🍂 The Little Table Times — November 2025 Edition
Theme: Gratitude, Community, and Local Giving
Brought to you by The Little Table Co. — Little tables. Big moments.
🪑 Welcome to Our November Issue!
Hi friends!
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, we’re feeling especially grateful for the Van Alstyne community that continues to gather, grow, and give together. This month, we’re celebrating local kindness, shining light on small businesses, and sharing simple ways you can make a positive impact right here at home.
Grab your favorite cozy drink and pull up a chair — here’s what’s happening this November around our little table.
✨ The Little Table Small Business Spotlight: Carver’s Christmas Lights
🎄💡 Carver’s Christmas Lights
📍 Based in Van Alstyne
📞 972-814-8113
✨ Owned and operated by Ethan and Taylor Carver
Why we love them: They make our town shine a little brighter — in every sense of the word. 🎄💡
Q. We'd love to know more about you—please tell the community your 'Why' behind your business.
As a firefighter, we pride ourselves on customer service and helping others. I have always enjoyed the spirit of Christmas, so when I was able to combine my love for Christmas and bringing joy to others Carver's Christmas Lights was formed. Nothing brings me more joy than when I have customer reach out saying their lights are exactly what they had hoped for.
Q. What charitable initiative are you most passionate about within our local community?
Helping other fire fighters is very important to me, so we are always trying to give back when one of our own is down. We also believe in being involved in our community and giving back to the community. My wife (Taylor) and I (Ethan) both coach our children's sports teams. This year, we were able to sponsor two elementary school PTO organizations as a way to give back to the schools.
Q. We’re all about celebrating our neighbors — which local business holds a special place at your table? 💛
The Railyard Taproom - Local craft beer on tap, live music, and 8 big screen TVs to enjoy your favorite sports!
📍 218 E Jefferson, Van Alstyne
📞 (903) 494-4458
✉️ therailyardvanalstyne@gmail.com
🎉 The Little Table Co. Community Impact — November Volunteer & Donation Opportunities
Here are a few can’t-miss events happening around town this month:
Nov 8 – Holy Family Catholic Church (📍919 Spence Rd, Van Alstyne) - 🤝Give a Little, Help a Lot!
The Food Pantry needs turkeys and hams for distribution on Nov 8.
Drop off by 11:15 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church (919 Spence Rd, Van Alstyne) to help families in need - We suspect we will get a lot of families this Saturday. Thank you. 🦃🎁
Nov 17 – Nov 24 - National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child @ Elmont Curch
Volunteers neededNov 22 – True Options Turkey Trot 5k and Family Fun Run
Volunteers needed - Email @jayme@sgermanpregnancy.com if interested.Feed My Sheep (810 N Denny in Howe)
Looking for something to do during the week? Look no further, our weekly stock team needs help!
🗓Weekly on Thursday: Around 9am we meet the North Texas Food Bank truck in Sherman, load supplies, then head to the FMS pantry to inventory & stock from 10am-Noon.
🤔You can help in one or both areas on any Thursday you are available.
🤩Click on the link below volunteer! https://www.justserve.org/FeedMySheepGrayson
📞 (903) 814-0836
❤️ Make a Local Impact - The Little Table Co.’s Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive
This month, The Little Table Co. is proud to give back to the local community by organizing and assembling Thanksgiving Meal Baskets.
🍂🤝 Want to help us set the table?
The Little Table Co. is collecting turkeys, hams, and other holiday staples to assemble Thanksgiving Meal Baskets for our Van Alstyne neighbors in need. Every contribution helps a family gather around a full table this holiday season. 🦃💛
Kindly drop off your donations by November 24th. For drop off location, please reach out to info@thelittletableco.com
Or support monetarily here: https://www.thelittletableco.com/monthly-giving-initiative
Items Needed:
🦃 Turkeys & Hams
🥫 Cranberry Sauce & Canned Veggies (corn, green beans, peas, etc.)
🛠️ Can Openers
🥔 Stuffing & Instant Potatoes
🍯 Gravy (packets or jars)
🥧 Pies
🍞 Bread & Rolls
🥛 Shelf-Stable Milk / Juice
🍴🎃🥧Recipe of the Month: Pumpkin Pie in a Cup
A quick, no-bake treat that’s perfect for kids (and the young at heart)!
Ingredients (per child):
🍮 1 vanilla pudding cup
🍪 2 graham crackers, crumbled
🎃 2 tbsp pumpkin pie mix
🍦 Whipped cream
✨ Cinnamon
How to assemble:
Layer 🍪 crushed graham crackers → 🎃 pumpkin mix → 🍮 pudding → 🍦 whipped cream → ✨ cinnamon.
Serve immediately and enjoy your mini pumpkin pie in a cup!
💡 Tip: Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips for extra fun!
🔗 https://www.pre-kpages.com/pumpkin-pie-in-a-cup/
🎨🍁🎃 Craft of the Month: Thanksgiving Gratitude Pumpkins
Amid the Thanksgiving rush, this simple activity is a wonderful way to slow down, connect with your toddler, and catch a glimpse into their world.
Over time, these pumpkins become a beautiful, visible archive of daily thankfulness, doubling as a festive centerpiece that grows in warmth and meaning as the season unfolds.
What You’ll Need:
Mini pumpkins (real or faux) 🎃
Sharpie ✍️
How to Make It:
Every evening, pause to jot a gratitude note onto a real or faux pumpkin, using a Sharpie 🎃 ✍️
💡 Tip: Display your gratitude pumpkins on a table, mantel, or windowsill to create a mini “Gratitude Patch” to remind everyone of what you’re thankful for this season.
🌟 Top 5 Little Table Amazon Finds of the month🌟
Removable labels = total fridge lifesaver 🙌 Keeps me organized and stress-free — and they peel right off when I’m done
These clear plastic food containers are also such a lifesaver! It’s SO easy to see exactly what’s in your fridge — and when you pair them with the labels above… chef’s kiss! 👌
This outdoor power strip has been a favorite of ours for our candy corn holiday setup! I highly recommend it for keeping all your holiday decorations powered and running smoothly.
I recently bought this for a girls’ trip to Hawaii, and it was a total hit! I wear this t-shirt all the time — it’s not only adorable but also incredibly comfy!
I can’t even begin to say how much this steam mop has saved me now that sickness season is already in full swing!
📸 Little Moments, Big Gratitude
We love seeing how our community gathers around our Little Tables! This month, share your favorite Thanksgiving table moment by tagging @thelittletableco_VanAlstyne — we might feature you in next month’s issue + receive a small giveaway bundle as our Thank You for sharing your Little Table Thanksgiving moment with us.
**This month only - New Subscribers will receive a discount code as a special THANK YOU!!
💬 Closing Note
As we head into the season of gratitude, we’re thankful for you — our readers, our neighbors, and everyone who believes in building community one small moment at a time.
Until next month,
– The Little Table Co. Team
Little tables. Big moments.
