Author: Pam

Planning a church adult dinner doesn’t have to be super-stressful. We are here to help.

My daughter and her husband were asked to plan dinners and activities for their church congregation. The original date for an adult dinner in December was postponed because a special guest came into town to visit.

Along with the new post-holiday date, the decor and menu were changed. Here are some of the ideas and recipes we used to entertain about 70 guests, and 5 take-outs in late January (we were told to plan for 80.) My Christmas book will contain full shopping lists, recipes and decor information.

GET READY

Pick a theme. My daughter wanted a late January Valentine’s Day dinner but her bishop vetoed that because he didn’t want single adults to skip attending. We thought about winter wonderland (hence the snowflakes) but decided to focus on a French country theme. The hand-cut snowflakes were so cute, they were invited to grace the walls anyway.

Reserve the site. Spend time at the venue to find out what is available in the kitchen: refrigerator space ( you may need a cooler or two with ice), stove for re-heating dishes. Serving pieces, including spoons, platters, large salad bowls, etc. Salt and pepper shakers, pitchers, tables, towels and dish soap. Learn who to contact to let you into the building to set up, how to access the dumpsters if they are locked and who will lock up the building afterwards.

Determine whether you will need a P.A. system, microphone and speakers. Check the lighting; you may want to create a relaxing low-light environment. Will there be entertainment or an activity? Her group wanted to visit after dinner, but she thought a Bingo game would be a fun way to make sure everyone was engaged.

Gather decor and supplies. A couple of trips to Hobby Lobby and Michael’s for reduced-price Christmas lanterns and into nature to clip some beautiful eucalyptus and rosemary along with a few items from Amazon provided economical, stylish rustic decor.

Choose a menu and ask for volunteers. We decided to do an artisan bread and natural look – – like a beautiful country wedding. A sign-up sheet for bread making and facility set-up was passed around. The menu included:

Smoked beef brisket

Parmesan Potatoes

Million Dollar Salad

Roasted Garlic Asparagus

Handmade artisan breads with butter

Soft-serve ice cream bar with chocolate chip cookies and brownie bites

Filtered spring water in swing-top glass bottles, iced glasses with lemon slices and Martinelli’s sparkling cider (don’t forget bottle openers.)

Using artisan breads, vegetables, grapes, lemons and kale meant that much of the decor could be reused and eaten to reduce waste. We used a new canvas drop cloth for a rustic, textured tablecloth for the buffet table. My daughter’s dried orange and lemon slices added color and contrast. A friend loaned 5 chafing dishes: 4 half-steamer pan sized and one full-sized.

The long 8′ dining tables were chosen so the guests would be able to visit with more neighbors including those across the table, than large round tables allow. The long tables were covered with brown kraft butcher paper; textured moss green gauze scarves were run down the center of each table. On these were placed eucalyptus sprigs, rosemary and dried fruit slices. Each table of 8 seats had a swing-top bottle of water and 2 bottles of sparkling cider to add to the Euro country feel.

The day of the dinner, the breads began to be delivered to my daughter’s house. We wrapped some in cellophane and brown paper for Bingo prizes, which would also include beauty services from ward members and the lanterns – each winner could choose. She gave out 4 loaves of artisan bread, 2 gift certificates and 4 lanterns.

THE BUFFET SERVICE

When setting up a buffet, place the side dishes first, then serve the more expensive entree last. The order of this buffet was: salad, potatoes, asparagus and brisket. The drinks and bread were on the dining tables and the desserts were in another area at a separate table.

Here are the recipes for the Million Dollar Salad and Parmesan Potatoes

Million Dollar Salad (we made 3 of these for 75 servings)

This recipe came from my friends in Newport Beach, CA. These ladies know how to cook!

In a large mixing bowl, toss

1 lb. Spring Greens lettuce mix

1 1/2 C dried cranberries

1 1/2 C praline pecans (chopped)

1 1/2 C crumbled feta cheese

1/4 – 1/2 C diced red onion

Just before serving, add

1 bottle Girard’s Champagne salad dressing

Make a salad as needed to refill the salad serving bowl, don’t make all of the salads ahead of time, the greens will wilt if dressed ahead.

