. That secretive group ticked off details of servers (husbands of the women coming), organization, menu items, invitations, location, slide show, music, and you name it. There were hushed conversations, texts, and phone calls even after I was clued in “a little” into the conversation. So, how does a mystery birthday dinner –or luncheon in this case–work? Everything is a mystery. And to a tablescape, decorating lover? It truly is a nightmare. Because… You see… EVERYTHING is secretive. Everything for the course items are renamed items for everything you NEED to eat or WILL have to use to eat for the meal. So, silverware, napkin, food items, drinks, ALL of it is part of the mystery dinner or luncheon event. As guests enter, they only had a name place card and number of where to sit. That’s it. Guests are clueless of what the items listed are. Back to that menu you select. That’s where the mystery begins. Be creative when assigning menu names…for fun, these were simply birthday party words. No connection with the menu item which made it even more fun. The mystery is that guests have no clue what each item is: when their napkin, silverware, drink, dessert, or food items appear…in what order. They have a sheet to fill out with with what items they want for each course. Guests simply transfer the number of the menu item to their order form. To help the servers, since they may not know the guest’s name, numbers were added to each guest’s place setting next to their name card. But, filling out that form? The guesswork is hilarious! Some people will try to figure each out item on the menu. You choose the number of courses to be served…for this event they chose 4. To ensure which drink each guest preferred, they listed it at the bottom of the menu. Genius. The servers have to be on their game… Guests’ completed menus with their name and number are assigned to each server. With instructions in the kitchen where all of the items on the menu are listed in numerical order. And when the servers bring out the first course? and the rest of the courses? They begin to understand the mystery… They may not have a fork to use until the last course. Dessert may come first…a needed knife may come last…a drink may not arrive until the end…now do you understand the fun of the mystery? And in true fun…each time a cupcake with a candle is delivered, everyone has to sing happy birthday to the birthday person! It gets a little slap happy after a few of those all throughout the dinner or luncheon… The kitchen is a secret, too. No one is allowed in except servers…and servers are given instructions on who they are serving. With their guests menus grouped to an area for each server…the server focuses on what comes out for each course for their guests. Food is kept warm on warming trays, in the oven or on the stove. EVERY item is numbered on the serving piece or wall above. THEN the mystery luncheon begins to unfold… You see, guests see that everyone begins to get different things for each course… Some are singing Happy Birthday with a lit candle delivered to them for a course… While you hear someone tell their server they don’t have a knife to cut their meat… Or they need a drink.. You get the drift. Laughter ensues…people try and figure out what items they ordered for each course and what is coming next. The food menu begins to unfold as it’s delivered among guests. Favors begin to be delivered. Songs are sung, laughter is loud and contagious, and food and drinks in random order and with or without needed silverware arrives. It’s TRULY the most fun AND work you can have for planning a meal. A Saturday afternoon luncheon proved best for this birthday surprise. A request for no gifts. A slide show set to music of the birthday girl in ALL stages of life softly was played in the background during the meal. Students, some student teachers from miles around appeared around the table. People drove for hours and from states away to celebrate this big one. Best friends… Family, new friends, old friends, church friends, work friends…all with feet under our table. Not sure how all of the details got pulled off…but, people I had worked with years ago arrived. Family members flew in. Joy overflowed. And for that? I was truly thankful. A beautiful and memorable celebration that made me thankful for that crazy planning committee…those who served…and helped set up and clean up. Thanks to all of you who joined us! Helped us laugh! and celebrate. Now, WHO will you pull off this celebration for? I’ll be waiting in the comments! Love to all.

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