Smell Our sense of smell provokes strong memories. Maybe it was grandmother's baking, or the gingerbread that was your aunt's specialty. Peppermint smells may remind you of grandpa and his favorite candies. Pine may be the memory of the years when the family went out to cut their own Christmas tree. Even if you have an artificial tree, a real pine centerpiece, or scented candles may help recreate the atmosphere of long ago people and places.
Sight Use old photos to recreate scenes from the past.
Use heirloom ornaments or incorporate them into centerpieces whenever possible. Inherited china, flatware, or other table settings may also serve to start a round of storytelling at dinner. Scan some old family photos into place mats or place cards for the table. Tiny antique frames with pictures of ancestors and tied with a holiday bow make wonderful table favors. If you don't have a scanner, your local copy shop can probably do the job.