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The Featured Table: A Cozy Meal for the Weekend

For this week’s Featured Table, we’re embracing all the cozy feels with a meal that’s equal parts nostalgic and indulgent. If you’re looking for something simple yet elevated, this duo of Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese with a Sweet Twist is your answer. It’s easy to make with ingredients you likely have on hand, and the result? Pure comfort on a plate (and in a bowl).

Krister declared just last night, “This is the best grilled cheese I’ve ever had in my life.” And after tasting it for myself, I couldn’t agree more.

The soup is a game-changer. It’s rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful, thanks to a mix of canned San Marzano tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes bathed in olive oil. Top it with a dreamy whipped goat cheese drizzle, and you’ll never go back to plain tomato soup again.

As for the grilled cheese? It’s all about the details. We’re using fresh sourdough bread, sharp cheddar slices, and a secret ingredient: honey. That layer of honey between the bread and cheese transforms a childhood classic into something truly unforgettable.

Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes (I use San Marzano)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes soaked in oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, combine the canned tomatoes (with their juices), quartered onion, butter, thyme, dill, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  4. Transfer the roasted tomato and onion mixture to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the milk and sun-dried tomatoes. Blend on high until completely smooth, at least 1 minute.
  5. Return the blended soup to the Dutch oven and warm through over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. If needed, thin the soup with additional milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Top with a few pieces of julienned sun-dried tomato and fresh basil leaves.

To Top It Off:

  • Whipped Goat Cheese Drizzle: Blend 1/4 cup of goat cheese with a splash of milk until it reaches a thick but creamy consistency. Drizzle over the soup for a luxurious finish.

Serve this rich, velvety soup with the honey-drizzled grilled cheese for a comforting and unforgettable meal. Perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekend lunches, this duo will warm both body and soul.

Grilled Cheese with Honey Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices of fresh sourdough bread
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons honey

Instructions:

  1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
  2. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer 2 slices of cheddar cheese – or more for a cheesier experience.
  3. Drizzle a teaspoon of honey over the cheese before topping with the other slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
  4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden and the cheese is gooey.
  5. Slice in half and serve alongside the soup.

Enjoy your Featured Table!

Shop the Look

To bring this cozy table to life, we’ve curated a few Featured Table favorites to complete the scene:

Let us know how this recipe turns out for you! And don’t forget to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy this simple pleasure over the weekend.

Happy gathering,
Carrie

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The Featured Table: Warm Camembert with Sour Cherry Jam

This easy appetizer is a crowd-pleaser perfect for cozy gatherings or impromptu get-togethers. Creamy, melty Camembert topped with our house-made sour cherry jam and paired with warm, crusty bread makes for an unforgettable blend of flavors. Let this be the centerpiece on your table and enjoy every bite!

Ingredients:

  • 1 wheel of Camembert (or Brie if you prefer)
  • 2-3 tablespoons August Table Sour Cherry Jam
  • A drizzle of honey (optional)
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, for garnish
  • A loaf of crusty bread, warmed and sliced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Camembert: Place the wheel of Camembert in your brie baker. If desired, score the top with a small knife in a criss-cross pattern—this allows the cheese to melt evenly.
  3. Add the Jam: Spoon our sour cherry jam over the top of the Camembert. Add a drizzle of honey if you’d like a hint of extra sweetness.
  4. Bake: Place the brie baker in the oven and bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is warm and gooey.
  5. Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately with warm, crusty bread for dipping.

This warm Camembert appetizer is all about indulgence and simplicity. Enjoy a cozy moment around the table as you savor the creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors together!

Shop the Scene: Find our brie bakers here.

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How to Host a Cozy Porch Dinner Party: Simple and Delicious Menu Ideas

Summer evenings are perfect for enjoying the outdoors, and what better way to do so than by hosting a casual dinner party on your porch? With a little planning and some simple yet delicious dishes, you can create a memorable evening for your friends and family. Here’s how to put together an easy, breezy dinner party on the porch for a lovely summer night.

