A Paper Plate Society

Years ago, in home economics class, we students learned how to set a pleasant table. We were told that dining together as a family was an experience. We felt that it was an essential part of family values.  The table didn't have to be fancy, but the basic elements were there:

Plates, silverware, a napkin at each place, cups, and serving bowls in the center.

I've noticed that families are using paper plates on a regular basis. Here is the problem:

- They tend to make people eat more. Why? Because we eat quickly. Paper plates are for fast and easy meals.  

When we sit together and dine at the table, the meal goes slower. We visit with one another, smile  and enjoy the food. We tend to eat less.  The experience is savored and enjoyed.

Our society loves paper plates because no one wants to clean. The plates are a modern substitute, creating a fast food environment.  Something is wrong when we are too busy to sit down together as a family to enjoy the blessing of food.

Are paper plates wrong? Certainly not. But they should be reserved for emergencies, when someone is ill, occasional dining, or for picnics.  Paper plates should be the rare exception, not the common rule.

What if you have a busy schedule and cannot find time to sit together? Does that mean you have to use paper plates? (gentle smiles) How about setting the table, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with real dishes and enjoying the meal with whoever happens to be there. Meal times are commonly at specific times and should be an expected routine. This helps keep order and security in the home.

Dine alone, at times, if you must, but please use real plates.

 
Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -


A Precious Hymn - Be thou My Vision.

Mother doesn't change -  Sitting Alone at the Kitchen Table.

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Suppertime in a Rural Home

"Home For the Holidays" by Todd Williams

 

It is getting dark. The day is almost over. Mama is wearing her apron and cooking in the kitchen. She's smiling and happy and humming a tune, while she leans over the stove.

The children come in from their play. They are cold and excited and talking about all the snowmen they created. Such sweet smiles on their faces! Their eyes light up when they enter the warm house. They put away their coats and settle down to wait for supper.

Daddy walks in after a hard day at work. He is tired. But all his troubles seem to melt away when he enters the inviting rural home.

Some of the children help Mama set the table. They lay out plates and silverware, cups and napkins. Another child comes over to pour drinks. The table looks inviting.

Mama brings out platters of food. She serves fresh warm bread, butter, stew and salad. The children are hungry and excited to enjoy a nice meal with the family.

They sit around the table. Dad says the prayer. Everyone is thankful and smiling. If you are walking by, on that cold winter night, and you happen to see them through the window, you will see laughter and smiles. You will see a happy family eating their supper and full of love and gratefulness.

Mama cleans up while the children run off to play. They are getting their baths and will soon hear a bedtime story. Mama is humming while she washes dishes and polishes the table. Life inside that home is peaceful and joyous. The outside cares and troubles fade away, when it's suppertime in the old rural house.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

An Encouraging look at - "Poverty in the 1800's" about the Mother of D.L. Moody.

For the love of taking care of grandchildren - "I Hear Angels Crying."

Sweet Faith for Mothers - "All of God's Children Have Shoes."

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Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - 

"Mother's Book of Home Economics."

312 pages, paperback.

1930's Style Homemaking

LOC: Mother with her child, at home in North Carolina, 1939.

 

I have been watching old episodes of The Waltons on DVD. I have enjoyed it so much. "Livie" (the Mom) and "Gramma" both work in the house all day. They take wonderful care of the family. They both wear practical dresses and aprons and have their hair up. They are representing the actions and lives of housewives in the 1930's.

I have been so inspired to just have a quiet house. Is it possible to shut off most of the lights and technology for just a few days? I want an old fashioned home. I want to have a lovely living room, neat and tidy. I want to enjoy polishing my furniture and sweeping my floors. I want to have a nice workbasket beside my chair so I can sit with the family while mending, sewing or crocheting.

I want to listen to a nice old fashioned radio program with everyone sitting all around me. I want my children to come to the table for a large, home cooked dinner. And then, I want to joyfully and lovingly clean up the mess afterwards while the children play on the front porch, so they don't get underfoot.

I want guests to show up and I will have tea and cake ready to serve them. I want to enjoy the old fashioned life in this current day and age.

I want to watch more of the Waltons and get my inspiration. Then I want to put it into action. Where is my peace? My peace cometh from the Lord, and the old paths. My peace cometh when I am in my place, the keeper at home.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -


We Must Learn  - To Earn and Not to Spend.

This is What many of us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

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

 

 

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A Dangerous Mood for a Housewife

I woke up very cold this morning. The wood stove has gone out. I am not depressed, but feeling unmotivated. This is a dangerous mood for a housewife. My family needs me to be cheerful and happy. They need to see me loving my daily tasks, because I do them for my children. I want their childhoods to be filled with good memories and their hearts must love home.

Dear God, help me to "wake up" from this sloth of the mind!!!!

I will put on my apron, have a hot cup of tea and just start my morning routine. The action will help bring the right thoughts. I cannot sit in a chair until I "feel" like doing my housework. (shudder). I must get up and begin making home our haven of rest. It has to be a place of joy and peace. May God protect me from my own mood!

I will offer myself a reward. . . Once I get everything clean and neat, I will watch a nice movie from the old days. I will think of horse-drawn carriages, Victorian homes, hospitality, and serving tea and cakes.

Perhaps, I will even set a pretty table at the noon hour and serve a simple meal. I will use paper place cards. I can use my neatest handwriting and carefully write out each name with a heart. I will then put one at each place setting. This always makes the family smile. I do it rarely, but it is such a treat.


May there be peace and joy in your homes today!

Blessings
Mrs. White

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