EASY WINTER SOUP BAR

 
 Last week  I had a few friends over for a spur of the minute soup bar! We had so much fun. And I am so glad I did it! I know we all lead such busy lifestyles and inviting friends or family for a meal is sometimes daunting! So try something much easier and less fussy… how about a soup bar! Today I’m sharing my soup bar and a few tips and tricks to help you create a memorable meal that is easy and fun!

Just to let you know…
This table was not intended to be a blog post but I thought it would be fun to show you how I set up an easy to execute tablescape and luncheon… a real life… not edited for publication table! In other words, the images are not the best and the table is not properly styled for the blog! But once I took the pictures I just had to share!
 

I used the breakfast nook table to set up the soup buffet.
Here are a few easy ideas for where to set a soup buffet…
  • a kitchen island
  • kitchen counter
  • kitchen table
  • dining room table
  • dining room buffet
  • table set up in the foyer

Setting up a pretty table was so easy! I collect white plate and other dishware so they are the backbone of the buffet. Along with white dishes I also collect black and white tableware too! 

 

I’m the queen of mix and match! And that is what I did with the soup buffet!
 
Here’s a big tip… Collect white dishes. Different patterns in all shapes and sizes. Mixing and matching dishes makes for an interesting table!
 
I find lovely white dishes at amazing prices from HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. These are my “dish haunts”!
 
For this winter soup bar I served a scrumptious Beef Barly Soup and I put it in a vintage ironstone soup tureen. Did you notice I added a black and white bow to the lid? Such a pretty extra touch!
 
 

Here’s my favorite way to serve soup. These wonderful white mugs are deep and easy to handle. And don’t you love the way they are corralled? I have two sets that get lots of use here at StoneGable!

I found the Jumbo Stacking Mugs  HERE.

Pull out your dishes and mugs and stack them on your table. You don’t need to be fussy at all! Let’s everyone serve themselves.

Here’s what I do to keep a fun soup bar easy….

  • put soup spoons in a small pitcher
  • put bottled water in a large bowl with ice on the table
  • put glasses on the table for guest to pick up and use
  • put a plate of store-bought cookies and oranges out for dessert

I did make cornbread to go with the soup. BUT I made if from a box! Yes, I did! And it is quite good! I cut  it up into single serve pieces and served it with butter and jams.

Did you know that you can write on white glazed dishes? So fun!!! I used a black permanent marker to write the kinds of jellies for the cornbread.

After the soup bar party I cleaned the marker off the dishes with a little bit of alcohol. Works like a charm!

I have such a crush on tiny carnations and love them even more when they are hot pink! I got these adorable little carnations and hypericum berries at my local grocer’s!

I think the pink works so well with the black and white, don’t you?

Don’t forget to add some pretty flowers to your soup buffet. 

See how easy a soup bar can be?

MENU

BEEF AND MORE BEEF BARLEY SOUP

CORNBREAD WITH ASSORTED JELLIES

COOKIES

CLEMENTINES

WATER/SODA/COFFEE

Now how about inviting a few friends in for a cozy and easy winter soup bar?

You might like to follow me on Pinterest and see what I’m finding to pin every day HERE. 

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43 Comments

  1. Once again, your table/post is wonderful! I enjoy reading all your posts, but I believe your readers love this casual side of you also…maybe more because it allows us to connect with you on a personal level…something we can obtain in our everyday lives.

  2. Bettie MacIntyre Paul says:

    Soup and Corn Bread. Great combination. Love your hint, Magic Marker on glazed ceramic/porcelain. This is a Keeper… The table setting is also lovely. Thanks for the beautiful start of my day…

  3. What a great idea and everyone must have had a really great relaxing visit. You are so thoughtful.

  4. The soup bar is lovely! And the menu is perfect! Love the mix of dishes & where to get the soup cups!! You are awesome! Thank you!

  5. What a simply cleaver idea! Love everything about it!

  6. Well, don’t I Wish I had been there!!! Everything looks scrumptious and I copied the soup recipe. Take care!!! I sent you a private message on FB

  7. Theresa at Winterberry Lane says:

    Well done Yvonne! I love your warm winter tablescape with the black and white dishes and the pop of hot pink mini carnations in your little white vase. Thanks for sharing your soup bar idea. Where did you find your little soup bowls?Have a great day!

    1. Hi Theresa. There is a link in the post to them. They are soooo inexpensive too!

  8. Julie Williams says:

    Do you collect and concentrate on only one shade of white dishes or not worry about mixing the tones of white and ivories and what goes in between? JW

    1. Great question Julie! If I like the dish is my only criteria. Pretty is important!

  9. Your soup bar is fantastic! What a great idea for entertaining!

  10. Those bowls are great for a buffet. I may have to get myself some. Such an easy way to entertain after all the holiday fuss. Can’t go wrong with soup (or chili!) In the winter. Your table is so pretty. Pretty dishes make it easy to decorate a table. I will definitely be using your tip of using permanent marker to let my guests know what I am serving.

