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Bringing Families Around the Table Together!

By Kelly · Leave a Comment

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It’s that time of year when family gatherings take center stage as we begin making plans for the upcoming holidays.

Yet, gathering together around the table and sharing our lives with one another isn’t a cherished event that we need only enjoy on occasion, it’s a blessing we can delight in each and every day!

unnamed-5Encouraging and inspiring families to be richly blessed by sharing time together around the table is definitely my passion – and even more so – it’s the passion of my dear friend Jenny Davids, co-founder of Hen House Linens.

Jenny and I met while I was writing my first cookbook. I fell in love with her beautiful table linens and was immediately drawn to her passion for hospitality. In fact, the majority of linens featured in the photos in my cookbook and here throughout the blog are Jenny’s beautiful creations.

What I love about Jenny is her commitment to family. Jenny wisely sees meal times as a cherished time for reconnecting with each other. Her passion for gathering families around the table to connect is a noble one, and it’s what inspired her to create Hen House Linens – a wonderful company founded on the principle of bringing families together.

That’s why I’m so excited to finally have my sweet friend Jenny here as a guest, so each of you can get to know her too. Jenny is a beautiful woman inside and out who is using her many talents, passion and energy to encourage and inspire others.

And did I mention that she’s also a kind, generous soul?

Not only is she sharing a few of her favorite easy entertaining tips with us below, but Jenny’s also offering us a wonderful opportunity to adorn our tables with beautiful Hen House Linens at 20% off!

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But before you run off to go shopping …

First, I’d love to share a bit more about Jenny. And of course, share a few of her best tips for easy holiday entertaining. And if you subscribe to the Hen House Linens newsletter, you’ll receive even more helpful tips and inspiration for creating memorable family gatherings.

Kelly: Welcome to The Nourishing Home, Jenny. We’re excited to have you over for a visit. One aspect of Hen House Linens that I especially admire is your heart for simplicity and beauty in the every day. I’ve really noticed a difference in how our family dinners go when we take a quick minute to set the table with your cheerful linens. Can you share more with us about your passion for bringing families back around the table together?

unnamed-3Jenny: We live in a time where more and more of us are embracing healthier eating. We’re putting more thought into what goes into our bodies, so why not put more thought into how it is presented. We put a lot of time and care into preparing a meal for our families, so why downgrade the experience by serving it on a paper plate with a paper towel? Paper products are disposable. Our meals should not be. Our time with the people we love is meant to be special and cherished.

As you mentioned, when dinner is served with cloth napkins, people sit up a little straighter, linger a little longer, become more present in the moment. It’s a visual and textural reminder that this experience matters. I don’t know how many times I’ve hosted friends for dinner at our house and when the cloth napkins come out, the “oh my, how fancy” chorus begins. I’ve even seen it happen with a bunch of teenage boys over a large box of pizza. It’s a powerfully good feeling to create cherished moments together, and it’s so simple to do. Really!

Kelly: I also love that your linens make it so easy to have guests over and create a warm, inviting atmosphere of casual elegance without a lot of effort. 

Jenny: Yes. We firmly believe that all you really need to do to create beauty is set a simple table. That’s why we create linens that easily mix and match. So it’s really easy to set a warm and inviting table in a snap! Hen House Linens are designed to be used every day, but can also dress-up your table for whatever entertaining you have in mind. Our pretty patterns coordinate to create any kind of look you want from eclectic to modern to casual to elegant!

Kelly: I think a lot of us can be shy about entertaining guests, because we make it more complicated than it needs to be. Can you share with us some of your favorite tips for easy entertaining?

Jenny: Entertaining definitely doesn’t have to complicated. I’m happy to share a few of my favorite tips for effortless entertaining…

unnamed-4• Set up a beverage station and make it extra special by including cloth napkins. This way you can offer your guests a beverage as they arrive, which sets the stage for lots of mingling and good conversation.

• Also be sure to set the table before guests arrive. It’s creates a warm welcoming atmosphere that helps set the tone for a fun, relaxing evening ahead.

• Have interesting elements on your table. I believe the best tablescapes are the ones that use what you have. No need to spend money on fancy floral arrangements. Instead, keep it simple. Cut flowers, greenery or branches from your own yard (or borrow from a neighbor), but keep arrangements minimal and low, so they don’t hinder eye-to-eye contact. I also like to pepper the table with conversation starters, such as shells from a vacation, or old photographs to bring visual interest.

• Be eclectic. One of my favorite ways to use our beautiful palette of casual table linens is to pair them with vintage china for a modern update. I also mix our fashion-forward colors with my own heirloom linens.

• Keep the focus on the people you’ve gathered. Hospitality at its heart is about building relationships and encouraging others. So remember to keep it simple and spend more time enjoying your family and friends!

I think it’s easy to see why, I adore Jenny. Her simple, thoughtful approach to creating memorable moments with family and friends is such a blessing!

