Monday, April 18, 2016

Around The Tables

As we prepare to launch our first Around The Table dinner party on Saturday, April 30th, we feel it is important to first understand why we even gather. How did all of this get started...historically speaking.

The art of dining, of eating with others, of gathering around an actual table dates as far back as the Romans. Although the Egyptians and many other cultures were using tables long before them, the Romans are credited by historians for using the dining table first...for eating and entertaining. The origins of the world "table" goes back to the latin "tabula" roughly meaning board or flat piece when literally a large piece of wood was loaded up with food and carried into the room by servers. One of the most historical meals in ancient times, celebrated by many to this day, is the last supper.
By the middle ages the entire dining experience was expanded to include large banquets or feasts. Granted please keep in mind, these were usually hosted by a prominent figure who held authority or power over a piece of land. Everyday folks didn't get this luxury unfortunately. Knowing human history, odds are they did still gather and break bread, sip a great stiff drink, at some point during the day.

In the late 1700's dining became on official art...and no one did it better or made it more elite than the French Court at Versailles. Opulence and majesty were at the very heart of Bourbon Dynasty.  

Modern dining experiences became smaller, more tailored. Rarely do they exceed twelve guests around one table. America's King, Elvis Presley that is, entertained often in his Graceland dining room of blue and silver.




As an avid movie fan and all that is cinematic art, I find myself falling in love for every scene Around The Table. Whether it is the classic meet the parents over dinner, the Christmas Eve large family dinner, or a fantastical feast which amazes the eyes and transports the soul to another world entirely. I'll never forget the moment when my favorite book became real life when I saw this scene on the big screen.


Some of the most historical events in human history occurred Around The Table. Whether governmental policies, social reformations, artistic movements, personal relationships, gathering Around The Table allows like-minded and differing opinions to integrate. It allows conversations to flow, it is a vehicle for collaboration, reconciliation, and restoration of our communities. It does not matter how large the party is. From several intimate friends, family dinners, or twelve invited guests...a lot can happen Around The Table...all you have to do is show up.

We are looking forward to launching our first dinner party at the end of this month. It will be one of many for the history books.

*Around The Table does not own or claim to own any of the images contained within this post. 



Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Launching Soon

Around The Table is an elite series of hosted dinners designed to engage and connect the diverse community of Nashville. Around The Table’s joy is to restore the creative art of hosted dinner parties.

Around The Table is all about kicking off your shoes, eating a delicious meal, sipping a great drink, laughing till you cry, sharing your thoughts and stories. Gathering Around The Table means being a part of something special.

A lot can happen Around The Table…all you have to do is show up.

For upcoming parties or to learn more contact aroundthetablenashville@gmail.com