Every Day is a Special Occasion: The Art of Setting a Beautiful Table
“Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God."
– Mary Manin Morrissey
Introduction:
Hosting dinner parties seems to come naturally to my mother-in-law. She effortlessly sets a beautiful table, never seeming stressed, and infuses every occasion with a touch of elegance. In her dining room, her credenza stands as a symbol of readiness, always stocked with extra wine glasses, tea candles, and decorative accents.
What's truly remarkable is that she doesn't reserve this attention to detail for special occasions alone; she extends it to daily meals as well. When we gather around the table on a casual breakfast or dinner on Sunday night, we're met with a setting that radiates warmth and love. It's a simple gesture, but one that truly makes a difference in our lives.
My mother-in-law has taught me a valuable lesson: every day is a precious gift that deserves to be celebrated. In the whirlwind of daily life, it's all too easy to get caught up in the mundane tasks and forget to appreciate the simple joy of being alive. But what if I told you that every day is a special occasion? That's right – whether it's a Tuesday night or a lazy Sunday afternoon, there's magic to be found in the ordinary moments.
You wake up in the morning, the sun streaming through your window, and you realize that today is a gift. Today, you have the opportunity to make memories, to savor the little things, and to celebrate the beauty of life itself, even in the midst of chaos (in fact, doing so brings some respite from the hardships).
So why wait for a birthday or a holiday to break out the fine china, wear your favorite dress, or dab on that special perfume? Why not embrace the idea that every day is worthy of celebration? That's the philosophy behind setting a beautiful table for dinner, even on an ordinary Tuesday night.
There's something transformative about the act of setting a table. It's more than arranging plates and silverware – it's a ritual, a way of honoring the food we eat and the company we keep. It's a tangible expression of gratitude for the abundance in our lives, whether that's a home-cooked meal or a simple takeout dinner.
But setting a beautiful table is about more than just aesthetics. It's about intentionality. It's about taking the time to create a welcoming atmosphere, to set the stage for meaningful conversation and connection. It's about infusing the everyday with a touch of elegance and grace.
So how can you make this a reality in your own home? Start by pulling out the good china – you know, the set that's been collecting dust in the cupboard for far too long. Pair it with your favorite linen napkins, add a vase of fresh flowers as a centerpiece, and dim the lights to create a cozy ambiance.
5 Easy Steps to Elevate Your Daily Table Setting
Retrieve Your Utensils: Gather your fine plates, glasses, and utensils.
Adorn the Table: Grace the surface with a tablecloth or placemats for added sophistication.
Create a Focal Point: Enhance the ambiance with a captivating centerpiece, such as a vase of fresh flowers or a bowl of fruits.
Arrange with Care: Artfully place each item on the table – plates, glasses, and utensils – with a thoughtful touch. Add a neatly folded napkin beside each plate.
Add Final Flourishes: Dim the lights to a soft glow and illuminate the space with the gentle flicker of candles.
Elevate Your Table Setting with These Essentials
Ensuring you have a compact but versatile collection is essential for creating stunning tablescapes with ease. Here are some key elements to look for:
Cotton or Linen Blend Tablecloth and Napkins: Opt for a cotton or linen blend tablecloth in a soft, muted color such as pale blue or blush pink. Pair it with matching napkins for a coordinated look that exudes effortless charm.
Versatile Vessels for Creative Centerpieces: Ensure you're always prepared to craft centerpiece by stocking up on a variety of versatile vessels. Having a selection of vessels on hand allows you to effortlessly switch up your table's focal point to suit different occasions and themes.
Decorative Candleholders and Pillar Candles: Invest in decorative candleholders in materials like brass, copper, or wood. Choose unscented pillar candles in coordinating colors for a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Wicker Charger Plates: Add texture to your table setting with wicker charger plates. These natural yet elegant accents provide a relaxed vibe while still elevating the presentation of your dinnerware.
Wooden Serving Platters and Bowls: Serve your dishes on wooden serving platters and bowls for a warm and inviting look. Choose pieces with natural grain patterns for added visual interest.
In just a few minutes, you'll have a lovely table ready for a relaxed and enjoyable meal, perfect for unwinding after a long day of work.
As you sit down to dinner, take a moment to savor the experience. Notice the way the candlelight dances across the table, the way the flavors of the food come alive on your palate. Engage in lively conversation with your loved ones, share stories and laughter, and cherish the time spent together.
In the end, setting a beautiful table is about more than just creating Instagram-worthy photos – it's about cultivating a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us, even in the most ordinary moments. So why not make tonight's dinner a special occasion? After all, every day you are alive is a gift – so why not celebrate it in style?