In June 1972, John Creighton determines to build his wife, Joan, a kitchen table. His largest project to date had been picture frames, but he promises to have the table ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Inspired to put something delicious on the table, Joan turns to her mother’s recipes she had given to Joan when she and John married. In June 2012, Lauren Mabrey discovers she’s pregnant. On a visit to the local furniture builder, she finds a table that he bought at a garage sale but has recently refinished. Once home, a drawer is discovered under the table that contains a stack of recipe cards. Personal notes have been written on each one from the mother to her daughter. In a strange way, Lauren feels connected to them and wants to make the mother proud.