When I first came to DC in 2006 one of the first items I purchased for my apartment was a second-hand dining table. For a while, it served primarily as a staging area, where I would prepare to go to work in the morning, take off my shoes when I got home, and prep in the evening for the next work day. It was not serving its intended purpose. It had the look of a forgotten family heirloom. Layers of shellac marked with crevices where someone carelessly let a knife slip or placed down a hot pan. This table switched hands and roamed DC for a bit before ultimately finding its way back to us. It now serves as a coffee table in our basement.
When we moved to the Hacienda the first thing I wanted to make was a table. I wanted something that matched the house, but more importantly, I wanted something that was ours. I wanted the scars and stains etched into the finish to be ours. I wanted to create a place where we would gather and share stories, food, and make our own memories with family and friends. I didn’t have a clue how to do this. I had pretty much zero carpentry skills at the time. I came across a simple DIY farmhouse / industrial table that was perfect for my skill level. It’s been three years and the table is sturdy as ever. We have hosted holidays, birthdays, a baby shower, Friendsgiving, and more, and the table is doing exactly what I envisioned. Zab’s spot is starting to show plenty of wear, just like it should. It means we are sharing plenty of meals together gathered around our family table.