Photo by Claudia Reese with August Table linens

1. Set the Scene

Create a Cozy Ambiance

  • String Lights: Hang string lights around your porch to create a warm, inviting glow as the sun sets.
  • Table Setting: Use a simple tablecloth or placemats, and add some fresh flowers or greenery as a centerpiece.
  • Comfortable Seating: Ensure there are enough comfortable seats for everyone. Add some throw pillows and blankets for extra coziness.
  • Candles and Lanterns: Scatter candles or lanterns around the area to add a touch of elegance and provide additional lighting.

Keep Bugs at Bay

  • Citronella Candles: Place citronella candles around the porch to help keep mosquitoes and other insects away.
  • Bug Spray: Have bug spray available for guests to use as needed.

2. Plan a Simple and Delicious Menu

Appetizers

  • Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
  • Hummus and Veggie Platter: Serve a variety of hummus flavors with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers.

Main Course

  • Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grill until cooked through. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
  • Pasta Salad: Toss cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing.
  • Grilled Vegetables: Grill a mix of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before grilling.

Side Dish

  • Watermelon Feta Salad: Combine cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing and sweet side dish.

Dessert

  • Fruit Skewers: Thread pieces of pineapple, strawberries, watermelon, and blueberries onto skewers. Serve with a honey yogurt dip.
  • Lemon Bars: Bake a batch of zesty lemon bars ahead of time for a tangy and sweet treat.

Drinks

  • Cucumber Mint Lemonade: Mix fresh lemon juice, cucumber slices, mint leaves, and water for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. Serve over ice.
  • Sangria: Make a batch of fruity sangria with red or white wine, mixed fruits, and a splash of soda water. Serve chilled.

3. Set Up a Self-Serve Beverage Station

  • Drink Dispensers: Use large drink dispensers for lemonade and sangria so guests can serve themselves.
  • Ice Bucket: Keep an ice bucket with tongs nearby to ensure drinks stay cold.
  • Glassware: Provide a mix of glasses for water, wine, and cocktails. Consider using reusable plastic glasses for safety.

4. Add Entertainment

  • Background Music: Create a playlist of your favorite summer tunes and play it softly in the background to set the mood.
  • Games: Set up some easy-to-play games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or cards for guests to enjoy.
  • Conversation Starters: Place a few conversation starter cards on the table to spark interesting discussions and laughter.

5. Enjoy the Evening

  • Relax and Mingle: As the host, make sure to relax and enjoy the evening with your guests. Your positive energy will help set the tone for a fun and memorable gathering.
  • Capture the Moments: Take some photos to capture the special moments of the evening. You can even set up a simple photo booth with props for added fun.

Hosting a casual dinner party on your porch is a wonderful way to make the most of a beautiful summer evening. With these tips, you can create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere that your guests will love. So, light up the grill, pour the drinks, and savor the joy of good food and great company under the stars.

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Embrace the Season of Renewal: Hosting a Relaxed and Elegant Springtime Brunch

Ah, spring—the season of renewal, blooming flowers, and outdoor gatherings. There’s something truly special about embracing the warmth of the sun after a long winter and celebrating the joys of new beginnings with a laid-back yet elegant brunch. If you’re looking to host a memorable springtime gathering for your friends and family, here are some relaxed yet professional tips to ensure your brunch is a hit:

