Ready, set, action! Jay and I were at the altar. We were exchanging our marriage vows. In the middle of the exchange, Jay paused. Or did he? My eyes widened. Panic set in. Had Jay forgotten what to say? Although they’re an important part of interacting with others, pauses in conversation sometimes cause discomfort. This … Read more
Last minute details can derail us. Corporate dinners, for example, require us to know who needs to be recognized, decide who sits next to whom, and offer an appropriate toast or a few short words of gratitude. Similarly at home we scurry around the kitchen to finish meal preparations. Do we really need that sprig … 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
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
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
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
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
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