Our Farm Table...the Center of Our Home

Our reclaimed, barn board, farm table is truly the center of our family's life.  It is a true friend of today's lifestyle as it morphs perfectly as a durable, low maintenance and yet decorative work horse.  We find ourselves there at least once a day and more often many times throughout the day.  The simple fact that our farm table holds a prominent location right, smack in the middle of our home and is at the crossroads to the rest of the house, lends itself well as more than just a place to eat and converse.

The occasional ding and dibble seems to blend in as the years of character from weather and wear act as a natural camouflage.  The sponge-wipe-for-life, smooth surface offers a sort of refuge and peace of mind as though to reminded us that the table is here to work and with a sense of "grace under fire."

The busy schedule that we all keep has a way of forcing us to be somewhat centralized as we traverse from room to room searching for the "this that and the other," temporarily misplaced necessity as we prepare for our next trip to and from schools, classes, appointments, work, family functions and social commitments...not to mention the occasional respite from perpetual motion when we actually get a moment to sit!

So, aside from the ever-changing decorative centerpiece, we often have a collection of mail, catalogs, electronic devices, the ever-elusive set of keys, a tea or coffee mug...or two...or three, or so, a few books, newspaper, school projects, coupons and quite often a laptop or two.  All serving an important role in our very current, up to date, can't seem to catch up lives!

We do have the almost daily, traditional meals or holiday feast where we clear the decks and adorn the old wood surface with a full complement of vintage, table appointments suitable for a much needed moment of grace and interpersonal connectivity.  Ah, the slow motion of those moments and the daily updates from whomever about who knows what.  Then, the tranquility is set on pause while one or two unfortunate "volunteers" clatter their way through the clean, rinse and stack ritual that inevitably must follow what was a sacred, healing experience.  Such is the cadence of life.

Replica vs. Reproduction?

Which would you rather have, a replica or a reproduction? In fact, what is the difference and why would one prefer one over the other? Well, in my usual, pliable and oft safe, answer…it depends…I am, in this case, being advisedly cautious. When referring to furniture, especially the broadly and overused classification of reproduction furniture, there exists those who choose one, yet receive another.

To reproduce a piece of Early American Furniture serves the majority as a far more functional option. To narrowly adhere to the needed confines of a replica may well overlook a more, modern functionality. The deeper drawer, a wider table or pine verses chestnut just to mention a few. Then there is the constraint of acceptable cost associated with the careful attention to detail. The chamfered drawer, the hand cut dovetail and the hardwood peg. The thought of a replica is enough for most and hardly achievable for the lofty standards of a few. But, they both play an important role in the preservation of an historic trend here in America.

Many simply prefer what appears to be as well as what is accessible and affordable. Well, that is: Especially when they are on sale!!! The upward leap from reproduction to replica can be a mighty one especially for a frugal Yankee like me. Likewise, the step down can be just as unacceptable and unthinkable. However, for the upper 2%, anything less than authentic could cause a permanent case of disorientation and render them a recluse. Well, “to each his own I say!” Just be sure to call us when you decide to join the ranks of the happy, reproduction owning cast of millions. Because that’s what we do and we’re darn good at it!