The Buffet

 

I love my dining room furniture.  It was Grandmother's and I have always loved it.  And you know from my Sunday lunches that I love to use my buffet.  The buffet is both a pretty piece of furniture and a utilitarian piece of furniture.  Grandmother, at least in my lifetime, never used it to serve from.  It always had her silver service on it and a pair of candlesticks.  So, in some ways it was utilitarian for her because it was used for displaying pieces. But I like to use it when I eat.  Of course, it takes some time to remove all of the items on display from it and set it up, but I do not mind.  It's part of the fun for me. 

The buffet was originally part of a dining room set.  I am not sure when they first bought it. I'm thinking sometime in the 40s or 50s. The set consisted of a table and chairs, a china cabinet and the buffet. They were originally a much darker color than they are today.  They were more of a mahogany color. Grandmother wanted a new dining room table and when she got one in the 60s, it was a beautiful light cherry wood.  So, she had the buffet and china cabinet restained to match.  Whoever did it did an excellent job. 

When we divided the estate, I ended up with the table, chairs and cabinet and Bill ended up with the buffet.  Why we split the set, I don't really know.  Anyway, years later they no longer had room for it and asked if I wanted it.  Of course I did. So, Michael and I got a van and met Bill halfway to pick up the piece.  It was easier than shipping it to Greensboro. I have loved having it and have loved using it.  I will continue to use it for as long as possible.  It is still both pretty and useful, which good pieces should be.  Now, I guess it's time to set up another Sunday lunch!  Join me?