Holidays are all about family and special traditions that keep your favorite memories alive.  My husband and I both come from families who love to play games together.  Some of my best memories are of spending time with my extended family around my grandmother’s table playing dominoes after a big Thanksgiving or Christmas meal!  This love of gathering around the table to spend time together has rubbed off onto my kids who are now 5 and 7 years old!

They jump at the chance to play to a quick game of cards or board game while I’m preparing dinner, waiting on a meal to finish cooking or clearing the table to set up one as soon as our plates are cleared!  😉

This time of year is perfect for staying in, keeping warm around a table full of fun food, and spending quality time with our loved ones.  I know that we are making memories that my kids will remember forever!

{Some of our favorites  that are great for young kids are:  War, Go Fish, Crazy Eights, and Spoons.}

To make our time even more special we always like to have “snacks” while we play!  (Who doesn’t, right!?)

Setting a spread for a quick game or when you are having friends over, should always be a stress-free task.  It’s the time spent together that counts, so think EASY!

I almost always keep a few packs of crackers, a block of cheese and some type of small candy in the house.  Something salty and something sweet…is my motto!

For this upcoming “gaming” season I found some great pieces at West Elm Market.  I love the natural wood, classic elements because you can use them year round!

West Elm makes entertaining a snap by allowing you to shop for all your holiday necessities to help you clean and entertain during the holidays.  You can find an incredible selection of cooking and kitchen products, lighting, housekeeping, bath, furniture and holiday items that will help you create wonderful holiday traditions around the table and in your home!

A quick tip:  Use a few place mats and/or patterned napkins in the center of the table.  It adds texture and an immediate “style factor” to your table! 😉

What are some of the traditions your family loves this time of year!?

~Angela