It’s The Little Things: Food & Table
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
When fostering beauty with intention, it’s all about the “little things”. A soft throw blanket placed “just so”. A kettle freshly boiled ready to fill cups and mugs each with their own unique personality. As much as grand gestures are things we look forward to, enjoy, and remember fondly, it’s the little things that make a life. Simple habits, surroundings, and companions along the journey that form the textures, tastes, and soundscapes of our ordinary days.
Today, we focus on all things food and savoring at table.
Most of us eat at least three times a day; these are no mere “feedings” born simply out of necessity. Yes, food nourishes, and that’s important. But it also delights. Tapping into the little things that heighten the delight food brings — and that communal act of sharing meals — can be a powerful way of fostering beauty and joy in daily life.
01 | Simplicity.
The beauty of the little things in dining begins with simplicity. Even the word “dining” itself can conjure up notions of elaborate spreads, exquisite dishes, and expensive ingredients and furnishings.
Yet, dining can be “fine” without being complicated. While there’s a time and place for “ceremony,” the beauty of the everyday table is the grace of simplicity well executed. A soup and some crusty bread with olive oil. A dinner salad, with ingredients caringly paired and layered. A spread of dips, nuts, and fruit. The key is embracing and enjoying the simple.
02 | Quality of ingredients.
When beginning with simplicity, a valuable companion is quality. For example, a nice olive oil used for drizzling over a dish or eating with bread makes a big difference in taste from one that’s of lesser quality (or even rancid).
This isn’t about breaking the bank; rather, it’s about finding a few ingredients that are staples in your kitchen and where you notice the difference in quality. If you can spend a bit more for something nicer, allow yourself the little gift of enjoyment that fosters.
03 | Plating & Garnishes.
Few of us give much thought to plating and garnishes. We’re happy enough simply to get a meal on the table, let alone to care much about what it looks like. However, one of the little things that fosters beauty at the table is to remember that we eat first with our eyes.
Plating and garnishing provide the finishing touches requisite for sending a surge of delight through us before we even lift a utensil to our mouths. This shouldn’t be overly complex or snobbish — again, it’s about the little things.
If you have a variety of options, what plate or bowl — even mug! — would best present your soup, pasta, salad, grain bowl, etc.? If you don’t know, don’t stress. See this as an opportunity to play — to have fun in the kitchen preparing. Think of places you’ve eaten out. How have you seen your food plated? Might you use some fresh greens or herbs, a sprinkle or dusting of a spice or powder, a smear of sauce, a small bowl for some accoutrement?
Be creative and enjoy the process of discovery. Smile as you gaze upon your creation before tucking in to enjoy its flavors.
04 | Dressing the Table.
Ordinary meals like a weekday dinner won’t require elaborate settings, but a few little things can make the “everyday” feel just a bit more special, First, consider using cloth napkins. This is one upgrade that (at least, I believe) is truly life-changing.
Cloth napkins are not merely for fancy restaurants, banquets, or dinner parties. They can grace your Tuesday breakfast table as well as your Saturday evening gathering. Moreover, you might want to acquire more than one set — one for everyday use, and another for special occasions. The feeling of using a cloth napkin is simply superb.
It’s that special touch that helps you remember that you’re enjoying a meal. A little something to help you be present and aware. What’s more, you can get multiple uses out of a cloth napkin in addition to their washable, eco-friendly nature.
My cloth napkin soapbox aside, consider, too, the delight of additional table linens and tableware. Do you like using a tablecloth or runner for decoration? Or perhaps you really enjoy candles. Be sure to use unscented candles at the table to avoid scents clashing with or overpowering your food and drink. I recommend beeswax tapers as a lovely choice.
And what about a special piece of flatware here and there? I’m known to collect “cute” (small) spoons. I love to use them to eat with, when appropriate, or for serving condiments or toppings out of small bowls. When I see and use them, they bring me a rush of delight.
Lastly, consider the simple yet intentional step of setting the table before coming to sit. This may be merely cloth napkins and spoons — maybe water glasses. It need not be much. Rather than just tossing things there once you sit down, it’s the prior preparation that makes coming to the table an “event”. Let it be so.
05 | The Act of Savoring.
It’s no secret that we live at a fast pace. Always off to the next thing, we too often treat eating like one more task to accomplish. This little thing has a lot to do with mindset, but there are some practical tips that can help to foster a posture of savoring.
For starters, begin with appreciating your setting. See the food you’ve prepared, how you’ve plated it and set the table — take in a deep breath as you drink it all in and exhale slowly with a grateful smile. As you eat, set down your fork and knife in between bites; chew, enjoy the taste, consider the textures.
Don’t merely eat to consume — eat to enjoy. And as you converse with those with whom you share a meal, enjoy and savor shared company as much as the food before you.
06 | A Playlist to Set the Mood.
Music will come up numerous times in this series, as it’s a very powerful little thing. While some of us may prefer silence — and at times silence is perhaps even better than music — setting the mood with music can heighten the delight of simple, thoughtful meals.
I’m known to choose a soothing, classy jazz playlist for many an evening dinner, and often save instrumental acoustic or classical playlists for breakfasts or tea times. Don’t be afraid to get up and change the tunes if you’re not feeling it — it might take a few tries to find a good mix for your vibe.
In short…
When we eat on a daily basis, fostering beauty and joy is all about starting with simplicity, introducing some quality, and thoughtfully arranging plate, table, and atmosphere for delightful savoring. Cheers to fostering beauty in and with the little things!
