Our first Gathering

Ohh Happy Friday friends, the weekend is here!! I’m not sure what you have planned, but I hope there’s at least one thing you are looking forward to. Today I’m sharing a story I haven’t shared here on the blog before. It’s about the very first dinner party my husband and I had – our first gathering if you will. I’ve shared my heart behind the book, and of course my love for creating tablescapes, but long ago, before blogging or even tablescapes were a thing, I found myself sitting at our hand-me-down dining room table, making handmade invitations inviting our friends to our first ever dinner party!

You can read the entire story below ~

I remember our first dinner party as newlywed couple. I was so excited to have some of our married couple friends over for what we called a Friends-Giving celebration.

My imagination was running wild, dreaming up all the beautiful details of our first ever gathering, I was just missing one important fact. Like most newlywed couples we had very little money, but I was bound and determined to not let that stop me from creating the most elegant gathering for our friends.

I poured over magazines to get ideas and capture visuals that fed my imagination. Then, I would scour the dollar stores and thrift stores for pieces that suited the mood I wanted to present. I couldn’t afford any of the tablecloths that fit my vision, so I went to Walmart and bought discounted sheer fabric by the yard. Just like the gold calligraphy pen, this material offered an affordable touch of sophistication.

When the day finally arrived that I could set the table, I literally leaped out of bed! Picture Monica from friends running out of her bedroom cheering on her wedding day, only to trip and fall the moment her feet hit the ground. LOL, you could say it was something similar to that!

I realize the task of setting the table is probably a childhood chore that most of us dreaded doing, I know I did, but I was so excited to create a beautiful table for our friends to feel welcomed at, I couldn’t wait to get started.

I draped a simple white curtain on the table and layered the sheer fabric from the yard on top. Next, I spread out the supplies I had gathered over the previous weeks and began creating what is now called a tablescape. (Back then it was just a pretty table.)With a sweet understanding that I was starting a tradition for our family of two, I chose to include the glass candlestickswe received as a wedding present. Alongside those focal points, I placed the dollar store votive candleholders filled with tiny gold rocks and tealight candles.

 I felt a sense of purpose and delight the entire time I was making the arrangement. The minute I became focused on the purpose of the gathering—to celebrate people we love and a season we cherish—my initial nervousness turned to excitement. The details, thoughts, and efforts became all about that purpose.

So much of what I felt that night, motivates me to why I still set the table today. Whether we are having friends over for dinner, or a simple weeknight meal at home with just my husband and our kids, I know that when I set the table I’m making an effort to be intentional with our time spent around it.

As much as I love the pretty details on the table, what’s most important to me are the people sitting at each place setting. Which is where this quote from the book stemmed from.

That story of our first gathering is what I shared as my introduction in my book. For me that’s where my passion was ignited for gathering, and I knew that whether we had a lot or a little, I would always want to welcome others to our table.

From humble beginnings to the completed book I share with you today, my heart has always been the same. To welcome others in, so they can receive rest and refreshment, and know they have a place they belong.

To see more about the book click the image below ~

And there is still time to join my private facebook group! Today I went live and shared all about my favorite tablescape pieces, where I store my stuff, and just how many plate settings I have! It was so much fun! You can join me here ~

Happy Weekend friends, and I hope you take some time to set the table in your own home too!