  1. Embrace Nature’s Palette: Let the vibrant colors of spring inspire your decor. Incorporate fresh flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, or cherry blossoms, into your table settings for a pop of seasonal charm. Simple, rustic touches like woven placemats or linen napkins can add a touch of elegance without feeling overly formal.
  2. Keep it Light and Fresh: Spring calls for a menu that’s light, fresh, and full of seasonal flavors. Offer a variety of salads featuring crisp greens, crunchy vegetables, and juicy fruits like strawberries or mangoes. Quiches, frittatas, or a DIY bagel bar with smoked salmon and assorted toppings are perfect for satisfying guests’ appetites while keeping things casual.
  3. Sip on Springtime Sips: Get creative with refreshing beverages that capture the essence of the season. Serve up a pitcher of fruity sangria, a refreshing cucumber mint lemonade, or a DIY mimosa bar with an assortment of juices and sparkling wine. Encourage guests to mix and match ingredients to create their own custom cocktails—it’s a fun and interactive way to add a personal touch to your brunch.
  4. Create a Relaxing Atmosphere: Take advantage of the mild spring weather by hosting your brunch outdoors, if possible. Set up cozy seating areas with blankets and cushions where guests can lounge and enjoy the sunshine. Add some ambient lighting with string lights or lanterns to create a warm and inviting atmosphere as the sun begins to set.
  5. Personalized Details: Show your guests you care by adding thoughtful, personalized touches to your brunch. Handwritten place cards, customized menus, or small party favors like mini succulents or homemade preserves are simple yet meaningful gestures that will make your guests feel appreciated.
  6. Keep it Casual: While elegance is key, don’t forget to keep things relaxed and informal. Encourage guests to help themselves to food and drinks buffet-style, and foster a laid-back atmosphere where conversation flows freely. Remember, the goal is to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the beauty of the season together.
  7. Music to Set the Mood: Create a playlist of easygoing tunes that set the perfect backdrop for your brunch. Think acoustic folk, indie pop, or soft jazz—anything that adds to the relaxed vibe without overpowering the conversation. Background music should enhance the atmosphere, not distract from it.

By following these tips, you can host a relaxed yet elegant spring brunch that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. So, dust off your patio furniture, fire up the grill, and raise a glass to the joys of springtime gatherings. Here’s to good food, good company, and new beginnings!

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How to Create the Perfect Picnic

Whether you’re camping out in front of the fireplace at home or outside appreciating the scenery, there’s nothing quite like a picnic for changing up your routine and enjoying some quality time with the people you love.

If you’re in front of the fireplace or on your back porch, you don’t have to be too worried about forgetting something because you can just run back inside if you need anything. 

But if you’re trekking out to that sublime spot in the mountains or by that luscious blue lake your family has always loved, you’ll want to make sure you’re organized.

First, make a list of everything you need. Think of the basics we take for granted at home, such as salt, silverware, a corkscrew and napkins. Check off your list as each item is packed.

Don’t forget to pack heavier items on the bottom!

The Food

Plan on foods that can be served cold, and that with some ice packs, will keep their shape and flavor. For instance, dessert bars will hold up better than anything delicate, such as a creamy Napoleon or chocolate mousse cake.

A cheese board is always a welcome addition to a picnic, especially when paired with some juicy easy-to-eat fruit such as grapes, strawberries and cherries.

Cold fried or grilled chicken is a picnic staple. Sandwiches on sturdy bread and wraps are also ideal.

If you’ve never made bierocks, they’re favorite farmer fare brought over from Europe to the Midwest. Traditionally, it’s a bun stuffed with beef, cabbage, onions and cheese. However, we’ve been interested in a lighter, meatless version that’s been increasingly popular. Most recipes, like this one, substitute mushrooms for the meat. However, you could use any of your favorite sauteed vegetables. A baked veggie bierock makes a delicious and tidy picnic food.

If you’re going to pack salad, pack the dressing separately unless you’re preparing a sturdier pasta veggie pasta or something like coleslaw. 

Set-Up

Part of the loveliness of a picnic is sitting in the grass under a tree with the blue sky overhead. Don’t forget the elements that add that touch of beauty that makes a picnic truly memorable. Bring folding chairs for those who need them and spread out a beautiful tablecloth with some napkins.

And if someone plays the guitar, then by all means bring it. A portable player works, too.

Have a lovely time.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Dreams

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This smoothie is a dream in a glass.  It tastes like dessert but is made from healthy ingredients so it is 100% guilt free.  Peanut butter and chocolate are one of my favorite combinations of all time.  I always have the basic ingredients in the pantry so that I can make this smoothie for breakfast, lunch or a snack any day.

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The banana can be fresh or frozen.  If fresh, I add more ice.  If frozen, I use less.  I always have bananas on the counter and a bag of peeled frozen bananas in the freezer.  Dates are a must have as well.  Get the fresh Medjool dates and remember to remove the pits.

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For the protein powder, I use the chocolate flavored Complete by Juice Plus, but you can use whatever protein powder you have on hand.  The cacao nibs are for sprinkling on top or for adding an extra spoonful to the glass for a little crunch.

