Dinner & a Movie: Little Women (2019 Version)

There’s something truly enchanting about Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Little Women. It is our family’s comfort movie, we could literally re-watch it every day. Its warm tones, music, heartfelt storytelling, and celebration of family inspired us to create an equally cozy and nostalgic dinner night. This week, we paired a simple yet hearty menu with a tablescape that echoes the timeless charm of the March sisters’ world.

The Menu:
For a Little Women-inspired dinner, we focused on rustic, comforting dishes that feel like they could have been shared around the March family table.

🥖 Fresh Dinner Rolls – Soft, buttery, and perfect for soaking up stew. Recipe Found at Fraiche Foods, Full Hearts

🥘 Beef Stew – Hearty and rich, this main dish is a nod to the humble but meaningful meals of the March family.

Beef Stew
Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat

• 4 carrots, chopped

• 4 potatoes, cubed

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup red wine

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp rosemary

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Brown the beef in batches. Remove and set aside.

2. Add onions, carrots, potatoes and sauté until softened. Stir in tomato paste.

3. Slowly add beef broth, stirring constantly. Return beef to the pot.

4. Add rosemary. Simmer for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender. Thicken if needed with cornstarch or flour.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with fresh rolls.

🍎 Warm Apple Crisp – Sweet and cozy, just like the bond between the March sisters. I use the Betty Crocker Recipe . I double the topping, because in our house you can never have too much crisp. Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

The Tablescape:
To transport us into the March family home, we created a simple yet elegant setup:

✨ Antique dishes with a vintage flair
✨ A lace tablecloth to add warmth and texture
✨ Candles for soft lighting, perfect for a cozy evening
✨ Fresh greenery from the garden for a natural touch
✨ Cloth napkins to keep it timeless

This tablescape was inspired by the intimate family dinners and gatherings depicted in the film, with a touch of Jo’s creative spirit.

To set the perfect mood, let the Little Women Playlist play softly in the background as you prepare and enjoy your dinner.

Little Women (2019), a film that beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood, love, and resilience. The performances, stunning cinematography, and heartfelt moments make it a family favorite.

Some of our favorite scenes include:

• Jo and Laurie dancing outside during the ball

• Laurie crying telling Jo he’s always loved her

• Jo’s passionate speech about her ambitions and struggles as a writer

This movie always leaves us feeling inspired and grateful for the simple joys of life.

There’s nothing like pairing a heartfelt movie with a meal that brings your family closer together. Little Women reminds us of the beauty of small moments, the power of sisterhood, and the joy of sharing life together.

If you host your own Little Women dinner & a movie night with your family, we’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @erin.e.clark so we can share the love. 🧡🎥🍽️