I also appreciate her kind generosity in offering us the opportunity to save 20% off her beautiful creations now through November 30. Hen House Linens truly make family meal times special and memorable, which is why I’d like to invite you to check out their table inspirations gallery for lots of beautiful ideas for entertaining.

And also be sure to “join the roost” by subscribing to the Hen House Linens newsletter for even more helpful tips and inspiration for creating memorable moments around your family table today and every day!

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Some of the fun ways Jenny and her team enjoy time with their families … Tailgating in style, and they recently hosted a Dinner on the Dock for 100 people with their children serving as wait staff for the event! And of course, they all enjoy simple, everyday meals with family and friends!

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More About Hen House Linens

Jenny is such a humble, sweet person. She wanted to be sure I shared the fact that Hen House Linens is not only a family-run business, it’s a friend-run business too! Jenny started Hen House Linens with her good friend and former college roommate, Katherine Poole. Katherine serves as Creative Director, designing the beautiful fabrics, packaging, and more, as well as provides good laughs throughout. Along with Katherine, Jenny is blessed to have a whole host of wonderful friends who jump in to loan her their houses, their stuff, their children and themselves – for photoshoots or whatever else comes up. It’s truly a company that lives out its mission of bringing family and friends together!

Please note, although Hen House Linens is a proud sponsor of The Nourishing Home, this is not a paid sponsored post. In addition, there are no affiliate links in this post. I’ve opted to feature Hen House Linens because I love their mission and their products. So stop reading this silly disclaimer, and instead go have some fun being inspired by Jenny’s beautiful table linens!

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Special $5 Offer on Reusable Lunch Bags from MightyNest … Perfect for Back-to-School!

By Kelly · Leave a Comment

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For years, I used a lot of disposable products to pack my kids’ lunches – plastic baggies, plastic wrap, plastic containers, plastic forks and spoons – they were a daily staple of our lunch-packing routine. And honestly, I really didn’t think much about it until I began to learn about the environmental impact of disposables, let alone the chemicals found in most disposable products, especially plastic baggies.

That’s when I started looking for ways to reduce waste in my kids’ lunches with safe, reusable alternatives.

Like many others, the biggest obstacle in my waste-free lunch packing journey has been the initial investment in making this healthy change … it’s true, reusable products are more expensive upfront. However, it’s important to keep in mind that reusable products last far longer, so you’ll not only recoup the initial investment, but you’ll actually save money in the long-run! That’s why reusables are truly beneficial for the environment, your family’s health, and your pocketbook.

Still … managing a tight budget is a big deal for me, and if it is for you too, I’ve got some great news … with the help of MightyNest, we can get started in reducing waste in our family’s lunches with high quality reusable lunch bags for just $5.00!

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Special $5 Offer on Reusable Lunch Bags from MightyNest

For one week only, MightyNest is offering Nourishing Home readers a fabulous deal on their newest subscription, the MightyFix. You’ll find details about the MightyFix at the end of this post, but here’s the scoop on this special $5.00 deal:

The August MightyFix features 2 Lunchskins Reusable Lunch Bags:
1 snack size reusable bag + 1 sandwich size reusable bag.
The total retail value of these two items is $16.90 + $5.95 shipping = $22.85

However, if you sign up for the MightyFix, you’ll pay just $10 with FREE SHIPPING + you’ll receive a special $5 off coupon (just for Nourishing Home readers).

That’s an awesome savings of $17.85! Woot!

In summary … you’ll receive 2 high quality Lunchskins reusable lunch bags that will last well over a year for just $5! That’s less than the cost of a jumbo-sized box each of zippered sandwich bags and snack baggies. Now that’s definitely budget friendly!

Plus, as a MightyFix subscriber you get FREE shipping on your order. So if you’d like to add even more great resuable lunch gear, you can add them to your order and everything ships FREE! (I’ve listed a few of my favorites from MightyNest below.) 

How to Get Reusable Lunchskins for Just $5!

Sign up below for details and MightyNest will also send you a $5 off coupon good toward your first MightyFix. And remember, you can add anything else to your MightyFix order and it ships FREE!

(Hint: MightyNest has a terrific selection of high quality lunch gear, so this special offer is a great way to get all of your back-to-school lunch-packing essentials shipped for free!) 

More about the MightyFix

The MightyFix is a brand new way to discover amazing products for just $10/month. Every month, you’ll receive a healthy solution found by our team (a real, full-size product) that makes it easier to live more mindfully and make healthy choices—something we can’t live without.

Here’s how it works:

  • For $10/month, MightyNest sends you one MightyFix product each month, something with a $10 retail value or more – we promise!
  • Every month your MightyFix ships FREE. Before it ships, you can add anything else from MightyNest.com and get FREE SHIPPING on those items too!
  • As always, 15% goes back to the school of your choice.

Why join the MightyFix? It’s the easiest way to have a positive impact, starting with small changes at home. Plus as a member, you’ll get free shipping on anything you add to your MightyFix order every month. You can cancel at any time so you aren’t locked in forever! (Friendly Reminder: THIS WEEK ONLY you can get $5 off your first month of MightyFix by signing up in the widget above.)

