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
No need to fret! There’s always something we can learn about someone else, even from our long-term partners, best friends and family members. Here are some questions to begin conversation around the table this holiday season! What’s your favorite childhood memory around the holidays? Do you remember meeting Santa Clause for the first time? What … 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
Looked for some type of supper club platform. All food focused. Don’t get me wrong…I love a delicious meal with fresh ingredients and enjoy hosting. Yet a gathering can be more. It needs conversation, laughter, joy, discovery, perspective, and stories. My life was blessed with conversation and celebration around the table. It was time for … Read more
What motivated me to write this book? 1) I wanted to celebrate my Dad and his legacy; 2) I missed Agnes and Herbert, German couple who listened to me so much especially over a meal; 3) The Great Work Of Your Life by Stephen Cope inspired me to doggedly find my purpose, my own unique … Read more