The Naming of Things: Formal Service

When it comes to formal dinner parties, there are three types of service that you will hear about: Service a la Francaise or French Service (sometimes called English Service in America) What preceded the type of service you see on shows like Downton Abbey? Before the Victorian era, tables were laden with food that was…

Read More

Brunch

“Brunch is one of the most versatile ways to entertain on today’s scene.  All it takes is a creative hostess, an imaginative menu, an inventive drink and a happy spirit.” Girl Talk Magazine, April 1970 According to the Smithsonian Magazine, brunch was first mentioned in print in an 1895 Hunter’s Weekly article entitled, “Brunch: A Plea,” which was a…

Read More

Top Ten Television Shows with 20’s to 50’s Tablescapes to Inspire

There are so many great period television shows, but not all of them also happen to have great tableware. Just in case you want to watch a good show and see some delectable table settings, here are my top ten for the 20’s to the 50’s. 10.  Lord Peter Whimsey, 1970 Please excuse the terrible quality…

Read More

Obscurities: The Breakfast Tray

“The house guest who remains for some time may have her breakfast served on a tray so that she may not find it necessary to appear until the hostess has accomplished some necessary work. Also, an invalid usually has her breakfast served in this manner. The tray, which must be large enough to contain the…

Read More

All The Stuff: Menu Cards

By 1922, Lilian Eichler writes that, “Menu-cards are no longer used at the formal dinner, unless it is in celebration of some auspicious occasion and honored guests are present.  In this case, the hostess has the menus printed or engraved in a delicate script and has one placed beside the plate of each guest.  A favorite fashion…

Read More

Prologue to Top Ten Television Shows with 20’s to 50’s Tablescapes to Inspire

I sat down to list the top ten television shows with tabletops to admire, but as I gathered photographs to attach to each show, I realized that show #1, the series Miss Marple from 1985-1989, with Joan Hickson as Miss Marple has so much delectable china, it deserves a post of it’s own. So here…

Read More

Posts navigation