My mother always brought out the good china for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas. We had ordinary dishes for daily life, ones that could go into the dishwasher. The same applied to our glassware. We had regular glasses for our daily iced tea and water, but for the holidays the crystal appeared. We had water glasses that matched the wine glasses. They were so pretty and delicate.
I wouldn’t want to use them every day, but pulling them out only three times a year seems a waste. So every now and then, just for fun, I pull out the good stuff. The other day I was making up an antipasto plate to go with an afternoon bottle of wine, and I found my mother’s cut-glass olive dish. Yes, she had a dish specifically for olives. I took great joy in including it in our afternoon feast. It was like my mother was there with us.
Using your good china and crystal when it’s not a holiday is not a crime. In fact, it’s what life’s special moments are all about. Why not set the table with the good dishes today and make the day special, not for any reason, just because.
Your #DolceVita action item for this week: set a pretty table.
It doesn’t have to be a formal spread, but do something to make it special. I love to use pretty napkins. I add unscented candles or flowers for a romantic feel. I even do this when I am dining alone. Because I am worth it.
Repeat after me: I AM WORTH IT
I would love to see pictures of your table settings. Share them on my Facebook page and use the hashtag #DolceVita so I’m sure to see them.
Enjoy!
I love candles at dinner. It is a good time for a glass of wine and just hearing about each others day. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. We will have the in laws in from out of town. I hope to make them a beautiful meal with a magazine cover look table :). Your post has inspired me.
Sounds lovely. Take pictures. I would love to see your table arrangements.
While I don’t own good china, I do have nice every day dishes and love to set a beautiful table. It’s something small that makes me feel as though I’m honouring those who come to eat with us. As children, my sister and I had to set the table every supper time, it was a good habit to get in to.
Yes! It’s all about creating special moments. I love to use a cup and saucer when I have tea instead of a mug. And even if I have paper napkins — which I usually do — I fold them on a diagonal to make them look fancier. It’s the little things in life that can mean so much and help us to create memories.