Gather ‘Round the Table: Finding Grace in the Simple Moments

Setting the Scene for the Season

Whether the holidays bring peace and joy or feel a bit overwhelming, this is the perfect time to slow down and be intentional about caring for yourself. The season often comes with long days, cooler weather, little sleep, and extra stress, so giving your body and mind a little extra support can make all the difference. Don’t wait until you’re feeling run down—start now and stay consistent. Your body will thank you later.

Essential oils are one of my favorite tools for supporting both wellness and atmosphere. They can help create a calm environment, offer natural ways to freshen and clean your home, and fill your space with comforting scents that feel like the holidays themselves. Instead of reaching for synthetic sprays or plug-ins, consider trying natural alternatives that uplift and purify the air.

The Heart of Gathering

The table has always been a symbol of belonging. Whether it’s a dining room dressed for the holidays or a simple kitchen nook with mismatched mugs, the act of gathering draws us back to what truly matters. It reminds us that we were made for connection — not just with others, but with the quiet joy that comes from presence.

Life moves fast. The world around us often values productivity over pause, and noise over nourishment. But when we take time to prepare a space — even a humble one — with intention and warmth, it becomes an offering. The clinking of dishes, the soft glow of a diffuser, the hum of conversation — each one becomes part of a beautiful symphony that grounds us again in gratitude.

Creating Atmosphere with Intention

As the holidays draw near, preparing your home becomes about more than just decorations and guest lists—it’s about creating an atmosphere that feels warm, welcoming, and safe for everyone who walks through your door.

While it might be tempting to reach for those store-bought sprays and plug-ins that promise “fresh holiday scents,” most of them are filled with synthetic fragrances and chemicals you don’t want floating around in your air. The same goes for many common household cleaners—they often contain ingredients that can do more harm than good.

So what can you use instead? A few simple tools make all the difference: a diffuser, high-quality essential oils, a spray bottle, and (my personal favorite) a bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner. That’s all you need to transform your home naturally.

Diffusing essential oils releases their pure, aromatic vapors into the air, letting you breathe in their uplifting and purifying benefits. I love using cool mist ultrasonic diffusers because they gently disperse oils without heat—preserving their powerful properties and filling your space with goodness instead of toxins.

The beauty of diffusing is that it does so much more than make your home smell wonderful. It helps purify the air, supports emotional balance, and can even uplift your mood. Our sense of smell is closely tied to the limbic system—the part of the brain that processes emotions and memories. That’s why certain scents can instantly transport you to a joyful moment or bring a sense of calm after a long day.

During the holidays, I love blending scents like orange, vanilla, peppermint, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pine. All of these scents capture a little piece of the season—warm, bright, cozy, and full of joy.

I like using these blends to make an easy DIY Room Spray. Just grab a small 2 oz. spray bottle, add distilled water, a splash of witch hazel, and your chosen essential oils. Shake gently and spritz throughout your home whenever you want a quick refresh.

Get creative with it—mix and match scents until you find the ones that make your space feel like you.

Decorating Your Space

Now for the fun part — decorating! And yes, essential oils can play a role here too. If you can gather some pine cones, here’s a simple, fragrant project to bring a little extra warmth into your home:

Cinnamon Pine Cones

If you picked up your pine cones outside, soak them in water for about an hour. You can even add a splash of natural cleaner to the water if you like.
Lay them on a foil-lined baking sheet and pop them into a 200º oven for about 30 minutes. This helps them open up beautifully.
Once cooled, place them in a zip-top bag and add about 30 drops of cinnamon essential oil. I recommend Cinnamon Bark and Clove for an incredible aroma.
Seal the bag and let them sit for 1–2 weeks. Then place them in your favorite decorative bowl and enjoy that cozy holiday scent wafting through your space!

Festive Bottle Word Art

Save a few empty glass bottles — sparkling water, olive oil, or any shape you like will do. Give them a new life with a little creativity!

Spray paint them in holiday colors like red, white, or green, or wrap them in yarn or twine for a softer, handmade look. Add letters to spell words like JOY, PEACE, or NOEL using paint, stencils, buttons, lace, or rhinestones. Tuck in sprigs of greenery, twigs, or holly berries, and you’ve got an eye-catching centerpiece or mantle decoration that’s uniquely yours.

Bottle Santas

Take those same bottles and turn them into adorable holiday Santas! Paint or wrap the body in red yarn, add a “belt” of black ribbon or velvet around the middle, and finish it with a shiny gem or rhinestone “buckle.” Add a few small buttons above and below for a festive finishing touch.

