A Spring Table Setting

I hope that you will agree with me when I say that all of us can use a little green at the start of spring.  For me, the color green represents life,  renewal and positive energy.  Surrounding ourselves with a bit of green in our homes, at least in my opinion, is the equivalent of allowing vitality into our lives.  To my mind green equals happiness, and let's be honest, we can all use some cheer in our lives right now.

This is especially true during these unusual and uncertain times all of us are living under.  If you're stuck at home at the moment like so many of us around the world are, it's important for our mental health to engage in activities that will give us a sense of calm and peace.

A Spring Table Setting

Whether it's reading, cooking, baking, organizing, exercising, learning a new language or whatever you happen to be doing to pass the time right now, don't let our social distancing or imposed quarantines make us throw our table manners out the door.  Even if you don't do it every single day, set a nice table at least once a week for your family by using your collectibles and by serving them a delicious menu a la maison.  

I guarantee that by doing so, not only will you be bringing some happiness into your household, you might even find yourself wanting to make it a ritual more than once a week.  But don't forget, add something green!

Vintage Bakelite Flatware

For this particular spring table setting, I wanted to first choose my silverware based on a vintage linen that I had never used before.  A friend of mine spotted it while we were antiquing last year and I'm so grateful he convinced me to purchase it.  I actually thought about making tea towels with the fabric at the time, but I never got around to it.  Lazy me!

I brought over some platters to the table filled with old Bakelite silverware that I've been collecting for some time.  Did I want solid colored or bicolored handles, or would my chevron-patterned pieces do?  Although I own several patterns of Bakelite flatware in multiple colors, I had to go with something green for this table.

Fire King Jadeite Restaurant Ware

Next up was the dinnerware.  Fire King jadeite restaurant ware from the 1940s is always a sure thing in spring.  The plates aren't generously sized, but for a lunch or a brunch, they're just right.  The green goblets are Federal glass and the clear tumblers with that swirl pattern are from Martha by Mail.  The linen napkins are sturdy kitchen towels from the 1950s.  

Green Bakelite by Royal Brand Cutlery, Sheffield, England

The two tone vintage Bakelite silverware that I chose was made by the Royal Brand Cutlery Company in the 1950s.  I adore this pattern to no end because it is unusual and very difficult to source.  My pieces show very little wear and do not have any cracks whatsoever.  The lucite ends of the Bakelite handles are clear and crisp in color.  Expect to pay a pretty penny for a complete set of these if they ever do come on the market.  

Forgo paper towels right now and conserve them for other uses around the house.  Bring out your linen napkins for lunch and dinner, which can get laundered immediately afterward.  

Martha by Mail Glass & Federal Depression Glass

The clear carousel tumblers were from the former Martha by Mail catalog. Perfect for holding water, they're also great for serving lemonade or iced tea. The green footed goblets were purchased at a consignment shop years ago while living in Haddonfield.  The Depression era pieces were made by Federal Glass.  

The jadeite pieces that I used for this table include: 9" dinner plate, 6-3/4" salad or pie plate, 5-1/2" bread and butter plate, 4-3/4" fruit/berry bowl, double egg cup from the Breakfast Set, Martha by Mail Easter Bunny Egg Cups and a Mosser lidded basket (for the African Violets).

Even my baby, Henry, was curious about our table.  He's such a good kitty in that he won't bother any delicate table setting that I arrange.  Viewing it from afar is best in his opinion.    

Jadeite, Bakelite, Depression Glass & Vintage Linens

If there's one thing that Martha Stewart has taught me over the years is that it's fine to mix and match while setting a table.  One doesn't have to be boring and have everything from one pattern matching throughout the table.  As long as patterns and colors complement one another, almost anything goes.  

What I like about this particular table setting of mine is that just about everything, with the exception of those exquisite pieces of Martha by Mail glass, is of the mid-century period.  

With everything that is going on in our lives right now, it's healthy to take a moment to sit around the table during lunch or dinner and be grateful for what we have.  Be grateful that we are here today, and that we have each other.  Many of my friends and family around this country are very anxious right now.  Believe me, I completely understand because I'm on the same boat as you.  We need to support one another, check up on one another on a daily basis so that we weather this storm and come out of it healthy and strong.

I hope that you and your family are doing well.