Is it tacky to have your kitchen table set?

Question

My sister-in-law Ms. Know It All about home decor, states that it is tacky to have the table set . She had her set until see saw some show saying it was tacky. So I need to know.

Answer 1

Tacky doesn't even enter into it, when you have a table set well in advance of a meal, dust settles on the plates and cutlery and such, even if you can't see it, that's why I wouldn't do it. To properly set a table in preparation for a meal is a sign of civilization, hard to spot in this day and age. If she's talking about having a cloth on and say, a bowl of fruit in the middle or something like that, tell her to take the pipe! In fact, if you know she's an annoying yahoo without a mind of her own who plays Lamb Chop to the world's Shari Lewis, why do you even bother paying attention to anything she says? She's a cipher! You do what you want with your own home, and enjoy!

Answer 2

Having the table set can look great. Staged homes in real estate often have the table set. My only advice is keep it fresh looking. Even though those are not the plates you are eating of of for your upcoming meal it still looks bad to have dust on a plate or crumpled napkins that have fallen from the fold. Really bad is any crystal glasses loosing their crystal clarity. You have to do daily upkeep. If you are willing to do that then have at it. Finally, do not do anything strange like match your napkins to your curtains or wall paper. Now that is tacky.

Answer 3

Well, I've been in interior design for over 30 years and think if that is what you want to do, it is part of your decor and it represents who you are, where you've been and the type of life you live, who the heck is she to tell you it is tacky?



I've done model homes, castles in Europe, historical homes and million dollar residences all with their tables fully set. Many people, myself included, often have unexpected dinner guests with little time to set the perfect table.



I have 3 areas in which I can prepare and serve a meal to guests. The breakfast bar, the formal dining room and the nook. I keep the breakfast bar and nook set with linens, chargers and candles, while the dining room is fully set with china, silver and crystal most of the time. There is never time for the dust to settle on the dining room table because I discovered a long time ago, when you are ready for action, action walks right through your door and you are prepared.



If it is a small gathering the nook and breakfast bar are close to the kitchen and more intimate, where I can determine the settings quickly from the kitchen stock which contains stoneware for more casual gatherings, daily china, flatware, and other mismatched, or less formal dinner accessories. The dining room is my go to, ready in a flash, saves me time to concentrate on meal preparation, welcoming to any guest at any time for any occasion with little effort room.



Oh, and I have 2 tables on my patio which are always partially prepared with candle holders, place mats and accessories most of the summer. Nice place for a cup of tea or morning coffee when a neighbor stops by...

Answer 4

It's what you yourself like that counts. It does mean you can't use your table for anything else in between meals though. Would you use best china, and then move it all out of the way when you ate with ordinary stuff? If so, I reckon life's too short - unless there are people you really want to impress. But nobody is going to choose you as a friend because your table is always set.

Answer 5

It's tacky to put anyone down for how they want to decorate their own home. If they want to have the table set, then that is their choice. I have been through model homes for sale where the tables are fully set to give it a warm homey feeling.

Answer 6

No I have mines set and I don't care what no one has to say about it .But I do get a lot of complements on it from different people and it was never said to be tacky but beautiful. I guess it depends on your taste.

Answer 7

Do you mean, having plates and things out all the time? Yeah, that seems a little tacky, if that's what you mean. I wouldn't change what I prefer based on what someone said on TV, though.