Urban Hardwoods

It's no secret that I like to entertain for my friends. I love everything about it from planning the menu to chopping vegetables, cooking, baking and setting the table (I don't even mind washing the dishes after a party, seriously, it's relaxing). I admire my napkins every time I pull them out, I long for a collection of tablecloths and, thanks to my man and his generous Christmas gifts, I proudly arrange my MATCHING silverware on the table every time and it makes me feel so grown up. I never blink an eye at the grocery store (and liquor store) receipts either because it always seems worth it and somehow I am able to find ways to prepare decent meals without spending too much. I might even throw a lobster tail or two on your plate.

The idea of a bunch of people around a table, reaching for food, sharing, serving each other a la familia style, making yummy noises and pouring generous amounts of wine in each other's glasses makes me happy.

I have always loved seeing scenes like that in movies and, working in restaurants, I genuinely like watching a large party having a fabulous time, laughing, eating, enjoying the simple pleasures in life. I even fetch things for them and meet all of their demands with a real smile...most of the time. In the comfort of my own home, things are a little more humble but all the more fun for it. We always manage to push tables together, squeeze around them and find enough space in our small house for a fabulous evening.

One day, however, there will be no need to rearrange the entire house every time we wish to invite more than two people for a bite. I will own a huge long table in my dining room. It will be well deserved and I know exactly which one I want, of course.

A few years ago, during a weekend getaway to Seattle, we came across a store called Urban Hardwoods in an industrial area further away from downtown. My man and I both fell for the tables they design, which is somewhat unusual considering how different our tastes can be. But these seemed like the right compromise at the time and neither of us have changed our minds to this day. It's still on both our wishlists. The tables are made from trees that have been "rescued", which means that their colour, the type of wood used, the shape and size of the tops are unique. The location of the store has moved to downtown Seattle so customers are no longer able to peek at the manufacturing process but the space where Urban Hardwoods currently displays their furniture is really great. Their price point, in comparison to similar tables that I have found in Canada, are very reasonable.

Which one of you tabletops wants to come home with me?

all photos below: urbanhardwoods.com

Amongst my favourites is this one below...

...with these legs...Yes, you can mix and match the bases.

I plan to make such use of my future table that it will serve as a place to sit down and have dinner for up to 8 people, comfortably, without so much as moving a chair. It will also be the place to park myself and write these posts, with my trusty laptop and a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. I have visions of magazines spread out, fabric samples and camera equipment scattered on the table. I would even be happy to give up my whole living room area to replace it with one long table and a bunch of comfy chairs.

I am also fascinated by how these tables are made. I once saw a video at a design show and must have spent twenty minutes starring at the television monitor with my jaw dropped.

Which ones do you prefer?