Tabletops

This week's book review and write-up are a bit out of sync this week because of travel in the middle, but moving on with our Books-from-the-Free-Library-Bookstore series, the other weekend I read Tabletops by Barbara Milo Orbach.

Orbach, author of many books on flowers, decorating, etc., fills her chapters with advice about what to put on the table, color schemes, flowers, and centerpieces.  She says, "The table is the center of life at home.  A beautifully set table is the ultimate symbol of hospitality and a way to express creativity." Each section includes a DIY project such as making napkin rings or floral arrangements.

This is a book from 1997.  And it shows.  The settings and table arrangements are lush, elegant and busy, unlike the simpler, more homemade aesthetic that prevails today.  I liked the book - not loved it - but to me it felt dated and a little quirky.  Here are some things I noticed and specifically noted:

• There is actual text to read, not just pictures and captions
• The text reads like the actual author might have written it
• The author constantly refers back to other books she has written, and in fairness, to other author's books
• A gauze ribbon tied around anything makes that thing better/fancier
• Scented stuff always creeps in, despite the author's saying that it's better to avoid scented products at a dinner party because it interferes with the food
• Although this professes to be a book about tabletops, it turns out to really be a book about flowers and making centerpieces with flowers, food, fruit, etc.  There is minimal information about setting the table, creating a balanced tabletop, and actually arranging the flowers.
• Any table inside is formal.  Any table outside is informal.

I don't buy all of this stuff, but there were a couple of things I liked about the book in particular.  

• The author emphasizes planning ahead and doesn't assume that you can create a beautiful table without trying things out and practicing first. 
• She admits that she really likes setting the table, but cooking is not her thing.  
• It made me think about a couple of things:  (1) The plates I always thought of as dessert plates in my sets of china are actually bread-and-butter plates, and (2) It's really past time to inventory and edit my china cabinets and think about what I already have that coordinates, or doesn't.

Next week:  The Cheese Course!