Tables that Inspired My Love for Supper
My curiosity around food started at the tables of several people I love.
Yet three very specific tables helped develop my ideas of what mealtime can be.
As a child, my aunt’s table was crowded with both laughter and hearty, satisfying soul food. Family members sat elbow to elbow at a small breakfast nook banquette eating and simultaneously playing cards. One could not hear themselves smack and chew for the rowdy gaiety. It was a laughter that always made us children come running to see what the adults were up to. A laughter so infectious that even though we had no idea the subject we found ourselves giggling too.
My aunt’s pantry tended to be stocked with name brand ingredients, healthy options, and tons of curious things. Such as large percolating vats of homemade wine, cuts deer meats, and whole frozen fish from a hunt they’d taken earlier in the season. She didn’t mind us raiding for more food even after we devoured what she’d prepared. The most memorable attributes about her table wasn’t really the food (although she ought to be famous for her steamed potato with onions and her spaghetti) it was the feeling. A feeling difficult to describe any more than to say, upon having to depart for home wondering why every meal couldn’t be quite like this one.
Later, sharing meals at my father-in-laws home opened a door to longer tables and traditional food like potato latkes and beef brisket that melts in the mouth. In his kitchen there is always much merriment, singing, and reminiscing. Like my aunt’s table, there were few rules other than go-back for second and thirds. The flavors were familiar and approachable but with a twist.
Interestingly, the joy and skill of cooking was shared in conversation among the men of the family. This was new to me. My father-in-law, along with his brothers, delight and trade secrets over how each dish was prepared. Often the last of the meal was prepared together in a crowded kitchen, grating cheese, rewarming green beans, slicing a juicy heirloom tomato. What stands out most about his kitchen is there are always extra seats at the table— an out-of-town relative, a friend, a sojourner were not only welcomed but accepted and taken into the fold. I was one of them.
My mother-in-laws table displayed the value of beauty in the small details like well-laid place settings with lit candles. It is structured and organized. One feels the decadence of being under the care of a loving and gracious host. Her considerate menus do not fail to acknowledge the favorites of even her tiniest of guests.
In her kitchen I would come to appreciate the power of simple flavors and the art of dining. Nothing is slathered or covered in sauces or gravy. Instead ingredients shine on their own like in a side salad with fresh apples, pears, and nuts with delicious homemade vinaigrette. Napkins are made of cloth and adorned with napkin rings. Before supper, there are cheeses, grapes and dried apricots. Dinner is served with wine and dessert is served with decaffeinated coffee. All of these elements make the members of the table feel extra special.
All three tables served family-style meals but in very different and beautiful environments. As the time approached for my husband and I to set a table of our own, we pulled inspiration from these special kitchen tables. I hope these descriptions and memories draw out reflections of the tables that have had big impacts on the table you are creating in your homes as well.