I love Downton Abbey. The costumes, the setting, the writing, the characters....and even the heartbreak. Every episode is a feast for the eyes and is brilliantly, beautifully done. OK, I'm upset about the ending of this season...but I doubt I'll let that disappointment keep me from tuning in for season 4. I can't help it.
Have you noticed? Meals and taking tea are big players in the lifestyle of the aristocracy, but even those in service, who eat in the kitchen, have a sense of proper manners. Just look at this table!
So fancy.
Setting a proper table seems to be a bygone art. I'll be first to admit that I've relaxed my own standards over the years and most nights dinner is a "dish up at the counter and grab your own fork" event. When my kids were school age, I was so much better about having them set out silverware and plates - the way I was raised to do it (thanks, mom!) By the time sports and school events invaded our lives, we didn't sit down together - at a set table- nearly as often as I would have liked.
Can you relate?
Today's Small Thing is to pick one night this week to set a proper table and eat your meal together.
You don't have to do this tonight....any night this week will do....but just once, set out the silverware, plates and napkins and enjoy a Downton inspired dinner.
Even if it's pizza.
Here is a lovely little guide for "Thanksgiving Dinner" place settings. You probably won't need all those forks and glasses...but this "informal" style below is what you should aim for.
via brunch at saks
POINTS: 50 for setting the table and eating a "sit-down" meal together.
Do you regularly set the table for meals? Is this something you can do this week? I encourage you to teach your children how to set a proper table - and how to have the kind of manners a proper table should inspire!
