Happy Cinco de Mayo

by Cindi Sutter, Founder & Editor of Spirited Table® 

Today was my paternal grandmother's birthday. She was the inspiration behind many of the musings that I share "around the table". Whether it was after a long hard morning of water skiing as a teenager❤️, or dinner on a warm summer Texas night, she set the perfect table for whatever life had dished out for the day. She did have one rule, if my Dad was present, there was a stack of plates in front of him and he was surrounded by big bowls full of food. His job? He "dished out," everyone's plate and we passed them to each person. Truly, it didn't matter if we were in our swimsuits with a cover-up of course, or if we were in our post-church clothes, Dad dished. 

Yes, it's an old-fashioned way to serve, but here is one takeaway that is accomplished so beautifully. We sat down, we said grace and then we actually waited to eat, until Dad had finished serving and everyone had their plate. WAIT, that was the key. I probably didn't realize it at the time, but during the waiting we laughed, talked, sometimes Nano (my grandmother) told a hilarious tale on Dad, or better yet, provided a few tips on how he could complete the "dishing" more efficiently and quickly. Bottom line, family conversation happened while we were waiting for our food. Try it sometime and let me know what happens. "Thanks, Nano for those special moments at the lake, around your very, very spirited table. I wish I could drop in a photo of that table, but I guess it's just as well, the images are burned in my mind and heart forever." Love Miss Cindi.

Cinco de Mayo hit parade = Cinco de Mayo...my grandmother's birthday - ! Aye, Carumba!           Cinco de Mayo Cocktail - Caballo Picante