Growing up, my dad always explained to us that extroverts were people who were energized by being with other people. Introverts? Well, they got energy from having some alone time. He explained this to us because, well, like most families, between the six of us there were some different personalities, different needs…
He always told me I was a flaming extrovert.
And that was true at the time. Definitely.
But as I’ve gotten older, my extroverted-ness (not really a word) has tamed. Now, there’s nothing I love more than spending time with just a few people I really love. I’m not so much into the crowd thing anymore.
So, because I’m crazy about Fall (CUH-RAZY-it’s the best time of the year)-which also means I’m crazy about soup and crockpots, naturally-I decided to have a little celebration of all that is Autumn with some of my favorite girls. Just a few of us. These are the girls who I’ve laughed and cried with through missions, weddings, babies, and just the everyday kind of living that requires a girlfriend. I love them. Probably even more than I love Fall.
This little gathering to celebrate the season I love and the girls I love was super simple. And it’s going to be an annual thing. For sure.
I designed these invitations on PicMonkey, printed them as normal 4×6 prints at Wal-Mart, and then washi taped them. Cute. Easy. Cheap. Three qualities I can appreciate in pretty much anything.
Everyone brought a big ol’ pot of soup to share. This is my grandma’s minestrone recipe.
See those crockpots? That many slow cookers in one room (there were others around the kitchen) makes me happy.
I made some homemade bread (it’s so easy, check out the recipe!) and salads,
and put out PUMPKIN Joe-Joe’s (for the win!) and milk for dessert.
We chatted and ate. And chatted and ate. (And I’m so sad I don’t have a picture of us. But we were kind of busy, chatting and eating, ya know?)
And when it was time to go home, we swapped leftovers. I had prepped pint-sized mason jars with some twine and cardboard-colored tags (find at any craft store or here on Amazon). With a little bit of washi tape and a brown crayon, they say “Thanks!” and “Happy Fall!” and become the perfect little party favor.
So, gather the people you love and the soups you love. I think Trader Joe’s is all sold out of Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s, which is all kinds of disappointing, but not important. (Personal reminder: I will be stocking at least 3 of my closets with Peppermint Joe-Joe’s as soon as they hit the shelves…) And soup swap it out.
Natalie
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Great idea and decorations! I am so impressed with the photography…do you do it yourself? Lastly, I do not know that I have ever tried your family soup but I do love your bread!
Thank you! I do take the pictures-I’m learning a little bit more as time goes by how to use my camera. I’d still love to take a class but learning on my own has been fun too.
What a cute idea!! I love soup. This would be so fun to do as a couples date night!
Thanks! I’m a hug soup fan. I’m going back and forth about how to do it next year. It was so fun with just my girlfriends, but I’ve thought about including families next year but doing it as a date night is a great idea! So many choices, haha. Good thing I have a year to decide…
This is such a fun idea!! My sisters would love it!
Sisters are the best. One of mine was able to come and I’m so glad she was there. Sisters make the best friends!!
This is awesome! I love all the great ideas you’ve got here. The soup looks delicious and the jars are amazing. You went to so much work. I’m totally going to have to try this. The invitations don’t sound to difficult to make either. We love PicMonkey. Excited to use this later!
Thanks so much! I spread the work out over a week or so-so it didn’t feel like too much. PicMonkey is a favorite around here!!