Something that I also decided to do once we were in the house is that I would use the good China, silverware and linens and I did. In fact since our wedding was a very small affair with just a couple of friends and family present I did not receive many of the wedding gifts that a modern day bride would accuire during her showers and wedding. Most of my good stuff has been handed down to me by death (My mother-In-Law first and then of course my own mother)and that's just been in the last 10 or so years. So "my good stuff" was really nothing compared to what I have today but the ritual of getting the house ready and setting the table calms me like a xanax would to someone else and so here is how it will go tomorrow night.
First the linens are taken from closet and ironed (yes, ironed). This tablecloth is newly acquired. It belonged to my mom. There were actually 2 100% Irish Linen tablecloths and napkins with tags still attached in her Hope Chest. I think that she probably got them while we were in England but I'm really not sure why she never use them. I've been told that Linen improves every time you use it so I plan to use it a lot.
Then I look in the storage space upstairs to see what I want to use as a center piece. I have a couple of selections. This year I think I will go with the plain hurricanes and red candles. Maybe a little fake snow at the base of the candles.
Next is to decide what China to use. I inherited a set of Noritaki China from my mother-in-law. My husband bought it for his mother when he was on R&R in Japan. It's not something that I would have chosen back in the day but I love that I have it now. Then I have this Ironstone that my mom used on good occasions and have used it since we moved into this house. Mom was no longer doing any of the big holidays and was happy to hand over the duties to me. It's plain and simple and shows the food off wonderfully. And the last set belonged to my father's mother. My mom inherited it when she died but I only remember it being used once and then put away for safe keeping. I think I will use it.I head over to the shop where all the silver is kept in a gun safe. We as a family inherited all my mother's silver things. My mom had various trays and plates and tea sets but she also had 2 sets of silverware. I don't ever remember her getting any of it out to use. It has been packed away for decades but now that it's seen the light of day, I'm going to use it.
So once I have all the elements out I wait until about 8 o'clock or so. I get out my IPod, select the Christmas play list and begin.
First the table gets pulled away from the wall and centered in the room. Sometimes I have to add both leafs to the table to seat everyone but this year it will be simply 6 of us. My husband and I, my sister and her husband and my brother and his wife. My nieces will not be with us this year. One is a newlywed (Dec. 6th) and her husband has work. They live in Houston and so will be celebrating on their own. My other niece (the veternarian) is in Dubai working at the Dubai Equine Hospital. She was just here for the wedding and this is racing season in Dubai so it's very, very busy. We will miss both of them but understand that they are grown women now and this is the way life goes.
The tablecloth protector goes down first and then the tablecloth is carefully lain over it. If there are any wrinkles I get out the iron and carefully steam them away. 
Next is the centerpiece(s). Hurricane is carefully washed and polished so that no trace of a fingerprint is visable and then candle is placed along with fake snow. I'm also using an old Christmas Tablecloth folded just so that it resembles a table runner. This may or may not make it to the final table setting. It's just something I was thinking of and decided to see if it would work. I then place the dinner plate at each place followed by a small bowl for sides and a bread plate. The knives, forks and spoons are set down one at a time.
Next are the napkins, this year folded to resemble a christmas tree, then the Christmas Crackers which have been a tradition in this family since we lived in England.
Last but not least are the wine glasses and then salt & pepper shakers. Butter bowls go on tomorrow closer to dinner. Extra bowls and serving platters are laid out on the counters in anticipation of what they will hold tomorrow.
When the last glass is laid down, I once again look at all the place settings, correct little placings and pour a glass of wine. All is right in my world. I'm relaxed and ready for whatever tomorrow will bring.
It may seem a bit extreme to some but truly it is a real pleasurable time for me.
I've always known that life is short but in the years that my husband lost his parents and reinforced when my own parents died is that if you have nice things....what are you saving them for? If you bought them or inherited them doesn't matter....use them, that's what you bought them for.
I hope that this next year will bring wonderful things to me and my family. And Happy Holidays to you all.
