Brilliant! When I was your age, I used all my Mother's and Grandmother's dishes, cutlery, glasses, etc. to set beautiful table arrangements. I could open up my own vintage store!! Wish I had a daughter like you to give all these heirlooms, and my own things, to enjoy.
I believe that even the simplest gesture of a table setting for a friend or family member is always received with gratitude because it shows you value that person- and who doesn’t like that?! Love that you made this video. Thank you. Even makes we viewers feel valued 😊😊
I have always enjoyed laying a table, although it hasn't always been fashionable. I think it makes your dinner guests feels cared for and can make a simple meal feel likea banquet! I love my 1940s Woods ware Iris and my nans bone handled cutlery. 👌
I've been busy painting my home and am catching up with all your videos I have missed. I love tha beautiful carved accents on your chairs. Lace tablecloths are my favourite. Instantly adds vintage charm. A lovely video. Thankyou 😻🏡
Hello! I spotted the tortoise in the fruit bowl! I love challenges to spot things, as it makes me feel that I'm part of things going on. lol! I really enjoyed watching this video about setting a table for a meal. My grandmother allways had meals at either the kitchen table, or at the dining table (Especially at Christmas). Now-a-days Mum and I just eat from a TV table and watch the telly. I love how you showed us how to set a proper table! Thanks so much! ~Janet in Canada
I love eating at a nicely laid table. I always have candles, but mostly can’t have things in the middle because the table isn’t big enough to do that and have space for the serving dishes. Nothing beats sharing a meal with friends at the table.
I have a large collection of Churchill blue and white willow pattern plates, dishes etc. that I have collected from charity shops over the years. I was really excited when I found a tea pot. They are such an English classic .
My gran loved willow pattern and had a fabulous willow pattern dinner set, including the platters, gravy boats etc. I remember sitting up in her tiny dining room in her little maisonette house in Melbourne, with the extended family there for Sunday lunch, with roast lamb or beef and apple pie. All home meade. In the 1970s, wIllow pattern reproductions became fashionable and my brother still uses the China he collected at that time.
@@fionaludbrook8193 I zeroed in on "Churchill of England" willow pattern because they are one of the larger producers. That still supply the commercial and domestic markets. So you can make up a matching set from items made decades apart. My newer plates are even marked "Dishwasher and Microwave Safe". However plates of the same diameter all look the same from the front, even if they were made decades apart.
I just pulled out my Grandma's china (from the '30s!) and all the trimmings for a dinner with friends over the weekend. True, the table is in the kitchen, but it was still beautiful.
I most often eat in my kitchen though do have a formal dining table in the living area that seats up to six. For formal sit down dinners of up to twenty, I set up two folding tables in my sunroom, with tablecloths and silverware, vases of flowers and candles. The latter has seen many a formal sit down extended family Christmas, as well as a few fund raisers for local charities, happen at my place. It helps that I love cooking and can cope with catering for a crowd!
I really hope tablescaping isn’t a trend, I hope it stays. It’s just so elegant. I don’t have a dining room but I do have a kitchen table from the 60s it’s a yellow Formica(it was my Nan and Gramps and I love it) I eat at it everyday, although there’s just place mats on it.
Oh my goodness I have the same table!!! It was my nanas. It's the perfect size for a smaller space. I love the cheerful yellow mine has black edging and each leg is double (two thin legs joined together) chrome with the black rubber feet. These tables are hard to find nowadays.
I remember Sunday dinners with family, and the tables would be set up all nice and fancy. The special occasion was just everyone being together. I would love to bring that tradition back
This is definitely my jam. I'm the person who inherited china, bought back the china patterns of relatives, and is collecting my own china and Corelle dishes. WAY too many sets to mention. I'm on a Facebook group devoted to this, and you would not believe how many people are into this. I LOVE that you did this video! Cheers from the USA!
I still eat at the dining table of my childhood. My parents bought it 60 years ago and gave it to us when I got my first home 35 years ago! I also have various pieces of crockery, cutlery and linen that belonged to my grandparents that were passed down to them that I love and use! Let's make nice dining great again!
That sense of family over generations is really special and is so easily demonstrated via the crockery or silver and glassware we use. I treasure the pieces both of my grandmothers collected too, as well as what my parents added to it!
