I spent my weekend getting my house ready for an elegant dinner party that I will hold next weekend.  It involves a seated dinner for 22 people.

Preparations have involved unpacking, washing and drying dishes, glassware and silverware for 22.  Guests will be seated at 3 tables, so we brought in an extra table and chairs that needed cleaning and polishing.  Furniture had to be moved to accommodate the tables and chairs.

Napkins have been monogrammed (see earlier post), but table clothes still need to be altered.  Silver has been polished and candelabras has been festooned with fresh ivory candles.

Thankfully, a local caterer will be helping me out with a menu of rib eye steaks and grilled, bacon-wrapped chicken. On the side will be twice baked potatoes and asparagus.

When guests arrive, they will be treated to gazpacho shooters, crab crostini and cheese on crackers.

During my long hours of cleaning and polishing, I wondered if it might have been better to have held the dinner at a local restaurant or venue.  But really, don’t we enjoy using our china, silver and cloth napkins?  Isn’t the clink of crystal stemware or the glint of silver in candlelight worth it?  I think so!