DOES ANYONE SET THE TABLE ANY MORE?

There was a time when setting the table was as much a part of dinner as the food itself. Fork on the left, knife on the right, napkin neatly folded — the quiet ritual signaling that the day’s work was done, and a shared meal was about to begin.

Now, more often than not, dinner means grabbing a plate from the cupboard, a fork from the drawer, and balancing it all on the couch in front of a glowing screen. Meals are eaten over laptops, coffee tables, or straight from takeout containers, the table itself reduced to a place to drop the mail. Devon admits, it happens in her home given her on the go lifestyle which is why she insists on a real sit down dinner once a week with a home cooked meal and no phones!

It’s not that we’ve stopped caring about food — quite the opposite. We post carefully plated dishes on Instagram and scour the internet for the perfect recipe. But somewhere along the way, the act of preparing the space for the meal got lost.

Maybe setting the table feels old-fashioned, too formal, or like one more chore in a day already full of them. But it also says: We’re pausing now. We’re here together. This moment matters.

So does anyone set the table anymore? Some still do, like Devon’s mother — and perhaps they’re keeping alive more than just a tradition. Maybe they’re preserving the art of turning dinner into something more than just eating.  

If it’s been a while, why not give it a try again? Polish the silverware, dust off the china… you might find that setting the table feels surprisingly good — and the food even seems to taste better.

Devon’s very savvy and elegant mother suggests a short film called: short film called;The Fine Art of Formal Dining", which takes viewers through every detail of a six-course formal dinner step by step. A must watch if you want to dine with Devon.

And, Devon’s China/Dinner ware, is Royal Crown Derby (China Pattern) same as Jenna Bush Hagger (just different color). Sold at Shreve, Crump, and Low, and Lux Bond & Green.

Our take away: You don’t have to be a celebrity or royalty to set your table like one. And here’s how:

Shreve, Crump & Low — Fine China & Glassware Specialists

Legacy & Reputation

Founded in 1796, Shreve, Crump & Low (SCL) is the oldest luxury jeweler in North America, originally established by silversmith John McFarlane. Over time, they evolved into a full-fledged purveyor of fine jewelry, watches, and elegant home decor—including an exclusive collection of china and giftware.

The store features high-quality dinnerware and decorator collections from renowned

designers like Mottahedeh and Vietri. Their department “Home & Gift” offers unique,

luxurious tableware that mirrors their jewelry-level standards.

Crystal & Stemware

Their stemware selection includes heritage brands such as Baccarat, Simon Pearce, and William Yeoward. An excellent example is the elegant Gloria Goblet, a handmade crystal piece with delicate Georgian-style cuts.

Overall Appeal

If you’re looking for heirloom-quality tableware—whether for daily use or a wedding registry—Shreve, Crump & Low provides both craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

Lux Bond & Green offers fine China, glassware, and table accessories—perfect for

elegant dining and thoughtful gift-giving:

China & Tableware

Lux Bond & Green features a home and entertaining boutique that includes fine China and table accessories. These are often curated from high-quality designer collections suited for wedding gifts, housewarming presents, or stylish everyday use.

Glassware &Crystal Collections

Lux Bond & Green is an authorized dealer of several renowned crystal and stemware brands, offering a range of luxurious and functional designs:

William Yeoward – Inspired by 18th and 19th-century antique designs, known for

elegant craftsmanship.

Baccarat Crystal – Opulent, timeless crystalware—like the Wine Therapy Set of 6 Wine Glasses featuring iconic styles such as Chateau, Harcourt Eve, Massena, and more.

Lalique and Moser Crystal – Distinguished for their originality and artisanal quality in

handcrafted glass.

Simon Pearce and Herend – Elegantly crafted barware and home decorating pieces.

Their glassware and crystal selection covers everything from barware (e.g., Old Fashioned glasses, champagne flutes) to luxurious vases, candlesticks, and centerpiece bowls—perfect for both entertaining and gifting.

So, maybe the real question isn’t whether anyone sets the table anymore, but whether we still allow ourselves those small, beautiful rituals. A table doesn’t need to be formal to feel special. Even a weeknight dinner can be transformed by a simple gesture—a cloth napkin instead of paper, a glass of wine poured into a crystal stem, or a polished fork that once belonged to a grandmother.

Shops like Shreve, Crump & Low or Lux Bond & Green remind us of that tradition. Their china, silver, and glassware are more than objects; they’re heirlooms in waiting, meant to be used, enjoyed, and passed on. To set the table with such pieces is to slow down, to honor the meal, and to honor the people gathered around it.

In the end, setting the table is less about etiquette and more about care. It’s a way of saying: this moment matters, and so do you. And we want to thank Devon for reminding us how important this simple and long-standing tradition still is and can be.