A Nourishing Christmas with Chosen Family
Presence, creativity, and memories that live beyond the camera roll
This Christmas, Plant Powered Collective was expressed not through photos or perfectly curated moments, but through presence, creativity, and nourishment in its fullest sense.
Our founder and integrative nutrition coach, Lori, welcomed twelve guests into her home. Family by blood and family by choice gathered around one table with a shared intention to slow down, connect, and savor the day together. What unfolded was a holiday rooted in abundance and meaning, one so immersive that no photos were taken.
At first, that absence felt disappointing. The table was beautiful. The food was vibrant. The energy in the room was warm and joyful. Like many of us, Lori values capturing moments and sharing beauty. But as the day unfolded, it became clear that something deeper was happening.
She was fully present.
Nourishment on the table
Lori spent the day moving intentionally between the kitchen and the table, serving food that reflected the Plant Powered Collective philosophy that meals can be both deeply nourishing and incredibly satisfying. The menu welcomed all preferences while remaining grounded in plant powered abundance.
Beverages
Flavored waters
Poinsettia punch
Wine
Before the meal
Antipasto crostini
The meal
Vegan lasagna
Classic Italian lasagna with cheese for guests who enjoy dairy
A hearty quinoa salad
Mashed vegan potatoes
Lentil balls with roasted tomato gravy
For guests who choose to eat meat, Lori’s partner, Chris, an omnivore, prepared a beautifully roasted chicken. It was offered alongside the rest of the meal, honoring choice and inclusivity at the table.
As Lori often experiences, the plant powered dishes were by far the most popular. The vegan lasagna, lentil balls, quinoa salad, and sides were the first to disappear, a familiar reminder that when plant based food is prepared with intention and flavor, it naturally becomes the star of the table.
After the meal
Lemon olive oil cake
Apple pie
Pizzelles
Friends brought home-made bread and maple syrup butter, holiday cookies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, hummus and vegetables, and more. It was a meal that celebrated diversity, nutrition, and a bit of indulgence.
Nourishment beyond the plate
In addition to the meal, Lori intentionally created moments for connection through creativity. She believes nourishment also comes from engaging the senses and offering opportunities to slow down and create together.
Guests were invited to a simmer pot bar, where they could build their own custom blends to take home. Dehydrated citrus, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, lavender, ginger, and other seasonal ingredients were laid out, encouraging guests to follow their intuition and create a scent that felt comforting and personal. Each blend became a small ritual to recreate the feeling of the day long after the holiday ended.
There was also an essential oil experience, where guests crafted their own roller ball blends. Each person selected oils that felt grounding and supportive, creating a personalized fragrance they could use daily as a sensory reminder of calm, connection, and intention.
A take-home gift rooted in flavor and intention
As a final gesture of nourishment, each guest was sent home with a holiday gift designed to extend the experience beyond the table. Bottles of fragrant, herb-infused olive oil were prepared in advance, infused with either rosemary and lemon or thyme and orange. These oils were ready to be used immediately, perfect for dipping warm bread, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or finishing a simple meal with flavor and care.
Like everything else that day, the gift was simple, intentional, and meant to be used, not saved. A reminder that nourishment is most powerful when it becomes part of everyday life.
The memory that remains
As the evening came to a close and the house grew quiet, reflection brought clarity. The lack of photos was not a loss. It was a gift.
By staying immersed in the act of nourishing, serving, listening, and creating space for connection, Lori never stepped outside the moment. The memories were not documented, but they were deeply felt.
At Plant Powered Collective, we believe true nourishment includes food, presence, creativity, and connection. This Christmas was a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful moments are the ones we live so fully that they stay with us long after the table is cleared.
Those are the memories worth keeping.
