Adding Loveliness to the Day

Flowers and fingerbowls at our table last night.

 

I have been going through a great many paper napkins lately. The cost is getting to be too much.  But with frequent company of little ones, and a need for good manners, I use napkins at the table for all meals and snacks.  The use of cloth napkins with small children would require many changes of table linens, unless we use fingerbowls. 

Last evening, I set out a tablecloth and prepared a few things for company. Grandchildren were expected to arrive this morning. I wanted to present them with my new plan and delight them with the beauty of an elegant table.

During our time of morning refreshments, I showed the children little dessert bowls. This was to hold crackers, cheese, cookies, or even blueberries from our garden. Whatever snacks we expected to enjoy would be served in the little bowls.

Animal crackers and homemade cloth napkins at our table this morning. 

The grandchildren looked at me with happiness as they sat at the beautiful table. I used a pretty creamer as my water pitcher.  I asked grand-girl, "Would you fill up the water pitcher?" She was delighted with this special chore. Then she walked around the table filling up the little crystal bowls with water. "Only half full," I told her.  These are tiny 2-ounce cups that look so pretty at the table. 

We always ring the dinner bell when serving meals or snacks at our house.  Someone stands in the doorway and rings the bell. Soon all the children stop whatever they are doing and come running towards the table. 

I showed them the fingerbowls. I explained, "The napkin goes on your lap. After you eat, or whenever you need to use your napkin, carefully swish you fingers in the fingerbowl and then dry them with the napkin." Then I demonstrated how this works. Soon they tested it out for themselves. I watched throughout our time at the table and noticed that even the 4-year-old did this with great care and interest! 

When it was time for lunch, I removed the tablecloth and became more practical. I set out placemats at each spot. This would be much easier to keep things neat. I would not worry so much about the children getting everything messy. 

Placemats and fingerbowls at our table. 

The children did so well with our new formal way of enjoying meals and snacks.  It added a touch of class and manners to the atmosphere.  Part of the routine of our day often includes the teaching of etiquette and courtesy. These lessons can happen naturally throughout the day. 

Living in an old humble house can either be pleasant or difficult, depending on the attitude. We have limited resources here, but this can lead to creative ways to add beauty to our lives. I want to be cheerful and happy as I come up with ideas for making the best of our circumstances. 

My whole purpose had been to save money on napkins. It turned into something far more special. Whether we have something as simple as grilled cheese sandwiches or chicken with potatoes, it is a joy to linger at a well-set table. 

Today, as we said grace before our meals, I was so thankful for the opportunity to add a little loveliness to our day. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

To Cheer up - Surrounded by Good Things in the Home. 

Financial Struggles - A New England Winter on a Small Income. 

A Mother's Greatest Use of Time - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.

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For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:

Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.

"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"

152 pages, paperback.