Casual Family Dinner

This past Sunday we had our youngest, our daughter, and her husband over for dinner. So often when we have the whole family for dinner with all the children and grandchildren I find that most of my time is focused on the youngest children. This was an excellent opportunity to catch up with the two of them and they both got  our undivided attention. It was a special occasion since we were just told on Christmas day that they were expecting  so we had lots and lots to talk about. Today after a Dr. visit we were told that we are expecting a girl and this will be their first.



Keeping it simple with some fairly new place mats and napkins. A sale item from Williams Sonoma but I think great for year round use.

Some time ago we placed our breakfast room table in a room that is next to our newly remodeled kitchen. We use it only when there is six or less for dinner.

It is especially nice on a cold evening as it was this particular evening to have dinner with a fire in the fireplace.

I always have to be careful with the colors I use on this table but as you can tell I have used lots of bright color in this room so it is rarely a problem.

Chickens and Roosters always can find a place in my home as well.

These napkin rings are some I purchased long ago at one of my favorite places to shop when I am in that area, Boxwood in Atlanta, GA.

I love the oak leaves and acorns.

My Rooster Soup Tureen served as my centerpiece. I think he is just handsome.

It was a nice evening with our daughter and son-in-law and our menu was simple as well, Grilled Filet's, a mixture of Roasted Vegetables topped with a French Racclette Cheese, Garlic Roasted Potato Wedges and for dessert a Plantation Pecan Pie.

Plantation Pecan Pie

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup pecans, halves or broken pieces

1 9-inch pie pastry, unbaked

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, salt and vanilla extract until well blended. Arrange pecans in pie pastry. Pour egg-sugar mixture into pie pastry; pecans will float to the top. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until crust is lightly browned and filling is puffy. Let pie cool to room temperature before cutting.

Today I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for her blog party, Tablescape Thursday.