Where stories are shared and memories are made
The best memories are made gathered around the table—not just during holidays or family dinners, but in everyday moments where connection happens naturally. Whether it’s a kitchen table, a boardroom, or a virtual coffee chat, the table represents a space where people show up, listen, laugh, and build lasting bonds.
In a time where many teams work remotely and “gathering” looks different, the heart of connection is still the same. What matters isn’t the physical table—it’s the intention behind showing up.
Why the table still matters, even virtually
The phrase “the best memories are made gathered around the table” isn’t just about mealtimes. It’s about presence. Think of:
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A manager pausing a meeting to check in on someone’s newborn.
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A team member opening up about burnout during a virtual huddle.
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A Friday afternoon call filled with jokes, snacks, and real conversation.
These are the kinds of moments that stick with us. They're not found in performance reviews or KPI charts. They're found around shared moments—digital or not.
One remote product team at a mid-sized startup shared that their most productive idea sessions happened during “non-meeting” virtual lunch breaks. No slides. No agenda. Just showing up with sandwiches and stories.
Creating moments that matter in a remote setting
If you’re leading a distributed team, you already know: connection doesn't happen by accident. Here are simple ways to build meaningful moments that feel like “gathering around the table,” even when screens separate you.
1. Start meetings with check-ins
Begin every team call with a simple prompt:
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“What’s something you’re looking forward to this week?”
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“What did you do this weekend?”
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“What’s one thing that’s made you smile lately?”
It’s a small gesture, but it sets the tone. People feel seen.
2. Make space for real talk
Reserve part of the agenda for personal stories or experiences—not just project updates. Some teams even host monthly “story circles” where one person shares a 5-minute personal story. It’s optional, but powerful.
3. Celebrate milestones outside of work
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Send surprise care packages to celebrate anniversaries.
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Host “virtual table talks” to recognize team wins.
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Celebrate a product launch with a group meal reimbursement—everyone orders from their favorite spot and eats together over Zoom.
These kinds of traditions spark joy and build culture.
How Funlife makes gathering easier
At Funlife, we understand that the best memories are made gathered around the table—and we’ve built our entire brand around that idea. From stylish yet functional furniture designed for small spaces to collaborative tools for team events, we help people come together with ease and purpose.
Whether you're planning a quarterly retreat, a hybrid team workshop, or just want to create better moments in your virtual office, Funlife offers thoughtfully designed solutions to make those gatherings feel intentional and human.
👉 Explore Funlife’s collection and team experiences to bring warmth to your next meeting or workspace.
Simple team rituals to build connection
Here’s a quick table of remote-friendly team rituals you can start today:
| Ritual | How it works | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual coffee chats | Randomly pair teammates for 15-minute informal calls | Builds cross-team trust |
| Show & tell Fridays | Teammates share hobbies, books, or weekend projects | Encourages openness and creativity |
| “Gather Around” lunch hour | Everyone brings lunch to a casual video hangout | Mimics the feel of a shared table |
| Personal milestone map | A shared doc with key team life updates and celebrations | Keeps everyone in the loop emotionally |
| Rotating meeting host | Different team member leads weekly call opener | Encourages engagement and ownership |
A moment that stuck with me
One HR lead I spoke to recently told me this:
“We had a new hire join remotely during a tough time in her life. She barely knew anyone, but during one Friday ‘gather hour,’ she shared a story about her mom’s cooking and how it reminded her of her culture. It sparked a whole conversation across our team about food, memory, and home. That moment changed the tone of everything moving forward.”
That’s the power of gathering. It’s not about performance. It’s about presence.
The best memories are made gathered around the table
No matter how digital the workplace becomes, people crave connection. The best memories aren’t made in a metrics dashboard. They’re made when we slow down, listen, and share.
Remote leaders have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to create these moments intentionally. Not by adding more meetings, but by bringing more meaning to the ones we already have.
Make space for stories. Prioritize presence. The best memories are still being made—gathered around the table, even if that table is a little different now.