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Ingredients:

1 ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
2-3 dates (pits removed)
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I use Complete by Juice Plus)
2 tablespoons cacao powder
2 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
2 tablespoons oats (uncooked oatmeal)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon maple syrup
8 oz oat milk (or other milk of your choice)
2 cups ice cubes

Cacao nibs for topping

Put all of the ingredients in a high speed blender (I use a vitamix) and blend until the smoothie is a rich and thick consistency, ensuring the dates and oats are fully blended.  Pour into a tall glass and enjoy with cacao nibs sprinkled on top.

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Enjoy!

Stay safe and be well.

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Carrie Allen created this site as a way for people to share stories about things they love.  She loves chasing quiet, authentic moments and sharing them with her family and friends.  Read more about her inspiration here. 

 

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Gather

Gather – Flowers for your table

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Wildflowers collected from our fields in White Stone, VA

I firmly believe that when you gather friends and family at the table you should always have fresh flowers there too.  They elevate the experience and can be done simply and inexpensively from gathering wildflowers in various shapes and sizes to pulling together one flower, in one color, to make a statement.

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Wildflower arrangement by Jamie Campbell for Decoratop

You can pick one vase to fill for a center arrangement or find various jars, cups and vases in varying sizes to place organically around the table and house.

When I have a special event, dinner or meal and want that extra help I love collaborating with a florist in order to get more unique flowers than are readily available in the yard or at the local market.

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Photo by Will Hawkins / Flowers by The Wild Bunch

It’s also fun to add in fruit and vegetables as part of the table decor.

Photo by Jen Huang
Deer Pearl Flowers
Floret Flowers

Think about what season you are in and pull from what is growing at that time.  Lilacs are my favorite flowers and I love to fill vases of them in the spring all over the house for their soft color and lush scent.

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Mason Jar Vase and Lilacs by Country Living 

If you have a large group, it’s fun to have flowers run down the entire table so that everyone gets to enjoy them like I did last summer for a large family gathering in the photo below.  I worked with Cindy at The Wild Bunch in Kilmarnock, VA.  She does amazing work.

If you do not have a garden or yard to pull from, visit your local market or grocery store.  When in Boston, I love what Trader Joe’s keeps in store year round and look for groupings of one type of flower to mix and match colors as opposed to the prearranged bouquets.  Another favorite – peonies…

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Peonies / Photo by Amber Lilyestrom

When creating your own arrangements, you must strip the stems of all leaves for the part that will be below the water line.  This slows up any bacteria growth and keeps the water clean longer.  I like the flowers to be cut shorter in the vase, so that the flowers are poised just above the top of the vase and often tie the vase or jar with twine or a ribbon.  Cut each flower individually to fit your vase in order to have various heights and place them loosely for the look you want.

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Flowers by The Wild Bunch

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Carrie Allen created this site as a way for people to share stories about things they love.  She loves chasing quiet, authentic moments and sharing them with her family and friends.  Read more about her inspiration here. 

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Erika Riddington – Stone Cold December

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“Each year as December approaches,
And Earth turns gray, stone cold,
Summer green lush is faded
And russet–brown overtakes gold,
I’m not perplexed or longing
for that chroma, or sweet fruit that has been,
But I do still revel in the fresh and beauteous.
I do not wish to give up
the lavish gathering in.”
-Anonymous

I live for a good walk.
As stone cold December approaches,
Thanksgiving weekend with family is particularly special.

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I go with delight at being together with the beloved people I rarely see.
I go to thoroughly enjoy simply breathing the fresh air and moving through space.

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Farm in Amherst, MA.

 
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I also go with a an eye for treasures to bring the freshness of outside in for the winter.

Gems stand out…
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The treasures found? An abandoned wasp’s nest for the classroom, some bright winterberry from the marshy farm’s edge, emerald moss for an advent garden, fragrant boughs of balsam for the holiday house, a bird’s feather for no purpose at all.

These artifacts find a place in our home and become part of our celebrations.

Through our sometimes too hurried and harried daily existence, the fresh pieces from the natural world are reminders of a flow beyond and help keep us connected to the larger Life.

Erika Riddington is a relatively new middle school science teacher, (former landscape architect), currently raising a family with her husband in Arlington, Massachusetts.

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