Adorning the Table

Ah, now we get to my favorite part — the food! Holiday dishes are pure comfort, rich with flavor and full of memories. There’s something so special about the recipes that show up year after year — the ones that make the whole house smell like tradition.

Here’s a fun twist: did you know you can cook with essential oils? I use a "vitality" oil that was created specifically for internal use. These oils are generally regarded as safe to consume. They are very potent and will sometimes only require a “toothpick swirl” ! That means all you need to do is dip a clean toothpick into the bottle, then stir it into your recipe or drink. A little goes a long way.

Here are two simple, crowd-pleasing recipes that bring warmth and cheer to any holiday table.

Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing

A fresh, zesty dip that pairs perfectly with a colorful veggie tray.

Ingredients:

¾ cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, finely minced
¼ medium onion, diced
2 Tbsp. fresh minced chives
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
¼–½ cup buttermilk
1 tsp. salt
3 drops Lemon Vitality
1 drop Parsley Vitality
1 drop Black Pepper Vitality

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake until blended. For an extra-smooth texture, pulse in a blender or food processor. Refrigerate for at least two hours to let the flavors mingle.

One-Skillet Pork & Apples

A sweet-meets-savory favorite that tastes like fall in every bite.

Ingredients:

2 lb. pork tenderloin
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 Tbsp. olive oil
½ cup organic brown sugar
3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 Tbsp. apple juice
2 medium apples, sliced into wedges
6 drops cinnamon vitality oil
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions:
Season pork with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, mustard, garlic, and apple juice, then rub this mixture over the pork. Cook, turning every few minutes to brown all sides. After about 10 minutes, add the apples and cinnamon vitality oil, cooking until the apples are tender and the pork is cooked through. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Round out your table with a crisp garden salad featuring dark leafy greens and some roasted potatoes on the side. 🥗 Your guests will feel right at home — and you’ll have a table that looks (and smells) as inviting as it tastes.

Keeping the Kids Busy

Whether you’re trying to sneak in some gift wrapping time or enjoy a quiet glass of wine with the adults, these next recipes will help keep little hands busy and hearts happy. Not only are they fun, they’ll fill your home with cozy holiday scents too!

Scented Shaping Clay

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
½ cup salt
1½ cups boiling water
10–20 drops essential oil of choice
Food coloring (optional)

Directions:
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, then mix in the coconut oil. Slowly add the boiling water while stirring until it forms a dough. Let it cool slightly, then add your essential oils and food coloring. (It may take a little extra mixing to blend the color evenly.) Once it’s cool enough to handle, it’s ready for play!

If the dough starts to dry out, simply knead in a bit more coconut oil. For an extra touch of fun, toss in small holiday trinkets or colorful gems for the kids to discover as they shape and mold—it’s the perfect way to spark imagination and creativity.

DIY Diffuser Ornaments

You’ll Need:

Terra-cotta air-dry clay
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cup of water
Cookie cutters
Wooden spoon or clay stamps
Small paintbrush
Decorations (paint, glitter, buttons, etc.)
Ribbon, twine, or decorative string

Directions:
Lay out a piece of parchment paper and place a ball of clay on top. Roll it out to about ⅓ inch thick. Cut out shapes using your cookie cutters and transfer them to a clean, dry surface.

Lightly dab the surface with a damp paper towel to smooth any rough edges. Use the handle end of a wooden spoon to press gentle “pockets” into the clay—these will hold your essential oils later. Poke a small hole at the top with a paintbrush handle, decorate as you like, and let the ornaments air dry for at least 48 hours. Once dry, thread ribbon or twine through the hole, add a drop or two of essential oil to the pocket, and hang them on the tree for a lovely, natural scent.

Quick & Easy Alternative

Short on time? Grab a pack of clear plastic fillable ornaments and let the kids add pom poms, glitter, buttons, or faux snow. These make adorable, heartfelt gifts for grandparents, teachers, or neighbors—and double as sweet keepsakes for years to come.

Treating Your Guests

We’re nearing the end of our class, but I can’t send you off without a few more recipes to make your holiday gathering extra special! Because really—what’s a festive get-together without a comforting drink and a sweet, cozy treat? And yes, your favorite oils can play a delicious role here too!

Cozy Holiday Wassail

6 c apple cider
2 c pineapple juice
5 drops cinnamon vitality oil
5 drops tangerine vitality oil
5 drops clove vitality oil
2 drops ginger vitality oil
2 drops nutmeg vitality oil

Combine everything in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir gently and warm until fragrant. Serve in your favorite festive mugs and enjoy that spicy-citrus aroma that says “holidays are here!”

