The Celebrating Table.

Photo via Pinterest

The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the sourceof sustenance and nourishment, festivity, safety, and satisfaction.

Growing up, my family ate every breakfast and dinnertogether. As a kid I really didn’t give it much thought that we didthis ritual day in and day out. Most of the time it was justannoying because I would have to cut short playing with friends or talking onthe phone. 

But now, I am so grateful to my mother for instilling this value andproviding me this gift.

Whether we’re single, married, with or without children, we all have to eatdinner. I believe the evening meal should be the highlight of the day. If theday has been peaceful, pleasurable and profitable, it’s time to celebrate. Ifthe day has been discouraging and difficult it is time for comfort andconsolation---blessings by themselves and reason to celebrate. 

I love food and I think about food all day.

Seriously. I could have just finished the lastbite of my morning oatmeal and I am on to thinking about what I am going toprepare for lunch. I know most normal human beings are not like me. For most people thinkingabout planning the evening meal starts at four o’ clock and the planning, shoppingand cooking within the space of an hour is self -abuse, pure and simple.

That iswhy I created my services. To support people in planning their meals and weeklygrocery shopping. At the end of a long day you want to know how to preparesimple but savory, no-fuss suppers for your family.

There is a trick to stocking your pantry withhealthy staples, having a few key recipes on hand to prepare when schedulesclash, and learning how to avoid the Mother Hubbard’s empty cupboard syndromewith style.

It can be simple and easy with just a few key tools. I promise! 

“We all need time to defuse, to contemplate. Just like when we sleep our brains relax and give us dreams. At some point in the day we needto disconnect, reconnect and look around us. Laurie Colwin reminds us that "We mustturn off the television and the telephone, hunker down in front of our hearths,and leave our briefcases at the office, if only for one night."

My suggestionsis to march into the kitchen having armed yourself with some key tools and findsome easy, heartwarming things to make from scratch and even if it is only oncea week.

We need to gather at the table. Alone or with friends or with lots offriends or with one friend and eat a meal together.

Without food we will die, and withoutconnection and fellowship life is not worth living.

Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to practice the celebrating table. I promise to arm you with a few tools over the next few weeks to make this holiday stress free so you can gather around the table with grateful hearts and hungry tummies.

Enjoy reconnecting with family and friends. It is one of the most important things in life. Pure and simple.