Homemade Birthday Table Setting |
A sweet little grandson is expected to visit me after he gets home from school. It is his birthday today. He will arrive with his sister, brothers, and mother. I am to provide a quick dinner before they head back to their own house. (His birthday party will be this coming weekend at home.)
All day I have been wondering what I could do to make the dinner special for my grandson. Our budget is very limited and I do not have any decorations. I am not able to go out much so I had to think of a homemade way to present a nice dinner without any shopping or expense.
A 3 year old baby is my helper today. We talked about what we could do for his brother's birthday. He was happy to see I already had a couple of presents ready. I had bought these months ago when we were on a medical trip in the next state. They were wrapped (with my ample supply of Christmas wrapping paper) and safely put aside for when they were needed.
The baby asked me, "Do you have a cake, Me`me?" I pointed to something I had baked a couple of days ago. I had made a chocolate cake as a treat for the household. There was less than 1/2 of the cake left. The baby said, "That's not a cake. That's a piece of cake." He is so cute. I decided to make the best of what I had available and carefully cut the remainder of the cake into little pieces. These were then placed on little plates, covered with plastic wrap, and set out on the table for later.
The table was set with grown up dishes and glasses, since I don't have any paper plates. (Did you notice how expensive paper plates are these days?) When my grandchildren arrive later and see the table set in such a grown up way, they will feel special and excited!
I will have to put straws in the glasses to make it easier for the children to drink from them. They are a bit heavy even though they are pretty.
Earlier in the day, I made a batch of 8 little homemade pizzas from scratch. I then put these in the freezer. Just before the children arrive, I will remove the pizzas from the freezer and bake them. The children will be delighted.
This is just a fast, last minute event that will be very special. Simple, happy days at home with the family are such a blessing. I am very grateful.
Blessings
Mrs. White
PS - In a couple of weeks, I will announce the exciting news about my new book that will be available very soon. It is a humble cookbook. I hope you will like it.
From the Archives -
Taking Care of Four Generations in one House - In Pursuit of Christian Duty.
Oh, How Much we Need this Blessing - Peace Be Upon This House.
A Record of How the Lord Provides - Reviving the Prayer Journal.
"At Mother's House" by Mrs. White:
For Encouragement in Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book, from 2016, "At Mother's House: The Blessing of Being a Christian Housewife."
In this book, you will find essays, articles, and diary entries about life in a Christian home.
There are 40 entries which include: "Poor and Pretty Living;" "A Home Without Clutter;" "The Money Packets;" "A Church Diet for the Family;" "Bringing Home Baby;" "The Children's Prayers;" "The Shabby Garden:" and "Just a Housewife."
Those who are seeking a peaceful home, with the Lord as the foundation, will find encouragement. (Paperback, 122 pages.)
12 comments:
Dear Mrs. White,
You have such a way of making others feel very special when on a limited budget. I feel so content and it always warms my heart when I visit here. I would love to visit in your home. I can only imagine how warm and cosy it would be. It sounds like you had a good little helper as well. Warmest blessings to you and your family.
Homespun Hugs, Teri
Oh, what a creative and sweet surprise for the birthday boy and his siblings! You've shown here that one does not need lots of things in order to create a lovely experience for a loved one, Mrs. White.
I'm really looking forward to ordering your cookbook, too!
Hope you will visit my blog soon: https://marthaorlando.blogspot.com
Blessings!
The child will feel special because of the nicely set table and special effort you made. Birthdays at home are just nicer. Happy Birthday to your grand!
Mrs. White, I am thrilled beyond measure that you are releasing another book. I’ve purchased every one of your books and reread them often. I always feel like I’m visiting with a good friend as I read. I’m especially excited about a cookbook. I need so much help in preparing good meals. Thank you for continuing to share your skills and your faith with us.
What a perfect birthday dinner! The children will be delighted to have such wonderful treats! And to eat on grown up plates and cups with straws :) They will love it! It makes me so thankful for my grandkids and how happy they are when you surprise them.
It will be a delightful occasion, family together is more important than decorations!
What a blessing you are to your family. THANKS for this post. PRAYING you and yours! Love, Marsha
Hello, Mrs. White! What an absolutely charming meal and table you have prepared for your little grandson! He will be so happy! I love the idea of the cake slices already on the table and the pizzas? The children will love them! I would, as well! I am anxiously awaiting news of your cookbook, my friend. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your faith here. Have a cozy weekend!
What VERY special Birthday Party. Best ever. Love what you can do on your limited budget. Reminds me of Friday Nights growing up. I always loved Friday dinner as mother would put a fresh tablecloth on and cloth napkins. A large tureen of homemade soup and bread and the good silverware. What I realized later, on their limited budget, mother made a meal of soup and bread seem like a feast. It was our meatless meal...and mother made it special.
You are like my mom in many ways, knowing how to make simple special.
Love the story and pictures.
Perhaps when you book is published and sold it will help the budget. Praying it will.
You are right about disposable plates having a big price increase.
I chuckled about your grandson’s judgement of the cake :)
So I read it to my husband and he laughed too.
We’ve had a stressful week and a real laugh felt good
Thank you
Mrs. White,
I have a question for you. My husband is retiring next month and then our only income will be social security. Do you have any tips to help me make everything stretch? Specifically household items/Groceries. It amazes me how you can do so much with less and make everything so special.
Sincerely,
Kelley
What a special way to celebrate your grandson's birthday! You have given much to him, of your love, preparations, and sweet little joys. This is what love is really about - giving from the heart! I love the idea of making the pizzas ahead, freezing, and then heating before time for dinner! Many blessings to you dear friend!
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