Room For Dessert

One thing is for sure, dinner will always be followed by dessert at my Grandma's house. "Save room for dessert," is a phrase frequently spoken around my grandparent's table. No matter how wonderful the meal you just ate, dessert is a must! Papa thinks there is something wrong with you if you don't accept. It's nice when Grandma reminds you, "save room for dessert," as she piles a second helping of squash souffle on your plate.

While Justin and I were dating, he was introduced to this right of the bat (although his mama makes mighty fine desserts too!). He has grown so accustomed to it, he now claims he has a "dessert stomach." Indicating where his "dessert stomach" is, he motions with his hands, pushing the food he just ate to one side showing he has plenty of "room for dessert."

It's not just the savory dishes or the incredible desserts that make Grandma's table what it is, it's the time shared around the table. It's not uncommon to find everyone still at the table hours after the last bite has been taken, carried off into conversations and debates. Papa is the great story teller. He has had such a colorful life and he loves to tell us about it. No matter if we have heard the story before, we drink in every word. Not only are there stories about him, but of our family's history, politics and religion. Needless to say, the table can get pretty hot! Anyone who joins this table is treated like family. This tradition has passed on to my parents' table, to my sister's table and to my table too.

When you sit down at the table you truly get to know those sitting around it. Growing up we always had family meals, without exception. Mama and Daddy felt it was very important as a family to share and be together. My parents valued this time so much, that Daddy delayed getting his college education because it would have interfered with supper time. This an important tradition that Justin and I will continue. We began from day one, eating dinner together. As Mama taught me, the table is cleared, properly set with "every day" china, and a meal with colorful composition is presented. This is the environment we want to bring Juliet up in, dinner time is family time. This is a time to share stories and ideas, both exciting and mundane and we have as much time as you need. When we have friends for dinner, the same is in store for them. And we remind them to "save room for dessert."