The Howell Blessings

This past Saturday started with an air of excitement as I began preparing a second, much larger turkey than I had on Thanksgiving day. Thinking about what lay ahead put a quick in my tired step. My daddy and younger sister were on their way up from down south to spend the day and overnight with us. And later in the afternoon, my oldest brother and his family would be arriving in time to share a meal in which we all contributed to. Normally I set the table a day or more ahead of time, before a big dinner. We were expecting twelve to sit down all together. My nephew brings his own chair and always gets a corner spot and we fill in between the dining chairs with antique folding chairs that were my great grandparents. This day I couldn't even begin tablescaping until my dad arrived. I had been inspired by a table I had seen on a Southern Living web page and asked my dad to help me put it together.  My inspiration table was laden with wood cut from different siz...

The holidays are upon us and I couldn't be more pleased. I was praying earlier this afternoon, thanking God for the many blessings He has given me. I am thankful to be alive! I am thankful that He has blessed me with wonderful family and friends, and I am thankful that He has given me the gift of hospitality.  I am truly in my element when I am preparing food to share with others and look forward to greeting each and every one who is about to join us this holiday season around our table.  I thanked God for giving me the talent to make things look nice so that each one who sits at our table will feel as special as I feel they are to me. This year I am blessed to be able to host two Thanksgiving dinners. The first one is Thanksgiving day when we get to meet our daughters finace's parents for the first time. Then Saturday our second dinner will be for our family members who are nearby and able to come. I always love the hectic bustle in the kitchen as the last mi...