Groundhog Day and me don’t get along. This holiday was just “observed” on Feb. 2nd. For the full 4th grade year, Lisa Figuro called me a “groundhog” almost everyday. It was my first experience with bullying. I’m done talking about it! Further, at A Table In Time, we like winter and many states benefit from … Read more
Although the New Year has passed, there are still other noteworthy days and, therefore, reasons to celebrate and converse in 2016: specifically, nine Federal holidays, “Official” rest days in the United States. Please note that these “official” dates don’t include personal, religious or foreign holidays, tripling our hospitality opportunities this year! An “official” holiday offers … Read more
Big thanks for Sugar and Spice! To the many friends, business associates and partners who have supported my efforts. I also thank my husband for always “being game” to entertain and “test” out the framework found within A Table In Time: Host a Gathering that Feeds the Mind, Body and Soul. His willingness to support me … Read more
Grab your rolling pin! Have fun with your cookie cutters! This recipe is a classic (it’s been in my repertoire since 1997!) Yes, there’s lots of butter. The gingerbread dough freezes well, if time is short and you want to make a batch to save for baking over the weekend or on Christmas Eve. The … Read more
In some ways I think our dogs, Louis and Toulouse, enjoy Quinn gatherings more than we do and even perhaps more than our guests! They wander among everyone, sniffing and eying appetizers, thrilled to be underfoot. They sit inconveniently among us and sometimes attempt to climb onto the couch. They lie right in the middle … Read more
A healthy thought-out menu, one prepared ahead, let’s a host enjoy the guests and be fully present during the meal…no slaving over the stove with guests watching and waiting for your attention! Asking guests to contribute to the meal is also a helpful option. Tonight I’m bringing some asparagus wrapped in puff pastry, baked and … Read more
Sweet rewards! After each gathering, guests felt enlivened, refreshed, even transformed. Since my husband and I had hosted the get-togethers, we had begun to create a connected conversation community. We made new friends. We supported small businesses; we reveled in the meal and relaxed evening. We had fun travelling locally without leaving our home. After … Read more
Conversation is about intention. To be heard, explore specific topics, authentic connection, face-to-face and sharing life. Enable the telling of our stories around universal themes; shed external agendas; appreciate our full selves; simplify the meal; let others participate in bringing food. We all have food stories- great way to start introductions. The evening flows and … Read more
Let’s get people together whether I know them or not. Like an “Airbnb” for conversation concurrent with a meal around the table. Maybe not knowing them would be better so guests don’t feel constrained by social niceties. Guests must feel safe and warmly welcomed. How to create the right environment? Hosted gatherings to learn what … Read more