A healthy home and lifestyle starts with one small change at a time. With MightyFix, you’ll enjoy an easy way to replace the not-so-natural products in your home with one healthy product at a time.

Mighty Nest Lunch Gear

My Favorite Reusable Lunch Gear from MightyNest

The Lunchskins reusable baggies are a great way to keep food fresh and safe, as well as reduce waste and help save the planet. And good news is … there’s lots of other great reusable lunch gear available from MightyNest that you and your kiddos will love.

Here’s just a few of my favorites:

  • Wildkin Double-Decker Lunch Bag
  • Foogo Leakproof Food Thermos
  • Lunchbots Leakproof Containers
  • Save the Trees Reusable Napkins
  • Kids Bamboo Utensil Set 

Special thanks to MightyNest for offering us a safe and affordable way to reduce the waste in our kids’ lunches, while also taking positive steps forward in building a healthier home!

Disclosure: MightyNest is a valued sponsor of The Nourishing Home and is likeminded in their mission of helping families live healthier lives. Please be assured, that I only endorse products that I personally use. Of course, there is never any obligation to purchase, but if you do a small percentage of the sale helps the ministry here at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

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Celebrate with a Patriotic BBQ Menu!

By Kelly · 7 Comments

Whether you’ll be enjoying the holiday with a cookout at the beach, picnic in the park, or a simple gathering at home, this easy holiday menu will help you spend more time with your family and friends, and less time in the kitchen! That’s because you can make much of it in advance. That way, you can quickly pull it all together for a stress-free, delicious meal!

Memorial Day Weekend traditionally marks the start of summer – the perfect time to fire-up your grill and enjoy some fun in the sun over a delicious, healthy meal.

Whether you’ll be enjoying the holiday with a cookout at the beach, picnic in the park, or a simple gathering at home, this easy holiday menu will help you spend more time with your family and friends, and less time in the kitchen! That’s because you can make much of it in advance. That way, you can quickly pull it all together for a stress-free, delicious meal!

And let’s not forget, with all the festivities, to take time to celebrate the real reason for this holiday – a time to pray for our soldiers, fly the flag, and remember those who’ve given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy!

Easy & Festive Memorial Day BBQ Menu

Patriotic Appetizer

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Red, White & Blue Berries & Cheese Tray
(Simply cut fresh organic strawberries and grass-fed cheese into cubes. If you’re dairy-free, substitute the cheese with pineapple or banana chunks. Then arrange with fresh organic blueberries and raspberries, as shown above.)

Secret Ingredient Guacamole The Tastiest & Easiest Guac Ever

Secret Ingredient Guacamole
(A party is simply not a party without a terrific chip and dip. I promise, this homemade guac rocks! If you’re grain-free and wondering what to dip? Try plantain chips. Seriously, they are amazing!

Memorable Main Dish

Southwestern Chicken Burgers 2
Southwestern Chicken Burgers
(These flavorful burgers can easily be made ahead and kept uncooked in your freezer – just defrost overnight in fridge, then pop on the grill when ready to serve.)

Sensational Sides

Coleslaw platter
Apple-Carrot Coleslaw with Poppyseed Dressing
(This delightful coleslaw can be prepped a day or so in advance and then tossed together a few hours before serving.)

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Cultured Potato Salad
(This probiotic-rich potato salad actually tastes better when you make it ahead of time, and allow the flavors to meld in the fridge for 12-24 hours.)

Festive & Fun Dessert

Red White Blueberry Cupcakes

“Old Glory” Mini Cupcakes
(The perfect finale to your patriotic holiday celebration! These festive mini-cupcakes can be made up to two days in advance. Then top with fresh fruit about an hour or so before serving.)

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Memorial Day Weekend! With joy and blessings, Kelly

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My New Cookbook is Here!

Welcome to The Nourishing Home!

I’m so glad you’re here and want you to feel right at home! My heart in creating this blog is to help you by sharing helpful meal planning strategies and nourishing GF recipes that are healthy, easy and delicious with thanksgiving to God! [Read More …]







All content (recipes, photos, posts, etc.) on this site is the creative property of Kelly Smith. You are welcome to share a photo via social media, as long as it contains a link back to the corresponding recipe or post from this site. However, you may not republish a recipe in its entirety in any form. For questions, or for permission to use a photo or recipe, please contact me via email at [email protected] Thank you!

Please Note: All content (recipes, photos, text, etc.) on this site is the creative property of Kelly Smith of The Nourishing Home. You are welcome to share a photo via social media, as long as it contains a link back to the corresponding recipe from this site. However, re-publishing a recipe in any form is strictly prohibited. Additionally, please refrain from adapting recipes without properly linking back to the original recipe, and keep in mind that simple substitutions do not constitute an adapted or original recipe. For details regarding recipe copyright law, please visit the Food Blog Alliance.
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