Undoubtedly we will disagree with people. For whatever reason, we don’t see “eye- to-eye”. Around the table, we struggle to thoughtfully engage with our perceived adversaries. During an election year differences feel especially heightened, limiting the depth of our interactions. In our minds, consciously or subconsciously, we’ve already decided that meaningful conversations aren’t possible. Why … Read more
Technology can drastically inhibit our interactions even in unexpected places, like our neighborhood coffee shop. Yet connecting over coffee offers us the renewed chance to give our interactions more space. Plus coffee tastes so delicious! Hani Yaafori, owner of Steam Espresso Bar provides his take on the benefits and pleasure of gathering for coffee and … Read more
Although June’s blog focuses on “getting out of our comfort zone”, my thoughts continue to dwell on how we create Pause, enough to regularly gather around the table. It’s not easy to slow down and un-automate! Perhaps the bigger question to ask is “Where is our quiet space at work, home, in life?” Laugh out … Read more
When my children were younger one of my pet peeves was how they sat at the table. I mean, specifically, how they sat in their chairs. They were expected to “sit correctly” meaning that their bottoms were centered on the seat: no slouching. “Put your napkin on your lap”, “sit up straight”, “put your knife … 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
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
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
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
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