The Good Silver

I am setting the table for a Dinner for Eight tonight.  And, of course, I am using the good silver.  There is nothing that brings to my mind the traditions and expectations and hospitality of the South more than bringing out the good silver.  Or actually,  as I recall,  maybe you don't 'bring it out',  because some of it was always on display.  At least that was the custom in my childhood.  My mother once had a silver service set which was always ready to serve up the coffee.  A coffee server, a silver tray, and a silver creamer and sugar set.  One did not save those for special occasions,  but used them whenever company came.

It has only been recently that I have brought out my silver.  My mother gave me most of it.  She really wanted me to have it.  She rubber-banded bunches of silverware together for me, and I  would bring it back on the airplane.  But before now,  my lifestyle, living situation, dining possibilities did not really allow for or encourage the use of the good silver.

We have moved a lot.  And even before Gerry, I moved a lot.  I have raised four children, the last one quite late in life. Our dining room table (or lack thereof) has changed multiple times over the years, never anything really fancy.  Since we have moved into this house, I have acquired table settings for twelve in the stoneware that I collected.  I still don't own "good china".   I also bought some crystal glasses.   By sixty plus,  I finally am in the position to entertain with appropriate tableware.

In that way,  I suppose you could say that by virtue of being able to use the good silver,  I have finally arrived!