A Guide for Table Hosts.

Thank you for helping host Moscow’s first Longest Table! Your job is simple: bring a small group, help everyone feel welcome, and keep the conversation flowing. As a host, you take ownership of a small slice of Main Street. You'll invite your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to an 8-foot table section and coordinate what everyone is bringing to eat. In addition to the 5 people you invite, there will be space at your table for 3 other participants. The other participants will be encouraged to bring side dishes. There will be side dishes available at Friendship Square so everyone will have something to bring to the table.

Before the event:

  • Invite 5 guests to join your table.

  • Coordinate the food your guests are bringing. We recommend that:

    • 3 guests bring an entrée with 4–5 servings.

    • 2 guests bring a dessert with at least 5 servings.

  • Ask everyone bringing food to bring an ingredient list or recipe.

  • Table Hosts are welcome to bring a dish, but you are not expected to.

  • Register your group at moscowwelcometable.org by Friday, September 11.

  • Ask your guests to arrive at 1:00 p.m. at Friendship Square for check-in and seating.

On Sunday, September 13:

Please arrive at 12:30 p.m. for a short orientation and to get your table ready. We’ll provide dishes, flowers, and guest materials.

At 1:00 p.m., welcome your five guests plus three additional community guests who will be assigned to your table and will bring side dishes. Help with introductions and name tags.

You can also point guests toward the drink stations, Allergen-Friendly Table, and Community Craft Table as needed.

During the meal:

help make sure everyone is included in the conversation. We’ll ask each table to discuss and record answers to three questions:

  1. What do you value about living in Moscow?

  2. What would you like to see improved or changed in Moscow?

  3. What would you suggest for a future Longest Table?

After the Meal

Please help guests at your table sort items into the appropriate collection areas:

  • dishes → scrape station

  • silverware → soaking buckets

  • bottles and cans → recycling

  • table linens → laundry bags

  • completed question sheets and pens → registration table

  • salt and pepper → collection station

Cleanup volunteers will handle tables, chairs, sweeping, and trash.

And please take the flowers from your table home with you as our thank-you for hosting.

Questions?

Email the Longest Table organizers at longesttablemoscow@gmail.com

or contact Jenny Kostroff at the 1912 Center by phone/text at (208) 669-2249 or by email 1912center@gmail.com.