PARMESAN SCALLOPED POTATOES

The Parmesan Potato recipe is from a YouTube video ( the link is above). We chose this one because it contained about the same ingredients as my daughters’ favorite garlic mashed potatoes that she originally wanted to serve. The ladies who were helping make the potatoes for the buffet kept asking if she planned to serve gravy, which she didn’t want to do; so we switched to a baked potato dish instead. Since we were giving several people the ingredients to cook and bring to the church ready to serve, we altered it so it could be baked in disposable half-steamer pans that would fit in the chafing dishes . This recipe will feed about 20 people, we used 4 recipes of this.

Place a disposable 10″ x 12″ half steamer pan on a baking sheet. Use 2 pans if you want it to bake faster. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare

5 lbs. thin-skinned potatoes, washed and thinly sliced and divided into 4 portions

3 cloves garlic, crushed, divided into 4 portions

Place one fourth of the potatoes (overlapping) in the pan to cover the bottom, you will have 4 layers when finished. Over the first layer, sprinkle 1/4 of the crushed garlic

salt and pepper

a light sprinkling of dried thyme and nutmeg

Repeat with the next layer of potatoes and spices, repeat until the 4 layers are in the pan. Pour over

3 C heavy whipping cream

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Uncover the potatoes and allow the cream to reduce by baking another 15 – 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and cream thickened. Sprinkle over 4-5 oz. grated Parmesan cheese and return to the oven. Broil on low until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Sprinkle a little nutmeg over the cheese.

It was a delightful evening. The beautiful decor put the guests at ease. The delicious foods made everyone happy and the raucous Bingo game was fun. The MC was a charming and witty man who kept the evening lively with his cool music and funny banter. The disposable dishes and tablecloth meant cleanup was quick and easy. It was a successful and fun event. What are you planning this season?

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Day!

Dr. King was a pastor and warrior for equal justice and rights under the law. We honor his work and legacy in fighting for freedom and the equal protection that all Americans are granted under the U.S. Constitution, especially the Thirteenth Amendment.

This is America, the Land of the Free, where all citizens are declared equal and all have the opportunity to make their dreams and wishes come true through hard work and diligence.

One of my favorite Hollywood treatments of the Equal Rights Movement of the 1960s is Hidden Figures, which is currently available to stream on Disney+. Suitable for all ages, it is an personable look at the women of color who worked for NASA and helped the U.S.A. achieve the goal of putting astronaut Alan Shepard in space and eventually on the moon and back safely.

When our son was living in Selma, Alabama as an LDS missionary, his father and I watched the movie Selma. It was a difficult movie to watch, it depicted troubling times. Suitable for parents, I would screen it before showing it to youth.

On this day we honor the Americans who have worked and sacrificed to provide a land of freedom and opportunity for all. We at McMurtry Creative Media also thank the military and law enforcement officers who, through their sacrifices, provide the safety that affords us opportunities to pursue the American Dream.

From the U. S. Department of Justice: “In February 2017, just weeks after taking office, President Trump issued an executive order – the “Back the Blue” order – that directed the Department of Justice to enhance the protection and safety of our law enforcement.

This is a high priority and critical mission for us. Law enforcement is a noble profession and one that demands respect. Police officers are the thin blue line that stands between law-abiding people and criminals, between order and lawlessness. They protect our communities, and by enforcing our laws, they enable those communities to flourish. I believe it is one of the highest callings of my job as United States Attorney to call attention to the successes of law enforcement and to encourage our fellow citizens to support police officers in their difficult and dangerous work.”

To those Americans who take our freedom and opportunities seriously, we add our voice and prayers of gratitude for all who are trying to make our world a better place.

A new year brimming with possibilities has dawned. When contemplating the panorama of all of the wonder we can imagine for the coming year, I encourage us all to keep working to make the world a better place.

For one child.

For one family.

For one community.

For one nation.

We can start where we are and build, letting the ripples of our positive thoughts and deeds spread and grow happiness.

Remember to be grateful.

Remember the sacrifices of those who went before us.

Remember to keep looking up. Our Creator loves us and has glorious plans for our future.

Remember you are loved and valued.

