Setting a Formal Dining Table

ByCathy Bennett Kopf

This is just a little different than eating with a plate in your lap while watching reruns of the “Big Bang Theory.”

setting a formal dining table with large floral and fruit arrangements at Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown
A luscious fruit and floral arrangement at the Spring Flower Show at Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, NY. Photo: Cathy Bennett Kopf/The Open Suitcase

I overheard a husband “whisper” this to his wife at the Lyndhurst Mansion Flower Show in Tarrytown.

Do you set a formal dining table beyond the holidays? Do you even sit at a table to eat? I insisted on dinner ’round the table when the kids were growing up. At least on the nights we were home and not running to and from games and lessons.

But I wouldn’t call it formal dining. I think you have to have cloth napkins as a bare minimum to claim that designation.

These days, hubby and I are more likely to grab our plates, head to the sofa and share our meal with Anderson Cooper.

Ugh.

Related: The Costumes of Downtown Abbey

I long to linger over delicate china plates and crystal goblets glittering in soft candlelight. Of course, then, there would need to be cooking.

And cooking means dishes.

During the week, I really struggle with mustering the energy to meal prep after working all day.

You too?

I guess I could make a better effort on the weekends.

But I really don’t think I can pull off setting a formal dining table.

Do I qualify for style points if I throw some supermarket flowers into a vase?

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