Hands down, the greatest silver lining of the pandemic is more family dinners together. I enjoy the prep as much as the meal itself. During my daughter’s nap, I turn up my favorite Charles Trenet album and pour my heart into preparing the meal and setting the table. It’s a small but meaningful act of service for my family… and therapeutic for me.

Admittedly with four young children, meals are typically lively and (dare I say) a little chaotic, but I wouldn’t trade them. I love listening to them jockey to be the first to share the highlights of their day (even if I was present for every moment). I can’t help but laugh at the number of objections a lick of ketchup can quiet, and I feel a calm satisfaction knowing they are nourishing their growing little bodies with healthy, delicious foods.

I snapped a few photos from a family dinner earlier this week, and hope you feel inspired to pause and create a special memory for you and yours soon too. XO, L

All interior images courtesy of Lauren Fornes Home.