A Place at the Table

I love arriving at a table and seeing my name written on a little card inviting me to a meal and an evening with others that was planned and purposed. Place cards are elegant, thoughtful, intentional and are a simple yet beautiful way to let your table guests know that they have a specific place at your table. If you aren’t already using place cards, I highly recommend that you try them at your next gathering!

Place cards are easy to implement and can be something you either purchase or make yourself using cardstock, good scissors, and a nice pen (a Sharpie is always my pen of choice). Whether you make your place cards or purchase them, you get to decide how embellished or simple you want them to be with the only criteria being that there is enough space on the card for your guests’ names to be written.

Taking the time to hand write each guest’s name on a card shows that each person attending your gathering is being thought of in that moment, expected, planned for, and anticipated. Who can write someone’s name and not think of them? It’s absolutely impossible! If your place cards are bifold cards, then you might even add a simple message inside the card written specifically for each guest that is attending. A message such as “I am so glad you are here!” is a delightful, unexpected treat and something that may help your guests relax or simply let them know that they are seen and cared for.

Once you have your place cards written, you then have to decide where each person will sit. Where you place each card at the table requires even more thought as you attempt to pair people near each other who will not only enjoy conversation with one another but will balance one another’s energy, thoughts, stories and experiences. Will some of your guests slightly resist being told where to sit? Maybe. But if the placement of each card is done with the thought of purposeful conversation and to create a spot where everyone has a seat and feels welcome, the resisters will quickly relax and embrace their designated spot. It’s quite the orchestration designed specifically for bringing people together to enjoy each other’s company and to share life. Those little details are full of such sweet thought, intention, and care and are what beautifully welcome others to your table!

So if you have a gathering coming up soon I encourage you to give place cards a try. A thoughtful place setting is sure to elevate the experience of your guests with just the one simple addition of a handwritten card that is especially for them.

Cheers to many simply beautiful moments and memories shared around your table!
Michele