It’s so fascinating that there’s a word that encapsulates a cultural difference that large. It makes me sad that we Americans have so many words for ways of doing business but none that really cover the depth of meaning in “a tavola.” Even as an outsider who has visited Italy only a few times, I can feel the deep significance that Italians attach to this concept of gathering at the table—almost a sacred tradition around food+family+friends. Of course maybe I’m idealizing it, but your pictures and description make it sound so appealing! Thanks for this fascinating piece, Lolly!
Hi Ruth, You are very perceptive! It is a sacred tradition. It's exactly that! Thank you for your insights and comments. I've had a really busy month and am so looking forward to catching up with your pieces! x
That's beautiful, Daniel! I love that word, gather, and I agree it has many wonderful connotations. It always reminds me of 'gathering' at church with the community there when I was young. Thank you so much for sharing this!
I love this, Giorgia!! How beautiful. Thank you for commenting and please let me know ALWAYS if you think I missed anything or sbagliato qualcosa! Sul serio!! xx
Love this! And regardless of my genetics I am Italian at heart. We have fostered this idea since our kids were born. It’s just part of life for us to gather and spend a full evening doing nothing but eating drinking and telling stories. Now as young adults we’re introducing all their new friends to this concept.
Love this Christi! This is the best gift you could give your kids! So many memories made and building a tradition of conversation and fun around the table ❤️
It’s so fascinating that there’s a word that encapsulates a cultural difference that large. It makes me sad that we Americans have so many words for ways of doing business but none that really cover the depth of meaning in “a tavola.” Even as an outsider who has visited Italy only a few times, I can feel the deep significance that Italians attach to this concept of gathering at the table—almost a sacred tradition around food+family+friends. Of course maybe I’m idealizing it, but your pictures and description make it sound so appealing! Thanks for this fascinating piece, Lolly!
Hi Ruth, You are very perceptive! It is a sacred tradition. It's exactly that! Thank you for your insights and comments. I've had a really busy month and am so looking forward to catching up with your pieces! x
I totally agree. I felt the same way as I was reading that part.
❤️ my partner always divides his friends and acquaintances in two by saying - we’ve never even shared a meal together. That’s how much it means!
At my home we refer to word gather in a similar fashion. We would say let’s gather meaning sit around our table and enjoy the food and friendship.
That's beautiful, Daniel! I love that word, gather, and I agree it has many wonderful connotations. It always reminds me of 'gathering' at church with the community there when I was young. Thank you so much for sharing this!
“A tavola!” implies conviviality — we even have a musical about it... 😉
https://youtu.be/DuK23O38REE?si=3czcMfYMYPDvI8c4
I love this, Giorgia!! How beautiful. Thank you for commenting and please let me know ALWAYS if you think I missed anything or sbagliato qualcosa! Sul serio!! xx
This is such a wonderful explanation
Thank you, Gillian! Do you notice any differences in Venice? Rome?
Just wonderful!
Thank you, so much, Sue! I am in love the the concept of your Second Helpings cookbook!
Love this! And regardless of my genetics I am Italian at heart. We have fostered this idea since our kids were born. It’s just part of life for us to gather and spend a full evening doing nothing but eating drinking and telling stories. Now as young adults we’re introducing all their new friends to this concept.
Love this Christi! This is the best gift you could give your kids! So many memories made and building a tradition of conversation and fun around the table ❤️