A few years ago, I made plans to provide a romantic Valentine’s Day table for two dinner for an elderly couple in their late 80s. They were dear friends, and I knew their declining health often kept them from doing the “little things” they wanted to do for each other. With their daughter’s approval, I began preparing the surprise.
Plans were to arrive unannounced at their home carrying white linens, china, crystal, sterling flatware … floating heart-shaped candles … and a red rose in a bud vase. I would also bring a favorite, easy-to-transport meal of smoked pork tenderloin, wild rice with cranberries, salad, rolls … and a decadent dessert. After serving my guests, I would leave, returning later for clean-up.
Unfortunately, the Valentine dinner never took place. The gentleman developed even more serious health challenges, and the evening simply wasn’t possible. How I wish I’d had the “table for two” idea earlier because the opportunity never again presented itself.
Perhaps you know someone who would appreciate being treated to a lovely “date night.” Maybe it’s an elderly couple like my friends … or perhaps it’s simply a couple (of any age) who could use a special treat … birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day or “just because.” Another option is for YOU to be the #2 person at the table … and surprise a friend with an unexpected dinner.
Get creative!
Can you imagine ever doing something like this for someone?
This is part of a 31-day series. To read previous posts, go HERE.
I’ll be linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch and Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound.
What a great thought! Sorry it didn’t happen. But it should remind us to do things sooner rather than later.
This has been an awesome series and every entry has touched me, but THIS is the best of all. What a truly creative, lovely idea. Thank you for you caring ways.
Linda @ A Toile Tale
Susan- What a wonderful heart you have! I am so sorry that you weren’t able to serve your sweet dinner for two. It is heartbreaking to see our friends fail and not be able to do the things they used to do. Blessings to you- I am going to take the time to do something like this for someone- xo Diana
Oh, I love this one! I would never have thought about it, and my mind is racing with ideas now. That is such a cute idea. The first couple who came to mind, I would have to walk carefully. They are both in the early 90s, but she is almost “obsessive” about not letting anyone cook for them (him) but her. Hmmmm… I really would love to do this.
What a beautiful idea, Susan. So sorry you weren’t able to give such a special gift to your friends, but now you’re sharing it with us and it’s still a very special gift.
Thank you for blessing us with it.
Much love,
Marcia
Beautiful post as always!
This is a wonderful and thoughtful idea! Perhaps we could also add just a special dinner for one. Seniors often don’t get the delicious and nutritious meals they desire because they just can’t do it for themselves anymore.
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
This is an idea I can totally wrap my head around, Susan! I am so sorry that this particular dinner never came to fruition (how happy and truly touched they would have been!), but it was most certainly the thought that counted on your end. I have often thought how nice it would be to be able to create something really, really special at a nursing home like this. When I was a wedding designer, I would often take the flowers (with the family’s permission) after the reception to a local nursing home. We would put the flowers in the dining hall on the tables so they would have something very special when they came in for breakfast. Larger pieces would go in the chapel for Sunday morning service. It was kind of a hassle loading up all those flowers, carefully driving them in my big diesel truck to some out-of-the-way home, unloading them all in the dead of night…but it was sure worth it! I never got to see the faces of the residents the following morning, but in my mind’s eye they were beaming with joy to have something pretty. I would often include a couple of programs from the wedding for them to enjoy as well. I think this is something I need to try to pursue once my shoulders are operated on and healed up. There is nothing in this world that gives me greater joy than to see the look on an elderly person’s face when they are able to capture a bit of the romantic past! Thanks for re-sparking the idea!
This is a wonderful idea. Live each day as if it were your last. So sorry they didn’t get to partake in your lovely, heartfelt gift. xo marlis
What a lovely thought and gift ~ it breaks my hear they were not able to receive it. This brings back lovely memories for me ~ many years ago I was a single mom and my daughter who was a young teenager at the time made a special dinner for me setting the table beautifully for when I returned home from work. I was so touched. Had forgotten all about it until now ~ thanks for sharing and the memory.
I can think of a few people I would like to do that for , including my husband. Thanks for the idea.
You have me thinking, it’s a wonderful idea and thanks for sharing it to us.
Pink Leaf
Have an enjoyable Saturday!