On the table: Cloth napkins, forks on the left, knives on the right, water glasses, candles, salt and pepper. This ritual for setting the table for the two of us before a meal is automatic. When we are both seated with food in front of us, we lift a glass and give a toast: “To Tuesday!” we might say, or “To finding mushrooms today!” Setting the table is also what we do when we have an impromptu dinner with our best friends or a formal dinner party for eight.
This is basic, like a little black dress, never out of style and ready to be dressed up for the occasion. When we entertain, we set the table with our menu in mind, adding spoons, wine glasses, bread plates, flowers or a centerpiece of fruit or other objects of nature, depending on the mood or the occasion. With the table set, it doesn’t matter if the food comes out a little sooner or later than expected.
We are ready. When people come to the front door, we take them past the set table — a stage ready for a performance where everyone gets to participate. It creates anticipation, which like hunger, makes the meal taste better.
A certain table style developed over the years. The silverplate eating utensils collected from trips to resale stores are treated like wearing jeans. We use them every day; they are casual but add a touch of elegance.
Instead of paper napkins, we use cloth, not caring, really, if they are ironed or not. Placemats have gone by the wayside for the most part, although they show up occasional.
