Life is a celebration. We can make sure of that every day.
No, you're not reading an ethereal "feel-good" approach to life. This is about practical, every day touches of celebration. Matter of fact, it's a how to literally touch celebration in your everyday life.
"It's not what you serve so much as how you present it."
I'll start by telling you what triggered my "ah ha!" moment. About 30 years ago, I chuckled (at first) at a 2-page, 4-color magazine advertisement that, on the left page, featured a tv-dinner (Swanson's, I believe) served in its compartmentalized tin. Remember those? In contrast, on the facing page, was the very same fare, but served on special dinnerware, accompanied by a lovely napkin, silverware and wine glass. The headline read something like, "It's not what you serve so much as how you present it."
The longer I looked, the more the two images resonated with me. The overall message applied to many aspects of my life, and made a lasting impression. Today, I still delight in "playing house." I pour warm syrup in my special good-luck rooster pitcher for the breakfast table, arrange dinner prettily on a pre-warmed serving platter, bring salad to the table in hand painted bowls, use my Reed & Barton silver everyday and my crystal goblets for Pepsi.
Are you treating your guests better than you're treating yourself?
Okay. Now it's your turn. Try this. Go look in your kitchen or dining room. Select two or three pieces of dinnerware or kitchenware that you bring out for company only. Put them on a table or counter. If you have a glass front cabinet or shelves displaying special items like goblets, serving trays, or a fine coffee set, examine them. Pull out two or three more favorite pieces. Finally, if you have a silver chest or drawer for company-only flatware, go take a quick peek at it as well.
Now, in the quiet, ask yourself, "When's the last time I actually used any or most of these pieces?" Are you treating your guests better than you're treating yourself? Just between us, may I gently ask you, "If so, why?"
Afraid to chip them.
Irreplaceable if broken.
Accident-prone kids still living at home.
Items require special care.
Too much trouble to bring them out and put them back.
Feel a little silly using them without company.
Feels indulgent.
Hmmmm. Stay with that last response a moment longer. If you're not indulging yourself in these lovely pleasures, using what you've collected and admire, take a moment to imagine how you will feel if you do use them - just for you!
Warning: You may look at a number of things differently once you begin this practice!
We're not talking about using all your treasures, and not all the time (yet!). Not even for dinner every night. Instead, consider breaking it up (Oh! such a poor choice of words!) Consider using pieces in rotation: the handmade (Italian) platter tonight, the coffee set Sunday morning, the decorative tureen for winter's first hearty soup. And if you're not a cook, you can still serve take-out or leftovers in your favorite handmade (Italian) ceramic bowl. Undoubtedly, it will taste better.
This concept may grow on you! In fact, be prepared that you may look at a number of things differently once you begin this practice! I certainly did...with very exciting results.
Now, I can't promise you won't break something. You might. I broke a cherished dinner plate that belonged to Mom-Mom, my Italian grandmother. (Ah! It is revealed...my favorite celebration is influenced by my Italian heritage!) Did I cry? You bet! However, it would have been more of a "crying shame" had I allowed that piece to gather dust or accumulate only my occasional admiring smiles in passing the cupboard. Instead, every time I ate from that plate, I could hear Mom-Mom say, "Mangia! Mangia!" And I still feel her presence and love as I continue using other pieces in the set.
So, think about it. If this isn't your practice yet, pick just one something for your everyday enjoyment. See what happens.
Here's a toast to your style of celebration! Salute!
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