(Photo credit: Ashley Yeates)
Why set a table? At first glance, a table setting seems like nothing more than a utilitarian way to eat a meal. Functionally, it guarantees that each guest will have utensils, but the practice of setting the table goes deeper than utensils. The ritual of eating together creates a sense of community-family. It teaches the importance of relationships, communication, and working together by taking an active role in the process, and the process creates memories.
(Photo Credit: Chance James Photography)
I loved to set the table from a young age. It was always my task for special occasions. There are endless creative opportunities when mixing and matching plates, silverware, glasses, charges, napkins, flowers and special accessories that would otherwise sit collecting dust. The succulent filled pumpkin I found at a favorite local florist, Fleurs De Soleil, was the inspiration for this year’s Thanksgiving.
(My grandmother Marjorie)
Every year I set my table with my my grandmother Marjorie’s china. Her tables were always over the top. She would plan for weeks leading up to special occasions. There was never a ketchup bottle or paper napkin found on her table, which is now the conference table in my design studio. Her big smile and engaging stories, often told for the third or fourth time always brought love and joy much like her efforts to create a special moment in time. Each time I look at my conference table, I hear her saying “I can’t wait to see what you do in this life Ashley, you have the ability to create great change.”
(Photo Credit: Chance James Photography)
When you set a table, you are also letting the people you are serving know that they are important to you. A beautifully set table enhances the meal and the atmosphere. Little touches can make an overall difference in the mood- these little details let your guests know they are worth the extra effort past the functionality of the meal. You are letting them know you want them to feel special- the way royalty once served their esteemed guests- as they are YOUR esteemed guests! These details are far more powerful than we realize and can have far-reaching effects. All because we set the table.