Happy New Year!

P.S. The better half of McMurtry Creative Media reminded me that Saturday is Epiphany and maybe then we can put my favorite Christmas decor away. Maybe…

A Nativity painting by American artist N.C. Wyeth

Our wish for you this Christmas season is that of peace, prosperity, good health and joy. Thank you for sharing the season with us and we sincerely hope you find spiritual enlightenment, creativity, fulfillment and little ways to increase your happiness.

Our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared this video about the birth of Christ, we hope you will take a few minutes and remember His beautiful life and that He is the Reason for the Season.

Best wishes!

Newell and Pam McMurtry

All finished! This fun guide to homemade treats and treasures is finally wrapped up. Here are a few of the adorable projects you will find inside:

Easy decorating and entertaining ideas.

A Christmas quiet book for your favorite busy little person.

Wool felt advent stockings to count down the days.

Treats and sweets to celebrate the birth of the Savior.

Little gifties for your favorite people.

Heritage gifts that highlight family history in fun and creative ways.

Stories and media to enrich your family’s enjoyment of Christmas.

Creative table settings for memorable meals.

Handmade crafts and gifts from the heart.

Decorating ideas to help us remember the Reason for the Season.

From our home to yours – warmest wishes for your merriest Christmas ever!

Other books in the artisan series:

A Harvest and Halloween Handbook 2nd Edition a book of fun and alternative activities, recipes and parties to create your happiest autumn and Halloween ever.

A Mermade’s Tale: The Adventures of Shell and Pearl , a quiet chapter book filled with stories of the lives of mermaid children, crafts and creative fun.

Christmas comes to Missouri. McMurtry Creative Media has relocated to the beautiful state of Missouri; it is home and we are grateful. Almost settled in, we are preparing to celebrate our favorite holiday – Christmas. A Christmas Handicraft Handbook: Thinking of You is well under way and nearly complete. Filled with sweet and special ideas for gift-giving, decorating, entertaining family and friends and focusing on the Savior, it has been a joy to work on these many years. A few new additions to the manuscript and illustrations this year include this beautiful print purchased at Hobby Lobby.

Old World in style, I love the tender rendering and focus on the Babe of Bethlehem. Christmas is a holiday celebrated by over 2 billion people worldwide. As we celebrate the precious gift of God’s Son let us remember why He came and how we can follow Him.

Ancient Israel celebrated the Feast of the Tabernacles for a week every fall. Many scholars believe that America’s Thanksgiving evolved from this holiday. Today the Feast of the Tabernacles or Sukkot, is observed by many Jewish people with rituals that include the building of a Sukkah and living in it, or at least having dinner in it for a week during Sukkot.

The celebration of blessings of the harvest has been a tradition for many cultures. Learn more about the ancient and modern practices and ways Christians can enjoy the festivities of the harvest without the dark pagan traditions that have wormed their way in over the centuries.

A Harvest and Halloween Handbook 2 shares party plans, decor, recipes, costume ideas and everything you need to have your happiest Halloween ever!

Here are a few favorites:

All this and more!

Download your A Harvest and Halloween Handbook 2 today!

Kiddos learn best when they are having fun and here’s a way to learn and beat the summer heat with these entertaining and educational Pioneer Day activities.

The settling of the West in America in the 19th Century was an exhausting, daunting task. My ancestors were among thousands of pioneers who braved the elements, hostile animals, and other difficulties to carve out communities in the West.

Last summer I created Pioneer kits with supplies and instructions for celebrating the hardy souls who settled the West. This year, I collected all of the instructions, patterns and recipes and put them in a digital kit to help you make the best Pioneer Day activity for your family, neighborhood, church group, reunion or anyone who wants to honor our intrepid forebearers.

There’s a pattern for stick horses to race to put out wildfires and bag buffaloes, games to show off skills and round up dogies, plus over a dozen activities that teach children about taming the wilderness with fun for all ages and recipes that are popular for Western celebrations.

