Olive Dish

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!