So nice. I have this as well. I have my Grandmother's dining room set that would probably be 120 years old now and I still sit at it for dinner. Wonderful feeling, isn't it.
I've got my nan's art deco glass trifle set (one large bowl and six smaller ones), its all in beautiful blue glass. I get it out for Christmas and birthdays!! It looks so pretty on the table.
I love doing a formal table💕💕 my favorite flea market find was a 3 piece Lenox “dolphin” fruit bowl and candle stick holders. For $20.00!! I dress it up with grapes, and small vintage Anna Lee mice ( also thrifted. $3. Each!!). I get so many compliments on my table. It’s a humble source of joy 💕💕💕
This reminded me of something that would be great tucked into an arrangement. Ages ago my aunt was at an antique show and a dealer was in despair over breaking a Venetian glass tureen, my aunt saw an opportunity and requested to buy the little dolphin finial. It would look great in an arrangement .
just did a tablescape for thanksgiving here in the US. I went out to the forest behind my mom's house and foraged a few sprigs of western red cedar (which is technically a cypress, the leaves are not pointy needles like other evergreens) as well as some ferns, and made a garland with them for the center of the table. We had some tangerines so I put those on top with a few pillar candles and small bowls of pomegranate seeds. On top of a sage green tablecloth, with white linen napkins and the good china. It felt really fun to do and was the only part of the day that wasn't stressful (thanksgiving is a marathon cooking day even if you prep ahead of time). I want to do it at home on my tiny round kitchen table. I usually keep a tablecloth and flowers on it but you've inspired me to add more flair.
Such a beautiful table scape. When we slow down to eat and indulge in a set table we find that everything else we thought mattered seems to settle and we focus on the *right now*. I host tea parties (and post videos of them on occasion) and I can attest - this sort of effort is so, so worth it!
We didn't have a dining room growing up, but we did have a nice sized drop leaf table that sat along the wall. When we did a fancy meal not in the kitchen, we opened up the table and used the fancy china and crystal from the buffet in the same room. And if we had company, we threw a tablecloth over the large console tv and it became a sideboard where the buffet of food platters were.
Ah yes the buffet to hold food adjacent to a table. I organised a couple of cabinets in my last house for just that purpose, as my table was small. I too am a huge fan of the drop side or extension tables. When I do cater for a formal meal for 20, my tables are the folding ones that can be packed away. Luckily I do have a room, large enough to set up a long table, but usually it is my sunroom/office.library and TV room! My other tables seat 4 - 6.
Great video, I enjoyed your table decorating, it looked beautiful. My favourite vintage table find must be a cruet set. I absolutely love a proper container for salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard etc. My second favourite find, butter knives with cream handles.
I have inherited some amazing cruet sets. I have a cut glass salt, pepper and mustard cart in the shape of a little train engine. I also have a couple of sets of bone handled knives, including the one we used when I was a child. The drawback is that the silver needs to be cleaned, as if it's tarnished it looks pretty gross. Also vinegar discolours the fork tynes. But yes, I do love all things vintage and my vintage kitchenalia. I have the scales my grandparents were given as a wedding present, around the turn of the 20th century and my mum's original but still working Sunbeam Mix Master. So many memories of helping my mum as a little kid, standing on a chair at the bench, as we baked cakes or biscuits. Oh and cleaning silver was my first job as a little kid!😄
Your table is looking fabulous! I grew up with my mum and gran setting up the table like this, on a daily basis. I have drawers full of glorious lace tablecloths, linen napkins, crystal galore, silver and 3 generations worth of fine bone China dinnerware. Both sides of my family were collectors and neither of my brothers nor nieces and nephews wanted anything much in the way of such things after my parents died. You have inspired me to make use of all my treasures, though the one inconvenience is they need to be hand washed, oh and the silver takes some cleaning too! I have always eaten my meals at a formal table. Even when living in a small apartment, I had a wonderful drop sided table I set up every evening. My current table is in my kitchen, but I also have a dining table in my living room. 1960s house.
I live in a small flat, it's a bit of a squeeze, but I do have a front room I have my sofa at one side of the room and have a small table at the other end. And just love setting up my table for meals 😊
I always managed it too, in my days of living in tiny flats. I had a tiny folding table and later my drop sided table, which I still have. I go to the effort of cooking wonderful meals, so having a formal table set up does the food I serve up justice!
