Photo by Desiree Dube Photography
Imagine a central outdoor hub of your community. Imagine the neighbors and families who walk through that hub everyday, getting to work, taking a stroll or meeting friends. Now imagine 40 tables in the center of that hub, with more than 200 people filling the space and sharing a meal together.
That's what happened at The Longest Table event in my hometown of Kent, Ohio the evening of August 3. When I heard about this event I was so excited. The premise was simple: reserve a table for free, and gather a group of 5 others to join you. Bring your own food and table settings, and come as you are.
This event was so unique and appealing to the community that the tables filled up quickly, and at first I wasn't able to get a spot. But I couldn't get the event out of my head. The bridge where this event took place has recently been a site of protests and demonstrations. It's been a site of tension and division, what many communities across the US have been facing these past few years. The idea of people in my city from all different backgrounds coming together to sit alongside each other and share a meal felt special and necessary. I knew I wanted to be involved.
The Longest Table feels deeply aligned with my personal values and my brand values. Hazelmade is about the slow moments, about making time to get together. I want my products to be beautiful, but I want them to be for everyday use, for throwing in a picnic basket or wiping watermelon juice at the BBQ. The details matter to me, but I also feel nostalgia for simple meals, like eating mismatched leftovers on that stained tablecloth we had in my childhood home.
To show my support and my excitement for the event, I decided to donate 150 Tea Towels, distributed across the 40 tables, with a handwritten note. I hoped these small gifts would add a special touch, reminding us the simple moments can be beautiful.
I ended up getting an invitation to attend from a friend who was able to reserve a table. On a gorgeous summer evening, I dined with close friends, strangers, colleagues and Hazelmade supporters. Some tables went all out with decorations and matching table settings. Some people brought pizza boxes and paper plates. Everyone walked around, greeting each other and making new friends. By the end, people were passing out extra food, sharing what was left over. Like a really good party, no one wanted to leave.
As a small business owner, I don't just want to be in my studio doing my own thing. I want to be part of what's happening in my community, especially one full of good people who want to do good things. Seeing people use my Tea Towels as placemats as they caught up over a meal, passing plates and sharing delicious foods is exactly how I imagine my work in your homes: helping you connect with the people you love.
Photo by Desiree Dube Photography
