Do I go more formal or keep it casual and friendly? This morning I am trying different table settings for our Thanksgiving dinner. I have a very eclectic array of dishes, place mats, napkins and the like to choose from, but none that particularly match or that are very high in quality. The Haviland that was given to us by Terr's mom is fragile and the dinner plates are too small for a Thanksgiving feast. The old blue and white that I have used for over 30 years just doesn't color match the dinning room and seems to belong in the kitchen. I pulled out the old glass plates, placed them on top of a gold charger, which looks much better at Christmas, but after throwing a couple of fall leaves under them, I think they could be a possibility. I have beautiful, antique, linen napkins (again passed down through the Croft family), but after putting an extra leaf in the table the table cloth won't fit, so the napkins seem a little out of place...
It's all sort of a hodge-podge of time honored things that when pulled together seems okay...comfortable, not too fragile, but friendly. It just doesn't feel good enough for such a special occasion. Maybe when all the well-prepared food is added to the table and the wine is poured, maybe then it will come to life with eye-appealing satisfaction. Oh, then when we start smelling the bread and light the candles, hungry tummies will leap for joy and the conversation will get louder.
The kitchen will get crowded, Terr will hush the crowd and say, in a loud voice, "Everybody get in a circle and hold hands to pray!" We calm down, and as I look around the silent circle I will see the faces that I love so dearly. I will see what makes my table beautiful and complete. It will be just right for those of us who could gather together this year; and as we bow our heads in prayer, we will be so thankful for each other and for the rest of you who are at other tables being thankful for us, in return.
May God continue to bless this family, to bring you home often and to keep you safe when you are away. I am so thankful that God graced me with you in my life..."There is no other word for GRACE, but AMAZING." It feels so right to say, Happy Thanksgiving. I love you, more than life itself.
Mom/Mimi/Merry
4 comments:
Beautiful Thanksgiving table. Have a wonderful day. We'll do the same in the Boro.
What a beautiful description of your "table setting meditation." I know you made it a gorgeous day, filled with love and gratitude and, of course, deliciousness. I am so grateful for you, and held you in my heart all day, over roasted snapper and coconut cake :) Much, much love - K
Kate-All the deliciousness offered could never be as fulfilling as having you home for the holidays. Dad and I missed you.
In that case, see you for Christmas! :)
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