    1. Yes, so easy is right, Sharon! I love making soup and everyone loves it!

  11. So cute !! A wonderful simple way to enjoy the company of friends. Thanks so much for sharing !

  12. I may try this for super bowl!

  13. How fun and simple, we like simple ! Your table looks so pretty.

  14. Nan, Odessa, DE says:

    I always enjoy seeing what you have to offer daily on your post! Don’t ever stop.
    I receive lots of mini carnations because they keep for over a week and are readily available at the market. Everyone needs fresh flowers this time of year!!!!!!!! Add to the market list NOW.
    I have collected the old white Heritage dinnerware from Phalizcraft for over 50 years. Now I find it at thrift, antique, etc stores. I would never think to write on it. You are the best! I also like the idea of bottled water on ice on the table. Smart move! I see nothing wrong with boxed corn bread. I even make a corn pudding that the box by JIFF recommends. Delicious! This post is perfect timing for super bowl. Thanks again!

  15. Norma Rolader says:

    Oh how pretty and what a wonderful way to have soup with friends

  16. Dear Gussie! One of my favorite tips so far; writing on a ceramic dish! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  17. Yvonne – I love these sort of venues – they are the best for the hostess and the guests. hey are easy to pull together without a ton of work and everyone always enjoys. I love anything black and white and pop of pink is fantastic! I’d be quite happy having a mug of soup at Stonegable.

  18. You’re going to think this is a crazy question, but what brand of cornbread mix do you use? My favorite Ballard’s Old South is no longer available. It was a light yellow which had a fine texture and was wonderful! I’ve been trying other brands but nothing compares! Even tried from scratch! Help out a southern gal!!

    1. I don’t think we have that brand around here. I use good old Jiffy.

  19. Thank you, Yvonne for the beef & more beef barley soup recipe!
    My husband felt as if he was coming down with a cold when he left for work this morning. I MADE THIS FOR DINNER AND HE LOVED IT!
    We will see if there are therapeutic miracles of this soon enough.
    My belief is soup has magical qualities!

    1. Nothing like soup to make you feel better! So glad you liked it. Hope your husband is feeling better.

  20. Candy Thomas says:

    I didn’t even finish reading the rest of the post until I had ordered the soup bowls because that is my favorite way to entertain in the colder months! Once again, thank you so much for the wonderful inspiration! You are amazing!

  21. Soup and cornbread! So yummy! Love the design of your table! Thanks for sharing! ??

  22. Pam Smitth says:

    I want you to know that I feel we are new friends. My husband passed away and I needed someone to talk to at night So started following along. I want to try your soup bat. It sounds like so much fun. Thanks for being such a Christian inspiritation. Your love just shines through.

    1. Pam, I am so very sorry! I can’t even imagine your pain! I am so happy that StoneGable is a bright spot in you day. Sending prayers and lots of love to you MY FRIEND!

  23. JC at the uncommon pearl says:

    Such a great idea, and who knew you could write on white dishes with a permanent marker! I’m using that in the future. Thanks!

  24. I will echo the others….what a wonderful, simple lunch for a gathering of friends! I gathered friends last Saturday at a new restaurant that was new to all of us. I love your buffet. Looks fantastic.

  25. Made the chicken soup last night. Oh my! Wonderful! The soup base was fantastic and will be the way I do it from now on. We have a favorite chicken noodle recipe with homemade noodles but I’m thinking this could easily take its place. Thank you!

  26. Karen VanLoo says:

    Such a cute idea! I love how you set everything up. I enjoy easy entertaining ideas, because we do casual dinners at my house a lot with dear friends.

  27. How adorable! Love all the ideas.

  28. Beautiful! I love a soup tureen and I love to collect white dishes! So I was disappointed that your link to the stacking mugs does not work. When you fix it please email me? Or just email me the source.
    Thanks!
    Karen

    1. You can find the stacking mugs at World Market. Sorry, the link worked for me. I’ll check it out!

  29. All so cute and friendly. My mom made jiffy cornbread, I do like it. I have a beautiful white tureen on my counter and going in right now to put a bow on it, so cute. Our kitchens are similar,,,we have ivory cabs and soapstone. Layout is different though. I am fond of Mckenzie Childs black and white and have collected some. Thanks!

  30. I just found your site !! I just love it. You have delicious sounding recipes and lots of great tips. I am so glad I found you !

    1. Hi Charlene, Welcome to the StoneGable family!!!! We are so glad you found us too!

  31. Charlene Cunningham says:

    This may be something you would like to do: I make a “Lucky New Year’s Day” soup, and have my husband’s golf buddies stop by (I live on a golf course), and have my friends later. The soup has black eyed peas, Italian style tomatoes, ham, and spinach. (Can add other things but hubby doesnt like). I do a little spread kinda like you did. Easy entertaining. It is now a tradition I cant break.