As a part of the 60th anniversary of the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms, Celebrate Cayman is encouraging citizens to host “Beloved Table Dinners” where they can talk about their collective vision for the country and the well-being of all of those who call the Islands home.

The dinner table has long been a birthplace of conversation, connection and action. United States President Thomas Jefferson pioneered the art of dining with intention, inviting people from all over the country, and world, to his table and encouraging conversation on issues and topics of the day—conversations that helped define a country and its future.

“With the Beloved Table Dinners, we are inviting the community to join us in bringing this practice of dining with purpose to life across our Islands,” says Marzeta Bodden of Celebrate Cayman. “We want people to come together for a meaningful conversation about the Cayman Islands’ future, while enjoying delicious, local food,” she adds.

The Beloved Table Dinner is being held to honour Cayman Thanksgiving, and is presented in partnership with Cayman Cabana and Fosters Food Fair.

Members of the public can participate in the Beloved Table Dinner by hosting or attending the farm-to-table dinner at Cayman Cabana on Thursday, 29 November at 6:30 p.m.  The menu will feature a 4-course Cayman Islands inspired meal, followed by live entertainment.

Persons can also participate in the initiative by hosting a dinner at home. Hosts can make their own meals, or order a special “Dinner-in-a-Box” prepared for the Beloved Table Dinners by Fosters Food Fair. The dinner boxes feature a 3-course meal that includes local favorites like Cayman style beef and cassava cake.

Hosting a Beloved Table Dinner, whether at the farm-to-table event or in your home, is easy; register your table and download the Table Host Toolkit. The toolkit includes helpful hosting tips, sample invitations, and provides the “6-Big Questions” that will help to spark discussion at your table.

Hosts are encouraged to take notes during the discussion, and after the dinner is complete submit their feedback to Celebrate Cayman by Friday, 14 December. Once all the feedback has been received the insights will be compiled in a report and sent directly to dinner hosts and be made available to the wider community.

“Our hope is that ideas sparked at these dinners will translate into meaningful collaborations in the months ahead. Beyond that, a Beloved Table Dinner is an opportunity for people to get to know each other—to create and share ideas, expand networks, and be part of a national conversation,” explains Ms. Bodden.

To learn more about the Beloved Table Dinner, download the toolkit, purchase tickets for or order your dinner visit www.celebratecayman.ky/beloved.