Courtesy, civility, manners, and all the other niceties that exist to make the world a kinder, gentler place in which to live are quickly being tossed into our collective trash like last week’s leftover leftovers.

Well, I am single-handed digging them out of the dumpsters of our shaky ethos and setting them on our metaphorical table. Metaphorically.

Starting with actually setting the table.

I love setting the table. I learned from my mother to set a good foundational table that could stand up to a family of six. Every meal was set with plates, flatware, glasses and napkins, and correct placement was required. Nothing was disposable except napkins, but even the paper versions were folded and placed under the forks. Later my mother began using cloth napkins, a tradition which I continue (and have bored you with already.)

I now take the basic table setting a step further and dress my tables for the occasion, season, holiday or theme as it strikes me. To this end I have collected several sets of china, and stoneware, including two sets of Christmas plates. I have many tablecloths, runners and placemats. I just added silver chargers to my set of gold ones and would be in the market for other textures and materials as well. The aforementioned napkins come in many colors and are secured with a variety of rings, ties, and seasonal whatevers. Napkins can be tied up with everything from raffia to strips of cloth or ribbons, and adorned with dollar store knick-knacks, flowers, or bits of greenery.

I enjoy the creativity of envisioning a tablescape and having it come to life (or change completely as happens.) Fresh flowers in one big arrangement (not too tall) or several smaller ones are a great start. Heightening the ambience with candles and appropriate music is also important. And don’t forget to keep a pitcher of water handy and salt and pepper shakers for both ends of the table.

I’ve shown you some of these examples before, but as I am dismantling Easter and setting up for a baby shower this weekend, the tablescape is on my mind. Without it, the event would not be complete. Food, beverages, dessert all take center stage, but the icing on every event at my house will be the tablescape.

Bon appetit!