I do my tablescapes to go with the season's and of course for Christmas. My table is always set, it gives me real pleasure. My favourite vintage table finds are some pale blue and white side plates from the eighteen hundreds.
Oh I love this trend. I like making table linens using vintage patterns and lacks. My preference is for a cleaner table setting but the use of all the good china and cutlery. My best table setting find was the handmade lace My grandmother made which I used to edge a white linen cloth I did 1930s style pulled thread work on and matching napkins. The lace took my needlework up so many levels that it looks amazing
My favourite vintage piece of tableware is a lidded china gravy/sauce boat complete with a china ladle given to me by a much loved relative before she died. I really treasure it. Being of a certain age I always set a table when friends come round for supper or even a BBQ in the garden. (Although my husband and I are guilty of using trays in front of the telly most days 🤦🏼♀️) 🙃
Even for those of us who usually dine alone, it makes a meal something special. I am a sucker for a vase of fresh, preferably fragrant flowers on the table. Luckily I grow a lot of them myself. I also love an abundant fruit bowl as a centrepiece too!
I must admit I don't do this a lot. However, that being said, Christmas is my time to shine! I use all natural Holly (without berries, for bird food), ivy, etc. Linen table cloth and linen napkins. I love to showcase my Christmas table.
This was great. It’s been a long time since I tried at this before my children all got so busy and scattered. My son will put up with a table and some basics but doesn’t like to get too fancy because it is not necessary and would be hoity toity. I have a massive amount of table ware . I suppose I should have a tea or sandwich shop but not good at business. Maybe I should just play around with them and take pictures? Eureka! There’s an idea , I mean I really didn’t think of that till now. My husband always said I could make a business with my split pea soup….. In Julian CA there is or was idk a great place run by a family called the Julian Pie Shop. They served a half sandwich with a slice of homemade pie, the best! Would have been even better on vintage china . No one takes the time anymore, too much rushing. Thanks for the delightful table tour.!
I’ve been doing this. My house is small and I so wish I had a dinning room but I do have a table ( kitchen is small so I use it for multiple purposes cooking, sewing etc) I also don’t mind vintage linens that aren’t perfect that seem to be overlooked, I feel each stain or so reminds me that others say around that linen and ate, cried, and laughed.
The lack of cutlery amazes me. The typical place setting in US only has 1 knife, so if you start with fish then on to meat do you leave the 1st knife of the table, place mat etc. I have some beautiful items, rarely used in the last few years, so I love this trend.
I believe the tortoise was at the very top of your centerpiece. When you showed the candle flame up close, my instinct was to try to blow it out. Of course I didn't try but isn't it funny what triggers a reaction or response to certain things?
A question, if you don't mind, me and my sis love to watch uk tv series and we see alot of uk meals being taken without tablecloth. why in uk you don't wear tablecloth?
I just don't understand this lack of dining space in new houses. They often say Kitchen/Diner, but when you look at the space available, what sort of table can you actually get in there? I don't go this far with table setting on a daily basis, but I do set a table for meals. If nothing else, meals on your lap seem to give me dreadful indigestion!
I agree. The eat at counter with bar stools on one side, in many new homes, does NOT lend itself to any sense of fine dining or occasion, just eat and run and reflects life in a hurry. Eating is one of life's great joys. We can elevate the effort we make to produce delicious nourishing food, by nurturing ourselves with the aesthetics of inspiring "table scape", or as I would call it table setting!.
![Digital Circus Episode 4 [TRAILER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/abZtsmMUbJo/mqdefault.jpg)
Brilliant! When I was your age, I used all my Mother's and Grandmother's dishes, cutlery, glasses, etc. to set beautiful table arrangements. I could open up my own vintage store!! Wish I had a daughter like you to give all these heirlooms, and my own things, to enjoy.
A beautiful table is a wonderful thing. I call it playing table dress up.
I believe that even the simplest gesture of a table setting for a friend or family member is always received with gratitude because it shows you value that person- and who doesn’t like that?! Love that you made this video. Thank you.
Even makes we viewers feel valued 😊😊
When we go to our county fair, I always lie to look at the tablescape competition area. Fun to look at the themes.
