No Pining To Dine

Oh, dream on. Like any of that could go in my dishwasher. Elegant formal dining at Chatsworth House with all the fancy trimmings. (Whitghost.ink/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Dining tables are such prima donnas.

Each is polished to perfection at their “finishing schools” before making their public debut.

Like ballerinas waiting in the wings, they preen and side-eye evaluate the competition in the store.

Their matched chairs are clutched close like a momma duck and her ducklings as potential clients approach.

Dining tables may appear wooden, but you know they critically study and rate store visitors: 

• “Oh, no. That family will not do – too many children who will drag sharp objects across my lovely surface. And use crayons no doubt.”
• “Oh, no. Just the wrong style. Garish themed placemats with assorted chipped dishes predicted, and eclectic tableware that has been chewed due to being used to explore the garbage disposal. Crossing my legs hoping they will walk those faked jeans on by and be enchanted with that other one over there. That dented, distressed, vintage look being more suitable, Yes.”
• “OH. Oh, yes! Trendy hair cuts, designer bag, and lovely stylish wide leg pants. Probably Restoration Hardware fans! Oh, they would probably spring for the most elegant table linens! Sigh. Look over here! Look. Highly polished! Sleek and sophisticated, right here! Straighten up and look elegant chairs! This could be our ticket outta here.”

Once a dining table gets home, it doesn’t get much better.

Always demanding their own room.

Their arrival somehow always points the necessity of a bit of room updating  – for the best look. (You can’t really expect moi, the Chosen One, to fit in and be happy with this old drab place!)

Background is important. New wallpaper? Of course. Or Pottery Barn paint is acceptable if that’s the best you can offer.

Those window coverings – Seriously? UGH! Clashes with the seat cushions.

While you are at it, order a new rug. How can you expect a new dining table to play footsie with dents from a previous occupant? Sigh. (And keep that dog’s muddy paws and chewy jaws out of here….No, your backpack cannot land there…or your coat – even if you plan to move it shortly!)

Dining tables have high expectations – and an image to keep up, people.

Well, this year our dining table was feeling sullen as there won’t be any big gatherings during the holidays. Creaks like sobs have been heard.

Sooo, since there will be no fancy holiday table runners or seasonal centerpieces this year, why not?

We dug through the storeroom and located it: the box holding the old HO scale train set. And yes, the track just fits.

And it begins. “I think I can. I think I can.”(© image)

On the dining table

I swear there were some unexplained shaking and shivers, but along with the track, a small village appeared made up of assorted Christmas items collected over the years on a snow field of old white felt.

Hmmm. Maybe, not so sad now. 

Surprisingly, the dining table, seems pleased now with visitors dropping in to see.

Appeased. Once again in the starring role of happily holding up the holiday cheer.

(Really, the dining table confided to the chairs, in the past, those dripping holiday centerpiece candles were always something of a worry. Adapt or sigh!)

Guess the table’s all set.

A different feast, perhaps, but just as filling.

Santa scoping out the scene. (© image)

Now watching Russian chess players. Watching to see who’w naughty and who’s nice? (Yes, I am easily amused.) (© image)

Christmas village Nutcracker guardian (© image)

Jingle on!

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.

Looking for holiday amusement?

Beautiful – maybe inspiring – video of train traveling through snowy mountain scenery as Dean Martin serenades with Christmas songs here.

He’s everywhere. He’s everywhere! Probably asking “What about the twinkle lights?” Uh, maybe next year – or if there’s down time…right now, if it’s not fun, it’s not done…I get to choose my merry! (© image)

 

 

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