Dinner Party in the Woods

Originally published February 14, 2012

family at a long table set up outside in the woods. A holiday meal with steak, sides and pineapple-upside down cake.

Grant, my son, has a Winnie-the-Pooh book in which all the characters decide they want to have a dinner party in the woods. It always makes me miss home. Over Christmas (2011) we had amazing weather in Oklahoma, so we decided to have Christmas lunch outside surrounded by trees. It was so beautiful and exciting to try something new.

sweet potatos
roasted brussel sprouts
lady wearing glasses holding up a steak
mac n' cheese
fried coconut shrimp

We had a feast. Everyone chipped in which made the preparations easy. Trevor, my brother figured out what we were going to use for the table. Mom washed and gathered all the “good dishes.” Jeani, my twin sister and I helped prepare the side dishes. Elizabeth, my sister-in-law made her famous coconut shrimp plus a pineapple upside-down cake. Last but not least, Dad grilled the steaks. It was a family affair and a very memorable one at that!  

A large family sitting around and eating at a long table in the woods. The table is set and covered with dishes of food.
man and woman stitting at dinner party table taking a selfie
Father with adult son and daughter-in-law enjoying dinner in the woods at a nicely set table.

There are few things I love on this planet more than being outside, a plate of dessert, a warm cup of coffee, and good company to enjoy it with. The way the coffee cup sounds when it clinks the saucer is one of my favorite sounds.  

pinapple upside-down cake with coffee in a cup and saucer

To top it all off we had a tea party using the matching children’s dishes from when Jeani and I were little. Afterward, the kids played in the leaves. We just might have started a tradition.

Little boy playing tea party in the woods
Tea party with adults and children at a kid size table in the woods

“The friends lingered long into the soft light of evening, It had been such a wonderful day — such a surprising and useful sort of day — that no one wanted it to end.”

– Winnie the Pooh, Somebody’s Treasure

kids playing in leaves

Bonus: I’ve been on the hunt for a good Thanksgiving playlist that didn’t include Christmas music. I found it, a jazzy mix to enjoy on Turkey Day.

Have you ever been to a dinner party hosted outside?

You may also like Our Spring Traditions or Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving.

If you purchase from a link on this blog a small percentage of the sale may come back to me. You are never charged more for the product. It’s a way to keep this site going and I’m very selective about the things I list. It’s mostly things we already own and love or things I think you would enjoy. Thank you for reading it means so much to me!

Posted on 11/26/2019 by . This entry was posted in Create and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.

6 thoughts on “Dinner Party in the Woods”

  1. Pingback: Team Thanksgiving! - Explore and Thrive
  2. Pingback: Lots of Stocking Stuffer Toy Ideas for Kids - Explore and Thrive
  3. Pingback: Have You Ever Hosted Thanksgiving? | Explore and Thrive

  5. Nice!
    Was this down on the Farm? It looks like it.
    Nice to see all your immediate family together for such a fun time.
    Are You sure that was Steak, or Squirrel?
    Looks like J.R. got the high side of the table…
    I am sure you guys had a rousing game of Farkle after dinner too!
    Too much fun!

    1. Yes, it was on the farm. Who knew we would sell that place a few years later. So glad we took the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors together. Funny thing is that dad did teach me how to skin a squirrel but thankfully I’ve never had to use the skill, at least not yet! I miss you guys. Got any special Christmas plans you’re looking forward to?

Comments are closed.