Make a collage. It is a memory board of items, photographs and etc. of loved ones who have passed, and childhood memories that remain with us all, yet have passed as well.

You can even accomplish this with paper and magazine clippings that represent the same things glued to a piece of cardboard with the table being made of cardboard.

You can also include objects that represent what you plan to do. A vacation, retirement and etc. are things that can be easily represented. Absent is the actual goal. Present is the intention. Or, present is the goal, absent is the execution of it.

It is inexpensive to do. You can make a table cover out of virtually anything. And everything can tell a tale. It would be a wonderful way to encourage discussion(s) and activities/participation for all.