For more than 30 years, a group of long time friends have met each month for lunch and to catch up. We’ve raised kids together, volunteered at school and in the community, coached sports teams, shared our ups and downs, all of which translates to a lot of mutual history. Now we have sons and daughters in law as well as grandchildren to add to the conversation. Over the years, we’ve lost some of our group and we know that more change is coming. What doesn’t change is the support we provide one another, and that is something for which we are all so grateful.
Sometimes we meet at a restaurant, sometimes at someone’s home. This recent gathering was at home, and it was absolute perfection starting with the table.
The outstanding centerpiece was woven in and out of antlers, the real thing! Our hostess said the antlers stay on the table year round to be combined with seasonal pieces.
Now, of course, is the time for all things fall.
Pumpkins mixed with candles, bittersweet and vegetables combined to create an effect that was just plain eye candy!
The choice of beaded placemats, gold chargers and simple rimmed china were an understated complement to the centerpiece.
As if not already perfect, the antler shaped napkin rings finished the table.
Of course, I couldn’t resist taking pictures to share and was trying to be subtle, but someone caught me in the act! I have no shame when it comes to beautiful tables. They are meant to be shared.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Joining
The most recent dinner was a visual treat. The delicately designed dishes are quite old, a memory of the hostess’s mother.
Without question, they made a lovely setting when combined with silver and glass.
Playing off the pale green in the pattern, the hostess found the perfect linen tablecloth and napkins. All together the look was quite elegant at the same time warm and friendly.
A few days before our gathering a storm blew through that flattened many of the small blooming things. The hostess was clever enough to see that her damaged flowers perfectly matched the colors in the china, so, voila, a just right centerpiece made in a silver bowl.
So there would not be question about where each person sat, there were name tags directing us to our place. That is always a thoughtful gesture.
The first course, a zucchini mold, happened to be my assignment. It was something with which none of us were familiar, so we all experienced a new taste treat. Not only was it tasty, it was easy to prepare which makes it worthy of making again as it gives a whole new way of presenting zucchini.
There are few things I like better than spending time with friends, especially those evenings when we gather around the table to share a meal.
I love the laughter
and the sometimes energetic discussions, most of which seem to evolve around politics. These days that subject can evoke a lot of emotion as well as some pretty funny comments.
Dinner is always a treat, and most of the time it is a meal to which we’ve all contributed. That way no one has to spend all day in the kitchen, and everyone is comfortable having played a part in the preparation.
What I particularly get a kick out of is the effort made to set a lovely table.
Again and again I see how that is opportunity for one to express their unique creativity. Too, an inviting table always makes the food taste even better!
There is something very special about sharing food with friends, and I am so appreciative of those who invite us to their table.
I enjoy a comfortable setting that invites with its simplicity,
one that is warmed by flowers, perhaps from the garden, and candlelight.
I appreciate the effort that goes into the food preparation, but no matter what is served what I enjoy most is the time with friends, the laughter and stories we share.
We will gather round this table again though in a different house. The space may be different, but one thing that won’t change are the friends who give with their heart.
