Speaking of Antiquing – November 2018

One thing I love about the holiday season is gathering with friends and family. For the most part, it brings out the best in us, and we bring out the best of our dishes. We get to use those items stored away for special occasions.

Start thinking of who is coming and what you want your table to look like. A holiday dinner setting should offer little niceties that an everyday meal does not. An elegant or formal place setting should consist of at least a dinner plate, bread and butter plate, a salad plate or bowl. For drinking have a water glass or stemmed goblet, a wine glass for red or white wine, or both. Be sure to include a wine glass and sparkling cider for the kids. This will give them an opportunity to feel special and learn how to handle the fragility of it.

Silverware should consist of a cocktail fork if a cocktail is on the menu, salad fork, dinner fork, dessert fork, all to the left of the plate. Start with outer left and work in per course. Knives should include a meat knife, table knife, bread and butter knife, and/or fruit knife.

Place an ironed linen napkin under the forks or lay it (folded decoratively) on the dinner plate. A nicety could also include an individual butter dish, an individual salt cellar with a sterling spoon and a place card (optional but fun to use).

Check the linen closet and see if you have the correct amount of cloth napkins for all your guests. Iron them nicely before the big day to save you from doing it right when you are ready to set the table. (GUILTY). We will have some freshly-ironed ones if you need to come and get some. We have a large selection of linen tablecloths, as well as vintage tatted or crocheted cloths.

Create your menu. Is there a serving dish and serving spoon or fork for each item? No need for everything to be crystal or silver, sometimes a simple Pyrex dish can be lovely and look great. We have several with or without lids. We also have plenty of colorful vintage pottery, serving bowls and cut crystal bowls if you want to dress up the table. Cut crystal bowls are lovely for olives, nuts, or candies, as well.

Be careful to leave room on the table for the meat platter. We have some nice ones of decorated porcelain, copper, or silver plate.

If you’re looking for water goblets, wine stemware, a gravy boat, whiskey or wine decanter, cake or pie server, celery dish, dessert plates, candlesticks, a vase, or oil and vinegar cruets, Pickety Place is the place!

Happy Holidays to all, and thank you for shopping Pickety Place.