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| Fine Irish linen, Waterford, silverware and heirloom china, some unused for over sixty years! |
Sterling silver, Waterford glasses, Irish linens - they're not just for staying in storage anymore!
In my last blog on trends for 2020, I noted tablescapes were "in" and that I'd post a new tablescape every month. To maintain at least one New Year's resolution, I'm keeping up with the start of that commitment today - and with a tablescape that kick's off another resolution I've promised myself to honor: using those fancy items that wait for a "special occasion".
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| Almost-quarterly-gourmet dinner club enjoy great food, accoutrements |
This weekend, we entertained good friends for a delightful repast, it being our turn of the almost-quarterly-gourmet-dinner-club. Although I'm the only one of the five members who isn't a five-star chef, my contribution/passion is setting a fine table.
It being a new year and with my goal to give old things a new beginning, I put to use items never or rarely used, including an Irish linen tablecloth and Waterford crystal glasses, sixty-six and thirty years old respectively!
The tablecloth was a wedding gift to my husband's parents, over sixty years ago, and my mother-in-law gave it to me, still in the original box, at least twenty years ago. Apprehension to use something so delicate and in pristine condition, as well as time spent for proper upkeep, held me back. But, it's bringing joy to no one, tucked away in a closet.
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| Family heirlooms need to get out more! |
Also marking its debut outside the china cabinet, were six Waterford crystal wine glasses my friend, Loretta, purchased on my behalf when she went to Ireland over thirty years ago. For three decades, these sparkling vessels sat behind glass, bearing their trademark green sticker. But, it was time for them to come out of the closet as well.
In addition to the newbies, I also curated my grandmother's gold-trimmed dinner plates and my mom's silverware for the table. They, too, need to get out more.
Bringing out the old and dear does come with a cost, however. The Irish linen tablecloth -after a quick spin in the "very, very delicate" setting on the washer with a splash of Woolite - caused me to spend almost two hours of "vintage pressing" with a steam iron.
The silver, china and crystal were all hand-washed and dried, adding another hour-plus to tablescape prep. Oh, and polishing my mom's brass candlesticks took a few minutes more.
I should add, too, that the dinner my husband cooked, was amazing! Swiss fondue, followed by sous-vided carrots, roasted potatoes and venison seared in bacon fat were worthy companions to the heirloom serving collection.
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| Dinner menu worthy of any tablescape! |
Tablescape timetable, net results:
- Ironing Irish linen tablecloth: two hours
- Washing crystal and china: one hour
- Polishing silver and brass: one hour
- Joy in sharing family treasures: memories that last forever
Ring in the new year with items that never get old: good friends, good food and beautiful tablescapes!
2 comments:
A few years ago, I pulled out my mother’s silver, the Waterford glasses and my wedding china and starting using it all on a regular basis when family came for dinner. I wanted my daughters and grandchildren to have a “ memory” of them so they might want them one day. The time spent being fussy with it is a labor of love. So much nicer than paper and plastic!
Joyce - thanks for sharing the story of your use, and love, of heirloom and other "vintage" pieces for your table. These items bring back memories as well as create new ones. And, heartily agree - absolutely better than paper and plastic!! :)
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