Love Rules… and Beautiful Table Settings Build Memories too
Before the food ever makes its ways to the table, there’s something exquisite about being ‘Thanksgiving ready.’ Maybe one or more of your kids have helped you set the silverware or the glasses, always especially fun with the littlest ones, a glorious parenting rite of passage, too. The excitement builds and hearts overflow with gratitude knowing that the house is soon to be filled with loved ones, coming from near and far, and some of whom you may only see once a year or another who may be having a health issue or getting on in their years; in between all the food prep and clean up scrambling, you take a deep breath and think to yourself of how precious the time really is, and how fortunate you are to be celebrating Thanksgiving again in your beautiful home. Whatever stresses your life may carry, there can be a feeling of time standing still in appreciation and anticipation.
I’m also drawn to the pride many hosts and hostesses feel over the aesthetics of their carefully, lovingly set tables; many are proudly shared on Facebook and Instagram well before the guests arrive, which frankly was the spark for this feature. I visited the Chappaqua Moms page to ask moms about their tables, and the pictures immediately flowed.
But do know… whether you’ve gone ‘all out’ as many of these moms have, or have kept it simple, we understand you. As a busy working mom raising two young kids, there were some years I pulled out the best china and took my time with my own finishing touches—usually a seasonal bouquet with autumn colors. Other years, I ran to the local party supply store the night before joining so many others scrambling to ‘pull off’ Thanksgiving; the basic themed paper felt like a godsend after the fact.
It’s ‘all good’ and the love that permeates the air is really always the story of the day. Nonetheless, a beautiful table dazzles, and we are delighted to share these and the pride these moms rightfully feel.
– Grace Bennett
