A conversational Relish contains thoughtful interactions between hosts and guests. Delicious exchanges hinge on how each role is played. As host… it’s important to relish whoever is joining you at the table: co-workers, friends, family, acquaintances, fellow volunteers, loved ones, for example. If you’re entertaining employees, it’s almost more crucial to be fully present. A normally … Read more
Often we become caught up in meal preparations, a “fancy” table, and too many logistics. We let a busy corporate culture dissuade us from creating meaningful social time with co-workers. For some, organizing details derails us and we postpone entertaining all together. For others, we don’t extend an invitation because hosting appears cost prohibitive or … Read more
In this election year, politicians attempt to define the national dialog and convince us to join their “side”. Their success hinges on knowing what to talk about and asking the right questions. Yet, when questions are posed, do we feel heard? Asking the right questions and listening well is how we learn and connect with … Read more
Although some consider me an extrovert, over the years I’ve become more introverted. That’s not to say “I want to be alone” is an everyday refrain. Quiet is just difficult to find in our digitally loud world. Perhaps almost more challenging is walking into a room full of people we don’t know, strangers. Small talk … Read more
Or, Where’s the Dark Chocolate Sea-Salted Caramel? I found a really good book today and bought it on impulse, 1000 Foods to Eat Before You Die by Mimi Sheraton! What fun to peruse and discover the world through my stomach! I started glancing at some of the suggestions of the “must eat’s”: Boston Baked Beans, … Read more
More than once, A Table In Time dinner guests have commented that they’re unsure how to pick engaging conversation topics for their gatherings. Although this list only scratches the surface, here’s “what we might talk about” in January! New beginnings– it’s not too late to make some adjustments to how you want to live your … 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
I was hungry for more in life, including joyful conversation! Full of tech-like sound bites, social events felt stale. My harried pace interfered with listening well. I struggled to get to know people. Can you relate? So, last January I “changed it up” and started hosting monthly gatherings, a dinner or lunch, to nurture community … 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