thundyrred/Cristal_MERNSTACK ? reverse-engineered prompt

Build me a simple full stack app called Cristal for a MERN setup, with a clean home page and a basic working flow so I can see the app running end to end.

I want the front end, server, and database connection all wired up in a way that feels like a real starter project, not just a blank page. Keep the design polished but simple, and make sure the main screen clearly shows the app name and a place to grow into real features later. Add the usual basic setup so I can start the app easily and it feels organized.

If you need to, look up current docs online for anything that helps you set it up cleanly. Please keep it straightforward, functional, and ready for me to extend later with real pages and data.