Wow I wish we had something like that near me!💡
I have always enjoyed laying a table, although it hasn't always been fashionable. I think it makes your dinner guests feels cared for and can make a simple meal feel likea banquet! I love my 1940s Woods ware Iris and my nans bone handled cutlery. 👌
I've been busy painting my home and am catching up with all your videos I have missed. I love tha beautiful carved accents on your chairs. Lace tablecloths are my favourite. Instantly adds vintage charm. A lovely video. Thankyou 😻🏡
Hello! I spotted the tortoise in the fruit bowl! I love challenges to spot things, as it makes me feel that I'm part of things going on. lol! I really enjoyed watching this video about setting a table for a meal. My grandmother allways had meals at either the kitchen table, or at the dining table (Especially at Christmas). Now-a-days Mum and I just eat from a TV table and watch the telly. I love how you showed us how to set a proper table! Thanks so much!
~Janet in Canada
Nice one, Janet! 🐢 ❤ Me and mum are just the same 😉
I love eating at a nicely laid table. I always have candles, but mostly can’t have things in the middle because the table isn’t big enough to do that and have space for the serving dishes. Nothing beats sharing a meal with friends at the table.
Love your videos and your message! You are just darling!
I have a large collection of Churchill blue and white willow pattern plates, dishes etc. that I have collected from charity shops over the years. I was really excited when I found a tea pot. They are such an English classic
.
My gran loved willow pattern and had a fabulous willow pattern dinner set, including the platters, gravy boats etc. I remember sitting up in her tiny dining room in her little maisonette house in Melbourne, with the extended family there for Sunday lunch, with roast lamb or beef and apple pie. All home meade. In the 1970s, wIllow pattern reproductions became fashionable and my brother still uses the China he collected at that time.
@@fionaludbrook8193 I zeroed in on "Churchill of England" willow pattern because they are one of the larger producers. That still supply the commercial and domestic markets. So you can make up a matching set from items made decades apart. My newer plates are even marked "Dishwasher and Microwave Safe". However plates of the same diameter all look the same from the front, even if they were made decades apart.
I'm really enjoying these videos. Greetings from the frozen tundra of Canada. 👋
I just pulled out my Grandma's china (from the '30s!) and all the trimmings for a dinner with friends over the weekend. True, the table is in the kitchen, but it was still beautiful.
I most often eat in my kitchen though do have a formal dining table in the living area that seats up to six. For formal sit down dinners of up to twenty, I set up two folding tables in my sunroom, with tablecloths and silverware, vases of flowers and candles. The latter has seen many a formal sit down extended family Christmas, as well as a few fund raisers for local charities, happen at my place. It helps that I love cooking and can cope with catering for a crowd!
I really hope tablescaping isn’t a trend, I hope it stays. It’s just so elegant. I don’t have a dining room but I do have a kitchen table from the 60s it’s a yellow Formica(it was my Nan and Gramps and I love it) I eat at it everyday, although there’s just place mats on it.
Oh my goodness I have the same table!!! It was my nanas. It's the perfect size for a smaller space. I love the cheerful yellow mine has black edging and each leg is double (two thin legs joined together) chrome with the black rubber feet. These tables are hard to find nowadays.
I remember Sunday dinners with family, and the tables would be set up all nice and fancy. The special occasion was just everyone being together. I would love to bring that tradition back
This is definitely my jam. I'm the person who inherited china, bought back the china patterns of relatives, and is collecting my own china and Corelle dishes. WAY too many sets to mention. I'm on a Facebook group devoted to this, and you would not believe how many people are into this. I LOVE that you did this video! Cheers from the USA!
I still eat at the dining table of my childhood. My parents bought it 60 years ago and gave it to us when I got my first home 35 years ago! I also have various pieces of crockery, cutlery and linen that belonged to my grandparents that were passed down to them that I love and use! Let's make nice dining great again!
That sense of family over generations is really special and is so easily demonstrated via the crockery or silver and glassware we use. I treasure the pieces both of my grandmothers collected too, as well as what my parents added to it!
So nice. I have this as well. I have my Grandmother's dining room set that would probably be 120 years old now and I still sit at it for dinner.
Wonderful feeling, isn't it.
I've got my nan's art deco glass trifle set (one large bowl and six smaller ones), its all in beautiful blue glass. I get it out for Christmas and birthdays!! It looks so pretty on the table.