Join the westward migration with your own DIY celebration!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1507290194/pioneer-day-activity-kit-for-children?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pioneer+day+kit&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1

This instant digital download is available on Etsy, get yours today!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1507290194/pioneer-day-activity-kit-for-children?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pioneer+day&ref=sr_gallery-1-12&organic_search_click=1&epik=dj0yJnU9ckVtd1lyZ21QVG1MNlpsRThweTJLOGY5TWE4YVM2SHUmcD0wJm49aWYwWFlpay1IZnBpQTZORmlDeXFQdyZ0PUFBQUFBR1N1UGx3

Keep your children close and teach them about those that came before.

Some of the Best of the West:

The Transcontinental Railroad joins the East and West coasts at promontory Point.

Exactly 100 years before America put a man on the moon, the Transcontinental Railroad traverses North America, creating faster travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Western cowboys show off their mad skills at rodeos. After the Civil War, the western expansion put many veterans to work as cowboys.

150 years later, the tradition lives on in competitions across the West. This rodeo at Kamas, Utah was very entertaining!

A Pioneer Era window from a chapel in Salt Lake City. Though the road to freedom of worship was long and hard, the devotion of early Latter-day Saints was exhibited in their artistry that made places of worship, places of beauty too.

Happy Pioneer Day and thank you to our early forbearers that sacrificed to create Zion in the wilderness and make America great.

Happy Pioneer Day!

During our recent trip to Missouri, we made a visit to Adam-Ondi-Ahman where ancient and modern scriptures say Adam, the first man, three years prior to his death gathered his righteous posterity in this valley to pronounce a blessing upon them. He also prophesied about the Messiah Jesus Christ and about the future of mankind.

In that sacred and silent place, I thought about our first parents Adam and Eve and their time in mortality. The Tree of Life, the cherubim and flaming sword placed there to guard it and keep man from partaking of the fruit and living forever in their sins. The need for a Savior to redeem us.

The valley is configured in a natural amphitheater that allows sound to travel across the area, allowing a large group to hear a speaker.

I thought about Eve and wondered what she endured to bear children and teach them righteousness and then to lose Cain and Abel. How she must have labored with Adam to provide shelter, food, clothing and the necessities of life. How she must have marveled at the children she bore and nursed and nurtured. What a wonderful woman she must have been to be entrusted with the establishment of the human race. And that through her, we are all related. Happy Mother’s Day Eve and all of her beautiful daughters.

As many of my readers are aware, my own Mother passed away last year, the day before Easter. Without Mom to fuss over, Mother’s Day is difficult. I wrote this poem years ago, thinking of my Mom, Grandmas, aunts, friends and others who have enriched my life. I’m sharing it again to remind all of us of the love, work and time that go into rearing children, supporting our husbands and building church and community.

To Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, friend and precious women

Who give life,

nurture and give joy.

Who bled and fed and hid Easter eggs,

and wrapped gifts and dyed Halloween costumes.

Who took me to the zoo

and Disneyland,

and grew pumpkins,

and taught me to play chess

and feed my babies.

Who taught me to write thank you notes

And have good manners

and remember birthdays

and ancestors (and love them). And gave me crayons

and dolls

and retainers

and fishnet nylons

and a radio to take to the beach.

Who took me to visit my grandparents

and on road trips

and swimming

and had a barbecue.

Who taught me to pray

and love

and find joy

and set a beautiful table.

And to watch out for little ones,

and spell correctly,

and feed stray kittens,

and read books.

And to try,

and fail,

and try again.

Who found our great grandfathers were kings

and great grandmothers were queens.

Who took pictures,

and listened as I learned to read,

and filled a piñata.

And eat Thanksgiving at the beach like Pilgrims,

and go on bike rides,

and read Luke on Christmas Eve,

and sing carols,

and find treats in my stocking.

To share with those in need,

and love art and beauty,

and wear bows in my hair

and shoes that fit,

and remember God and go to church.

Who sewed clothes,

and prayed for soldiers,

and firemen,

and missionaries, and me.

Who baked cakes

and arranged flowers,

and made 20,000 meals,

and made me brush my teeth.

And bought sugar sticks,

and made drawings,

and bread,

and Beef Stroganoff.

And soothed wounded hearts,

and took us to movies,

and to the woods,

and the sea.

And played

and prayed

and gave time

and love

and life.

Thank you.