1/1/08

Going Deeper in 2008!

Last night we experienced love, acceptance, and camaraderie as seventeen guests came to our New Year’s Eve sit-down dinner party.

A while back, when friends began asking if we were going to have our traditional New Year’s Eve party, I decided I wanted to try something new. I wanted to shake it up – put a new spin on it—change it around!

The ideas started churning in my head when I came up with the plan of moving guests around to new seats after every course served!

As soon as every couple RSVP’d, I grabbed my journal and began putting a seating chart together – first with guests sitting by their spouses, with women at one end and men at the other. The last two courses I mixed it all up, making sure each guest would sit by someone new each time.

My husband came up with conversation starters that included each guest and deepened our discussions. There is nothing like deep conversations to break down the superficial, taking us to new levels in our friendships. It’s called “getting to know one another!” It takes courage and audacity to be real and to open up with your friends, especially newer ones.

Yes, we experienced probably our most unique dinner party ever last night! Between much laughter and passionate, loud voices rising above the fun, festive music, with fifteen kids in the background celebrating in their own way – at one point I looked around the table during our 3 hour dinner, and saw a few tears streaming down faces. We definitely experienced the intriguing component of going deep, rather than being content with surface-y chitchat.

After letting go of the old (2007) and bringing in the new (2008), my husband and I fell into bed exhausted last night. Knowing we could never re-create this party again, we were thankful for the memories we shared.

I’m thinking “Going Deeper in 2008” is a great goal to have, and to continue what we started last night – only next time I’ll think of a new, exciting spin on the party.

Want to join me?


(Last photo: God Bless the Cooks!)

Stay tuned for upcoming post, Change it Around, on how I incorporated my Ten Commandments into planning this fun dinner party – and what we did with all the kids!

P E A C E ...
Paulette (my cousin) left this earth tonight at 6:44. She was not struggling any longer when she took her last breath. She went very peacefully. She no longer has a brain tumor.....she has a whole new body and I picture her hearing sounds more beautiful than we can imagine. I just know that she is perfect now. (Words from her sister, Peggy, who gave so amazingly to Paulette in her last few months of life.)

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds wonderful! Would you mind sharing the conversation starters your husband used for the dinner party?

Laura said...

Looking forward to it and I'm definitely excited to hear about what you did with the kids!

Happy New Year!

OKGardners said...

You have THE BEST ideas. You need to write a book. (Hint, hint) You could put all your great ideas into one place for all of us to have handy to use.

What a great idea to move folks around the table and to have conversation starters. You are an amazing hostess.

Keep your ideas swirling in that creative mind of yours!

Betty in OK

Jenster said...

I love your ideas! Which is why I keep coming back. :o)

Blessings to you and yours in 2008! I'm looking forward to seeing what God does for you all this year.

And my sympathy for your family in the loss of your cousin - but praise be to God that she's having the time of her eternal life right now!!

Jen said...

I.m so sorry to hear about your cousin. Prayers to you and your family in this new year.

Kim said...

Sandy,

I'm excited to read the things you will be sharing in 2008! I teach a Foods & Nutrition class to high school students (I'm a part time Family & Consumer Science Teacher) and I would like to share with them your "10 Commandments of Hospitality". Would you mind? I will be sure to give you the credit. My goal is to encourage the students to think beyone the eating. Any insight or suggestions would be great!

Nadine said...

Sounded very interesting. I'm sure everyone had a great time.

I just wanted to extend my condolences to you and your family regarding your cousin, Paulette.

Christine said...

WHat a wonderful way to start the new year! Love the idea of musical chairs during dinner. :)

I'm so sorry to hear about Paulette, though it seems as if this peace was what she desperately needed. Praying God's blessings and comfort on your family.

Jennifer said...

What a fabulous idea for a dinner party! You give so much wonderful insight on entertaining and I can't thank you enough. Each time I visit, there is so much to take back.
I am truly sorry about your cousin Paulette. Many Blessings to you and the rest of your family.
~Jen

Darla said...

You have truly original ideas and I'm sure your guests appreciate them.

I'm sorry to hear about your cousin, I'll hold you and your family in my thoughts.

Darla

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great idea!! Going Deeper in 2008 is definitely my motto...with my friends, my family, my commitments, my God. Can't wait to hear more details of this fun party you had!

G. said...

sounds like you had a wonderful time. There's something really special about going beyond the surface with people you know. What a wonderful way to bring in the New Year. I'm sorry to hear about your cousin.

Rhonda said...

Hi Sandy

Thanks for stopping by. Sounds like a great New Years Eve party!! Wish I lived closer. :)

I love new beginnings and 2008 looks to be a great one.

Blessings to you!

Lovella ♥ said...

Thank you Sandy. What a treat to be invited over . . I'm going to incorporate this idea in my next dinner party. I often have wondered how to encourage deeper conversations.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Sandy, I'm so glad I met you this last year. You truly are an inspiration on how to entertain graciously. Love your ideas & how you implement them. I know your friends must love coming to your house for dinner parties & conversation.

I'm looking forward to a good 2008 & hopefully I'll be entertaining more too!

xo,
Rhoda

~j~ said...

You are very blessed to have such a wonderful group of friends to share such memories. Intimate relationships are built around the dining table when there is freedom to express the contents of the heart. Thank you for sharing.
julia

a woman who is said...

I am looking forward to hearing more details about your party, especially the
conversation starters that encouraged the “deep” conversation.

I too entertained the holidays away. It was wonderful to have the house full of family and friends. I would love to hear more details about your strategies.