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Setting the Table

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

The holidays are the time of year when many of us "set our tables" for guests. We gather our beautiful settings and prepare to entertain, feed, and host our friends, families, and co-workers. I love "setting a table". With each event, I plan the menu, invite the guests, and then "set the table".

Today I was "setting the table" for my annual event for my co-workers. Every year we gather together for a meaningful meal. Sometimes we hold a dinner and sometimes it is a luncheon. The main theme is to "thank" them for being a part of our lives and entrusting their careers with us.

As I was "setting the table" for the luncheon tomorrow, I was struck with nostalgia, a profound feeling of love and appreciation, and a deep gratitude. It really is important to let those in our lives know how much they mean to us. My love language is to show my appreciation through events such as this. I love seeing them all together and shower them with a lot of gratitude.

How often do we, "set our tables"? I have found fewer people who actually entertain these days. While it is a lot of work, the rewards are wonderful. When we are blessed to have a home, I believe we should open our doors and welcome people into our homes. By inviting the special people in our lives into our homes, we are inviting them to share a bit of our lives.

Today, think about opening your home and "setting your table" to show your appreciation to those special people in your life. You will find that no matter the work involved, you will be the one who comes away with the most blessings. Seeing the people you love and respect around your table is a very special gift.

"Set your table" and soak in the fellowship you will have created. Those who are invited will feel special that you included them. And, what better way to say, "thank you" to those in your life than by bringing them into your home and having them share a meal with you?

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Comments(14)

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Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Paula, I used to entertain a lot, but now I travel more often.  I did get my mom's china and silver out for the Thanksgiving dinner, and brought back many memories.

Dec 08, 2024 11:32 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I do love setting the table and, even if no one is coming over. I like the way it looks.

Dec 11, 2024 05:43 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt reflections on hosting and gratitude, Dr. Paula McDonald. Your passion for creating meaningful connections through gatherings truly inspires us to cherish and appreciate those we hold dear.

Dec 08, 2024 12:35 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Lew. It's all a matter of taste and choice. I enjoy a beautifully set table.

Dec 11, 2024 05:44 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Paula - during holidays or any kind of special occasion, a sense of nostalgia is likely to enter the picture.  It's interesting what scene is set and your analogy of 
setting the table works for many situations.  Your post presents and pulls together many thoughts.  

Dec 08, 2024 02:17 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

There is something special about a well-set table. I appreciate when invited to other's homes and they have set a pretty table.

Dec 11, 2024 05:45 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I have always had Thanksgiving at my home.  This year, I noticed that I had lost a bit of my organization skills, and getting food on the table.  Next year, I'm going to need more help doing so.  

Dec 08, 2024 04:42 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, Myrl. The organization part can sometimes be a hindrance. Oh, those busy times!

Dec 11, 2024 05:45 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Paula= I enjoy entertaining...usually it's for large family gatherings. We had 28 for Thanksgiving. Christmas will be here and not sure how many will be there. I don't set the table because it's buffet but I do have something on each table to make it festive. 

Dec 08, 2024 08:18 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I think it makes enjoying a meal together even more special when there is a festive aspect.

Dec 11, 2024 05:46 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Sharing a meal together and having a good time is certainly a way to show and feel love from the others at the table!

Dec 09, 2024 03:42 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

And Brian, I don't know about you, but I find fewer people are entertaining any longer.

Dec 11, 2024 05:46 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Paula... I love setting a beautiful table and collect china, crystal, silverware, tablecloths, napkins, etc. I've always felt that when I spend time making a beautiful meal it should be set off with a beautiful table. And while many people no longer do this, I found that when I have company they so appreciate the effort I've made.

Dec 09, 2024 04:25 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I too find that because it appears to be a dying art, those who do experience it, really enjoy the gathering.

Dec 11, 2024 05:47 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

 

Dr. Paula McDonald setting the table is something I used to do. However, it is not something I do today for reasons that need not be shared here.  I know the love and gratitude you bring to your table.  No doubt it is felt by those sitting at it. 

Dec 09, 2024 08:26 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I hope to have you at my table someday, Kathleen. I would prepare you a hearty, Texas meal.

Dec 11, 2024 05:47 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Paula I'd probably put myself in the Master Class of Setting the Table!  I grew up doing so and learned the art well from my Mother.  I think you'd be surprised if you knew just how many people Gary and I have hosted here at our home the last almost 30 years.  Most likely in the thousands......and enjoyed every moment. This holiday we've already had several dinners and more to come......it's going to be fun!  Festive!

Dec 10, 2024 12:28 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I love that you have taken the skills you learned at a young age and have carried them through life. Love it.

Dec 11, 2024 05:48 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Paula,

I love setting the table for guests and family! it shows you cared to make their visit special! There is no question entertaining has been become more relaxed but guests always appreciate the extra effort and it nudges them to do the same thing!

Dec 11, 2024 09:55 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Dec 14, 2024 07:18 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Paula. We do not set the table often and are much more casual. That said, on Thanksgiving and Christmas the table is formally set for my son, his wife, her mother and grandmother. Likely will continue as long as my wife wants to do it. Enjoy your day. 

Dec 15, 2024 04:31 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Paula,
I used to "set the table" for big family meals during the holidays, but not anymore. I am usually the guest somewhere now. I'll be in Phoenix with The Bananas this Christmas. I rarely entertain these days, but when I do, I enjoy it and wonder afterward why I don't do so more often.

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Paula!

Dec 15, 2024 07:11 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Paula:

We enjoy setting the table when we have guests (it's more casual when it's just the 2 of us) and have the opportunity to use all the special dishes and serving pieces we've inherited or have collected over the years. And of course being surrounded by people you care about and having wonderful food makes it that much more meaningful.

Jeff

Dec 15, 2024 04:59 PM