It wasn’t until my kids started going to college and getting married that I understood how much it means to my own parents to have all of their kids in at once.  You really don’t think about those times when you’re living the everyday chaos of raising four kids, until one day you wake up and the house is just a little quieter and your schedule is just a little emptier.

It happens so fast!

Audley turned 46 while Madeline and I were in Cuba last month, so I wanted to make it up to him with a fun dinner celebrating him!  I found a weekend all the kiddos were actually free at the same time (really difficult when we’re spilt between three states), and planned a dinner party for us to all enjoy!

Since we were celebrating Audley, I didn’t want him to have to man the grill and cook his own birthday dinner, so I put together a simple and lovely menu consisting of his home cooked favorites:

Pork Roast cooked in cast iron (Click here for the recipe with picutres or print Comfort Food – our Favorite Pork Roast here)

Potatoes & Carrots

Corn on the Cob

Crisp salad filled with farmers market fresh veggies

Sister Schubert’s Dinner Rolls

And of course a yummy birthday cake from Kroger bakery (picked out by the 20 year old child)

I wanted to set a pretty table, but how do you do that for a man without being too frilly?  It took just a little thought, but was totally doable!

I layered my table linens, using a white tablecloth for the base, then topped it with a denim table runner.

After scouting the floral section at Publix, I found several bouquets with day lilies, sunflowers and really fluffy greenery (I have no idea whats it’s called) that looked pretty, yet not overly feminine.

I cut the flowers down and used stemless wine glasses for vases.

When doing centerpieces, while the large ones are beautiful, it is important to remember that you need a line of vision for your guests to promote easy conversation.

These short arrangements really worked well for creating a line of vision while still looking pretty.

I also used small galvanized pots of succulents, wooden platters, and a rustic lantern to round out the table decor.

The yellows, greens and denim all looked so lovely together.

To finish off the look I set the table with our simple white wedding china and antique glassware that belonged to Audley’s grandparents.

While Bradley generally doesn’t pay attention to the little things, my girls loved the set table.  They all live such hectic and busy lives with school and work, it was so nice just to sit down and enjoy the food, conversation and uninterrupted family time.

I have always tried to set special tables for the family as our kiddos were growing up for holidays and birthdays and any other special day I could conjour up. It’s nice to know that it was appreciated and something they now look forward to when they come home!

And while they enjoy being treated special, I’ll savor the few weekends we can manage to have them all together at once!

Have a wonderful weekend!