Reader Stories: Anne’s Table
A little while ago, I received an email from Anne, a reader of The Willows Journal. She told me about a curry night she had planned, but after reading some of my posts she slightly changed the way she was going about the evening.
In doing so, she has discovered the same love that I have; that a table enhances not only the gathering itself, but, as hosts, the anticipation and planning of the small details gives so much pleasure. It is like creating a little bit of magic in the ordinary life.
As Anne said to me in an email, and a sentiment that I wholly understand, “Am I selfish because I am getting so much PLEASURE from planning and putting everything together?Absolutely not, because everyone else really has a wonderful evening, and appreciates that the table becomes a work of art, and who doesn’t love the beauty of art?”
Anne, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I asked Anne if I could share her evening, in the hopes it might encourage someone else to invite a few friends around too.
She said yes, and I couldn't have been more delighted.
I hope that this is the first of many reader stories that I share here.
So today, instead of hearing from me, I'd love you to spend an evening at Anne's table.
Take a seat at Anne’s beautiful table. It invokes such a feeling of welcome, and you just know you’re going to have a wonderful evening ahead.
In April this year I was introduced, for the first time, to “The Willows Journal”. My son Owen was telling me about an Autumn Harvest Dinner Party he was going to attend. He showed me a beautifully decorated sage green table setting. I remarked how lovely it was and he promptly told me that it had not met the hosts vibe for the evening and that it had been redecorated.
What?!! I thought it was lovely.
Then Owen scrolled down and revealed the second photo.
WOW! BANG!
Suzannes final choice of gold and russet red table decorations were so rich and inviting and spot on for her autumn theme.
I was very impressed. I could see the difference and what she was trying to achieve.
This started me thinking.
I could put a little more effort into MY table presentation.
I was already planning a curry night for friends so I thought that I would give my table an Indian theme.
Aroung 1900, my Grandfather, who was an engineer, worked for several years in India. When he returned to Australia he brought with him many items of brass. Most of these pieces have not seen the light of day for 70 years.
My Grandfather, seated second from the left, collected brass tableware during his time in India in the early 20th century. After a long period in storage, and many hours of polishing, the brass tableware took its rightful place in the centre of my table.
I am the custodian of our families history, their photos and belongings and amongst all the boxes of memorability were the brass items. They have been stored under my home for 50 years.
I pulled them out and found them blackened and in need of many, repeat, many hours of cleaning with brasso. After days of polishing their beauty was revealed. I had forgotten how really lovely they were.
I contacted Suzanne and shared my planning progress and asked for her opinion and feedback on certain things. She was very encouraging.
I was delighted with how it all came together. The table looked wonderful. Not flamboyant but simply focusing on the authentic 126 year old Indian brass plates, bowls and urns. I was impressed and so were my guests that evening.
The brass tableware that my Grandfather brought home from India glows as if it was new. It has now been used in subsequent Curry Night gatherings so as to not waste all of that polishing.
We had 4 different curry dishes and all the traditional condiments to go with them served in those little brass bowls.
A lovely evening of good friends chatting and enjoying an evening together and sharing fine wine and yummy food.
The whole point of my story is that I want to thank Suzanne for sharing ”The Willows Journal”. It has inspired me to take a second or two longer when setting up my dinner table. Presentation really does make a difference and it is noticed by the guests and makes them feel special.
My family and friends are worth the extra effort and it gives me so much joy to share it with them.