I love doing a formal table💕💕 my favorite flea market find was a 3 piece Lenox “dolphin” fruit bowl and candle stick holders. For $20.00!! I dress it up with grapes, and small vintage Anna Lee mice ( also thrifted. $3. Each!!). I get so many compliments on my table. It’s a humble source of joy 💕💕💕
This reminded me of something that would be great tucked into an arrangement. Ages ago my aunt was at an antique show and a dealer was in despair over breaking a Venetian glass tureen, my aunt saw an opportunity and requested to buy the little dolphin finial. It would look great in an arrangement .
just did a tablescape for thanksgiving here in the US. I went out to the forest behind my mom's house and foraged a few sprigs of western red cedar (which is technically a cypress, the leaves are not pointy needles like other evergreens) as well as some ferns, and made a garland with them for the center of the table. We had some tangerines so I put those on top with a few pillar candles and small bowls of pomegranate seeds. On top of a sage green tablecloth, with white linen napkins and the good china. It felt really fun to do and was the only part of the day that wasn't stressful (thanksgiving is a marathon cooking day even if you prep ahead of time). I want to do it at home on my tiny round kitchen table. I usually keep a tablecloth and flowers on it but you've inspired me to add more flair.
Such a beautiful table scape. When we slow down to eat and indulge in a set table we find that everything else we thought mattered seems to settle and we focus on the *right now*. I host tea parties (and post videos of them on occasion) and I can attest - this sort of effort is so, so worth it!
We didn't have a dining room growing up, but we did have a nice sized drop leaf table that sat along the wall. When we did a fancy meal not in the kitchen, we opened up the table and used the fancy china and crystal from the buffet in the same room. And if we had company, we threw a tablecloth over the large console tv and it became a sideboard where the buffet of food platters were.
Ah yes the buffet to hold food adjacent to a table. I organised a couple of cabinets in my last house for just that purpose, as my table was small. I too am a huge fan of the drop side or extension tables. When I do cater for a formal meal for 20, my tables are the folding ones that can be packed away. Luckily I do have a room, large enough to set up a long table, but usually it is my sunroom/office.library and TV room! My other tables seat 4 - 6.
What a beautiful table you set.
Your table-scape looks so cozy and inviting❤I have a floral 1950s porcelain tea set from my nan that I love.
Great video, I enjoyed your table decorating, it looked beautiful. My favourite vintage table find must be a cruet set. I absolutely love a proper container for salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard etc. My second favourite find, butter knives with cream handles.
I have inherited some amazing cruet sets. I have a cut glass salt, pepper and mustard cart in the shape of a little train engine. I also have a couple of sets of bone handled knives, including the one we used when I was a child. The drawback is that the silver needs to be cleaned, as if it's tarnished it looks pretty gross. Also vinegar discolours the fork tynes. But yes, I do love all things vintage and my vintage kitchenalia. I have the scales my grandparents were given as a wedding present, around the turn of the 20th century and my mum's original but still working Sunbeam Mix Master. So many memories of helping my mum as a little kid, standing on a chair at the bench, as we baked cakes or biscuits. Oh and cleaning silver was my first job as a little kid!😄
@ You have some lovely items. It’s the memories that are attached to items that brings a lot of pleasure. ❤️
Your table is looking fabulous! I grew up with my mum and gran setting up the table like this, on a daily basis. I have drawers full of glorious lace tablecloths, linen napkins, crystal galore, silver and 3 generations worth of fine bone China dinnerware. Both sides of my family were collectors and neither of my brothers nor nieces and nephews wanted anything much in the way of such things after my parents died. You have inspired me to make use of all my treasures, though the one inconvenience is they need to be hand washed, oh and the silver takes some cleaning too! I have always eaten my meals at a formal table. Even when living in a small apartment, I had a wonderful drop sided table I set up every evening. My current table is in my kitchen, but I also have a dining table in my living room. 1960s house.
I live in a small flat, it's a bit of a squeeze, but I do have a front room I have my sofa at one side of the room and have a small table at the other end. And just love setting up my table for meals 😊
I always managed it too, in my days of living in tiny flats. I had a tiny folding table and later my drop sided table, which I still have. I go to the effort of cooking wonderful meals, so having a formal table set up does the food I serve up justice!
I do my tablescapes to go with the season's and of course for Christmas. My table is always set, it gives me real pleasure. My favourite vintage table finds are some pale blue and white side plates from the eighteen hundreds.