Now, let’s move on to dessert—something warm, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Blueberry Crisp

Serves 2 (feel free to multiply for a crowd!)

Fruit Filling

6 oz. blueberries or raspberries
1 T sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
3 drops lemon vitality oil
1 tsp almond extract

Crisp Topping

2 T organic brown sugar
2 T all-purpose flour
2 T old-fashioned oats
2 T chopped unsalted almonds
1 drop cinnamon vitality oil
1 T cold unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 350°F. In one bowl, gently mix berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon oil, and almond extract. In another, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, almonds, and cinnamon oil, then cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Divide the fruit mixture into two ramekins and top with the crumble. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the berries are bubbling and the topping turns golden brown. Cool slightly and serve warm—add a little ice cream or whipped cream if you’re feeling festive!

Now that your kitchen smells amazing, let’s talk about the oils behind the flavor:
I only use highest quality essential oils by Young Living. Their Cinnamon Bark Vitality supports a healthy immune system and offers powerful antioxidants. Tangerine Vitality aids digestion and immune health. Clove Vitality is packed with antioxidants and supports general wellness, while Nutmeg Vitality promotes cognitive and immune function. Lemon Vitality provides antioxidant and circulatory support, and Ginger Vitality comforts the digestive system—something we all appreciate around the holidays!

These oils don’t just make your recipes taste and smell wonderful—they support your wellness too. A win-win for body and soul!

Sharing the Love

Food and décor make a home sparkle during the holidays, but the true magic comes from giving — those small, heartfelt gestures that make others feel seen and cared for. This season, share the gift of wellness with simple, homemade creations that show how easy it can be to weave natural living into everyday life.

Here are a few thoughtful, hands-on ideas that your guests will absolutely love (and that double as perfect hostess or teacher gifts too!):

Lushious Lemon Bar Soap
Bright, clean, and cheerful — just like a burst of sunshine!

1 ½ cups shea butter soap base
10 drops lemon oil
Zest of 4 lemons (dried)

Cut the soap base into cubes and melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add your oil and lemon zest, mixing well. Pour into soap molds and let cool completely. Once hardened, gently press the mold to release the bars.

Eucalyptus Bath Tea Bags
Relaxation wrapped in a tiny bundle.

1 cup Epsom salt
½ cup dried roses, lavender, calendula, or chamomile
3–5 drops eucalyptus oil
Organza or muslin tea bags

In a small bowl, mix the salt with essential oil. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the salt mixture into each tea bag, then add a tablespoon of dried flowers. Knot closed and store in a glass jar until gifting. To use: drop into a warm bath or hang under running water for an aromatic soak.

Mistletoe Lip Scrub
Soft, kissable lips for the mistletoe moments.

2 teaspoons organic cane sugar
¾ teaspoon coconut oil
1–2 drops Christmas Spirit oil (Young Living exclusive)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, then spoon into small lidded containers. A quick, natural way to exfoliate and smooth dry winter lips.

Mason Jar Hot Cocoa
A sweet, cozy treat that warms the heart.

6 Tbsp powdered creamer
6 Tbsp cocoa powder
6 Tbsp powdered milk
6 Tbsp powdered sugar
1–2 drops peppermint vitality oil (optional)
Mini chocolate chips
Mini marshmallows

Layer each ingredient in a pint-sized Mason jar for a pretty presentation. Top with chocolate chips and marshmallows, then secure the lid with twine and a little recipe tag.

Directions: Combine the contents in a bowl and store in an airtight container. To enjoy, add ½ cup of mix to a mug, pour in boiling water, and stir well. For a peppermint twist, add a drop or two of the peppermint vitality oil.

Bringing Peace, Purpose, and Pure Scents Home

As the holidays draw near, remember that caring for yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give—to your family, your guests, and your own well-being. Every small step toward a healthier, more natural home makes a difference.

May your table — and your life — be filled with gratitude, warmth, and moments that remind you just how blessed beyond measure you truly are.

In 2015 Sue began again, she started over, and did it all at the ripe old age of 61. She found Jesus, stopped drinking, got married and seriously began focusing on what mattered most. All it took was a decision to clean up her act which is why she considers herself “Blessed Beyond Measure”. Now she is a health and wellness educator of all things natural, looking to share with anyone who wants to make a change in their health and wellness journey. Visit her at suefilling.com.

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