SETTING THE TABLE.
A most important thing necessary to the enjoyment of life, and an actual aid to digestion and the preservation of health, is that each person should make up his or her mind to forget all but pleasant thoughts and to put an absolute bar against the discussion of disagreeable subjects while at the table. Then only can they appreciate the fact that the meal has been carefully prepared and the table daintily set.
To cook an excellent meal and then serve it well makes the meal perfect. First of all the table linen should be immaculate. The more inexpensive linens are as attractive as the handsomest damasks when absolutely spotless and snowy white. For the lighter meals, breakfast and luncheon, a center piece and doilies may be used instead of the table cloth. The silver should be polished frequently and glasses wiped out carefully before placing on the table. A small fern or low bowl filled with short-stemmed flowers in the center of the table gives a dainty, cozy air, while the more elaborate vases may be used on more formal occasions. Four shaded candles on the table, when there are side lights in the dining room, cast a soft and pleasing light, far more agreeable to the eyes than the usual chandelier.
The placing of the silver must, of course, suit the character of the meal. If the meal is simple, the service should be simple. A good arrangement for an ordinary dinner is to place the fork and teaspoon at left of space allowed for plate, the knife and butter knife at the right, the napkin on right side and coffee spoon at the top, with water glass at the right and butter plate at left of each place. Various articles may be added, such as oyster fork, bouillon spoon, salad fork and so forth.