Setting the Table

During this pandemic, we haven't really been able to entertain any.  Of course, that is just fine since safety comes first. Safety for us and for our friends.  We did finally have Lois and her sister Ruth over for a post 4th of July dinner.  I had to work the 4th, so we did the 5th :)  Anyway, it was a fun evening and nice to have some company and share a meal.  But it made me realize how much I miss setting a table.  That may be silly to some, but I enjoy it.  Part of the fun of having a dinner party is planning what the presentation looks like.  For me it's almost as important as the menu haha!

Like most children of my generation, one of my chores growing up was helping Mom set the table each night for dinner.  Outside of this covid experience, I'm not sure many of today's kids eat at the table every night with their families so this isn't probably on their normal chore list.  That is, if they even have to do chores anymore!  Anyway, Mom would guide me through the process, showing me which side the forks went on and such.  I remember that we had a wooden napkin holder on the counter and grabbing a stack of paper napkins for the table.  I would always grab too many then have the task of trying to get the leftover ones back in the holder correctly.  I wonder whatever happen to that napkin holder.  Ah, well

After awhile, though, it stopped being a chore and was something more important.  Over time, many great conversations were had while setting the table. And at Grandmother's, setting the table was being her assistant...one didn't do it by oneself unless it was her doing it.  She would pick out  the things she wanted to use and then pass them along to me to put out.  Meals at her house were usually a big deal so everything needed to be just right.  And if it was a big occasion, like Thanksgiving, then card tables would be set up and extra chairs brought it, so more places to set.  I always enjoyed it.  I still do.

Most of you know that I have a lot of stuff.  I love it and that won't change.  I love using it and that won't change either.  I think that is one reason why I love setting the table.  It's a chance for me to relive memories and create new ones at the same time.  It makes me happy and gives me somewhat of a creative outlet which I'm learning I desperately need in my life.  So, it was great for me to at least set up the buffet for our friends last week.  One day, there will be another new normal and we will have people that we cherish around our table once again.  Until then, I might just set the table for no other reason than to make myself happy!  Cheers!