Hello, my name is Chris. I’m the Director of Creative Media here at Sarreid Ltd. We’re starting a new segment here on the blog (as you’ve undoubtedly noticed, (duh!) called Chris’ Corner. It all began because I write internal documents to our constituents that seem to entertain. I’ll make you exactly two promises in this Corner. One, I don’t know furniture the way that I’m sure 100% of you reading this article do, and over the coming months, that will become indubitably obvious. And two, that you will find these articles light-hearted, sometimes humorous, sometimes informative, sometimes emotional, sometimes trivial, sometimes personal, and almost always an irreverent break from the industry norm. With that said, I cordially and humbly invite you into Chris’ Corner!
The first day of August was National Respect for Parents Day which recognizes the leadership roles parents play in not only a child’s life but also in our communities. Because of this, and the fact that “Gathering Season” is almost among us, I’m going to honor my parents, and their parents, with a little story and reminiscing from both my childhood and this past Sunday…
Sunday Dinners in the South
Imagine a porch filled with rocking chairs and people sitting in those rockers with dogs laying at the feet of those around them, screened doors pulled open and slamming shut as kids dash out to play tag with one another, glasses with perspired edges filled with ice cold sweet tea, incredible smells coming from the kitchen, siblings pulling out multiple card tables, and setting up extra seating because there’s not enough room at the family dining table. And mom swatting at Dad’s hand to stop picking at the food before the guests all arrive. It’s almost time for Sunday dinner.
This scene is depicted in millions of movies and actually lived out in hundreds of thousands of homes and farms every weekend, so there must be something intriguing about Sunday dinner in the South! If you’re not familiar, you’re probably thinking that this meal takes place in the evening since it is called dinner but down here, it’s actually the midday meal or lunch. It’s the main meal, meaning the heartiest, for us Southerners and yes, we call a Sunday lunch, “dinner.” Sunday supper would be the evening meal, and it’s almost always leftovers from dinner. And now that we have the terminology cleared up, let’s get back to our Sunday dinner.
Sunday dinner takes place somewhere between noon and 4 pm, the later the start, the longer the sermon must have been. I’m serious! Faith is a huge part of the culture in the South and impacts much of the weekly planning and activities.
As time goes on, many grown children move away from their parents and immediate family and live far enough away that they aren’t able to come over for this sacred Sunday meal. Sunday dinner now might look more like a chosen family, a group of those you’re doing life within your community, but not necessarily a true-blood family gathering.
The beauty of eating together on a Sunday is that typically there are fewer demands on the day than other days of the week. The allowance for a little chat time while your food digests, or taking in a piece of pie and coffee, are oftentimes the moments of connection that can be the most meaningful in getting to know others. Somehow our guard is let down a little at mealtime. No matter who you’re with, there is a bond that happens when you break bread with others. To take full advantage of that experience, don’t rush it. Europeans understand this far better than we Americans.
So, what’s for dinner?
It starts by either gathering from your farming neighbors, or visiting your local Farmer’s Market on Saturday for the freshest ingredients you can find. For the main entrée, you’re likely to see fried chicken, roast, chicken, and dumplings, ham, chicken pot pie, meatloaf or brisket. The main dish may be selected simply based on how much time the host is going to have to prepare in advance or between church and dinnertime. Crockpots are very helpful for situations like this! If you notice the ladies quietly slipping out the back door during the Benediction – you now know why.
Typically, you will see at least one potato dish as a side, if not a couple. Examples include mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, potatoes cooked with the roast, potato salad, or sweet potato casserole. Depending on the season – you could see corn, tomatoes, field peas, butterbeans, cucumbers in vinegar, squash, peppers, okra,(or all of the above) in the summer. In the fall and winter, you could enjoy squash casserole and collard greens. Thankfully, deviled eggs are likely to be on the table year-round!
For dessert expect pie! Apple pie, chess pie, pecan pie, buttermilk pie, or in the thick of summer possibly a cobbler, such as peach, blueberry, or blackberry are all likely to show up at Sunday dinner. I am not ashamed to say that I am a regular at using already-prepared (store-bought) piecrusts. Making a pie crust from scratch is a wonderful touch but that definitely requires Saturday preparation.
Be prepared for someone to say grace before the meal. The head of the household usually shares a simple blessing or prayer of thanksgiving over the food.
What a great time this is to expose the family to social skills and table etiquette. Hopefully, you’re blessed to be around family and friends that represent multiple generations. It’s so good to stretch ourselves to make conversation with those that are much younger and older than us! Speaking of Thanksgiving, that spread that most people recognize as a Thanksgiving Meal, is typical of Southern Sunday Dinner, and it happens every weekend. Also, if you aren’t grunting, belt-loosening, deep breathing miserable after partaking of this meal – you did it wrong.
This is how I remember growing up, and what my wife and I did this very weekend. Sadly, for us, it’s not an every Sunday event like it used to be – and gosh do I miss it. There’s a really good book called Sunday Dinner in the South – Recipes to Keep Them Coming Back for More by Tammy Algood, that tells stories of southern pastors who have enjoyed the hospitality of parishioners for generations. Check it out if this is a topic that intrigues you or if you love the art of Southern storytelling.
One final note that might be obvious to you but is worth repeating…if you are invited over for Sunday dinner, please ask your host what you can bring, and if she says oh nothing honey’ then you should still bring something. Bring an appetizer like pimiento cheese with crackers, a dessert like strawberry pretzel salad or if you prefer not to cook, then bring a gift for the host to enjoy in her own time like a candle or bottle of wine.
Okay, so now you know. And maybe, just maybe it’s time to put away those card tables and opt for one of our expanding tables that comfortably seat the 2-4 of you in the house during the week, but expand to seat all your expanded family (related or not) for that oh-so-sacred Sunday Dinner. Just a thought….
Here’s to your next Sunday dinner, enjoy y’all!
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