A really lovely dinning table escape.🥰
Oh I love this trend. I like making table linens using vintage patterns and lacks. My preference is for a cleaner table setting but the use of all the good china and cutlery.
My best table setting find was the handmade lace My grandmother made which I used to edge a white linen cloth I did 1930s style pulled thread work on and matching napkins. The lace took my needlework up so many levels that it looks amazing
My favourite vintage piece of tableware is a lidded china gravy/sauce boat complete with a china ladle given to me by a much loved relative before she died. I really treasure it. Being of a certain age I always set a table when friends come round for supper or even a BBQ in the garden. (Although my husband and I are guilty of using trays in front of the telly most days 🤦🏼♀️) 🙃
This is a great way of bringing families back to the table rather than eating infront of the tv x
Even for those of us who usually dine alone, it makes a meal something special. I am a sucker for a vase of fresh, preferably fragrant flowers on the table. Luckily I grow a lot of them myself. I also love an abundant fruit bowl as a centrepiece too!
@fionaludbrook8193 I love flowers xx you are right x
Saw the tortoise,should come back,excuse being busy,or old school,i like old school Hannah.😊
🐢 ❤
❤ all your videos 👍🏽 😘
I must admit I don't do this a lot. However, that being said, Christmas is my time to shine! I use all natural Holly (without berries, for bird food), ivy, etc. Linen table cloth and linen napkins. I love to showcase my Christmas table.
Beautiful plates.
I got my hands on one of those acrylic candles from the 60s.
This was great. It’s been a long time since I tried at this before my children all got so busy and scattered. My son will put up with a table and some basics but doesn’t like to get too fancy because it is not necessary and would be hoity toity. I have a massive amount of table ware . I suppose I should have a tea or sandwich shop but not good at business. Maybe I should just play around with them and take pictures? Eureka! There’s an idea , I mean I really didn’t think of that till now. My husband always said I could make a business with my split pea soup….. In Julian CA there is or was idk a great place run by a family called the Julian Pie Shop. They served a half sandwich with a slice of homemade pie, the best! Would have been even better on vintage china . No one takes the time anymore, too much rushing. Thanks for the delightful table tour.!
Lovely tablescape.
I’ve been doing this. My house is small and I so wish I had a dinning room but I do have a table ( kitchen is small so I use it for multiple purposes cooking, sewing etc) I also don’t mind vintage linens that aren’t perfect that seem to be overlooked, I feel each stain or so reminds me that others say around that linen and ate, cried, and laughed.
I’m inspired!
More 1940s mukbangs please 😊
I would leave the cloth the vase and the utensils and the bottle because I think it's overwhelming. But I really like the bowl greens and animals
hello from the united states love your videos especialey your vintage mukbang speaking of witch when is the next one
❤❤💐
The lack of cutlery amazes me. The typical place setting in US only has 1 knife, so if you start with fish then on to meat do you leave the 1st knife of the table, place mat etc.
I have some beautiful items, rarely used in the last few years, so I love this trend.
I believe the tortoise was at the very top of your centerpiece. When you showed the candle flame up close, my instinct was to try to blow it out. Of course I didn't try but isn't it funny what triggers a reaction or response to certain things?
🐢 ❤ our brains are weird aren't they!
A question, if you don't mind, me and my sis love to watch uk tv series and we see alot of uk meals being taken without tablecloth. why in uk you don't wear tablecloth?
What time is dinner? I'll bring the mashed potatoes.
found the turtle!
🐢 ❤
I just don't understand this lack of dining space in new houses. They often say Kitchen/Diner, but when you look at the space available, what sort of table can you actually get in there? I don't go this far with table setting on a daily basis, but I do set a table for meals. If nothing else, meals on your lap seem to give me dreadful indigestion!
I agree. The eat at counter with bar stools on one side, in many new homes, does NOT lend itself to any sense of fine dining or occasion, just eat and run and reflects life in a hurry. Eating is one of life's great joys. We can elevate the effort we make to produce delicious nourishing food, by nurturing ourselves with the aesthetics of inspiring "table scape", or as I would call it table setting!.
Use a gateleg table which can be brought out when wanted
The aim of a table setting is to show off the food. This table is far too busy and distracting. Where is the space for the serving dishes......