A conversational Relish contains thoughtful interactions between hosts and guests. Delicious exchanges hinge on how each role is played.
As host… it’s important to relish whoever is joining you at the table: co-workers, friends, family, acquaintances, fellow volunteers, loved ones, for example. If you’re entertaining employees, it’s almost more crucial to be fully present. A normally frenetic pace at work precludes moments for us to connect.
All guests want to feel valued, welcomed to the table. Providing them your full attention, listening and asking thoughtful questions confirms that you’re genuinely happy that they are there with you!
As a guest…we want to enjoy the opportunity to sit with others and be served a meal. What a treat! Our busy lives, accompanied by the prevalence of constant “noise”, challenge us to fully immerse ourselves in the table’s experience! A good “dinner partner” means that we make effort at conversation with whomever is next to us, not just those we already know.
Here are some tips for creating Relish for the table:
As a host…
Prepare ahead: Conversation happens best when everyone is at the table. Our presence is missed when we’re multi-tasking. Guests feel badly that we’re “slaving away”, distracted, instead of enjoying their company.
Design a menu and agenda that provide ease. Our ambitions can get too big! Don’t get carried away with your goals for the gathering or, if at home, new recipes and centerpieces. Your ultimate aim is to fully enjoy others. Simplify!
Construct questions in your head. Or write them down. Reflect on the guest list. What might you want to learn about each person’s life? Inwardly ooze with gratitude that these people are about to come together.
Who sits next to whom? Consider how guests might best enjoy each other. Mix it up while being sensitive to personalities and helping each guest feel comfortable.
So many guests and only you! Don’t worry! Prepare, relax and go with the evening’s flow.
As a guest…
As much as possible, take care of work and family responsibilities ahead of the dinner. Constantly tending to texts and looking at your phone is an annoying habit. Turn off your cell phone and or, at least the sound, and decide to leave it in your purse or coat.
Pause for a few minutes ahead of entering, even if it means sitting in your car for a second. Attempt to shift away from your busy day.
Be helpful without being intrusive, especially if you sense that the host is not yet prepared.
Arrive on time. Period.
A gathering’s Relish happens when guests and hosts mix well together, taking advantage of A Table In Time, an endearing chance to hear each other’s stories, build trust, and strengthen relationships over a meal.
