I love setting the dining room table. Like a good outfit, layering brings out the best and adds personality. I like to think of it as telling a story. If you want a casual meal, the table setting should reflect it. Want something formal? Bring out the silver candlesticks. Want to encourage conversation? Scattered candles, fresh flowers, and conversation pieces do the trick.

As a child, it seemed like I “set the table” more often than I do now. I wonder why. Collections of tablecloths, candleholders, serving trays, linen napkins and specialty dinnerware are housed in well-organized tub upon tub. Frequent antique mall shopping only adds to the collection. Yet I rarely venture into the storage room to retrieve them. Yes, life as an adult is definitely more cramped than a young child who yearns to make everything special and old-fashioned (as I used to say it). But doesn’t setting a table actually set a mood? Think about Thanksgiving and the decorations that go into the table setting. Think about a special date or anniversary dinner at your favorite restaurant where the lights are dimmed and candles on a table cast a magical glow. Ahhh… now you see what I am saying, don’t you.

While my personal goal is to get back to basics of joyfully setting a table, perhaps focusing on a new habit is a good start. Okay, I’ll say it. Friday nights will be the (re)start of my joyfully setting the table. I am curious, is this a habit that interests you, too?

For the next six months, I already have help and a push to jump-start my habit. My friends at P.Allen Smith andstargazerbarn.com are sending me a monthly subscription to Star Gazer Barn collections of flowers, chocolates, cookies wine or a combination of these products.

Last week my first shipment arrived with…

Tulips, my favorite flowers!

Dick Taylor craft chocolate, one of the few bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the country. In fact, the latest February issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine selects this chocolate as one of their editors’ picks!

Tulip eau de parfum trio of Mandarin Peony, lemon sugar, and coconut. I used these to scent my fake flower that I usually set the table with. Somehow it made it a touch better.

Lastly, the collection included a detailed Barn School sheet talking specifically about the Ile De France Tulips that I received. I knew that since P.Allen Smith is partner with Star Gazern Barn that the flowers and collection would be top quality. They only sell American grown flowers (they grow themselves), are “veriflora certified,” and are members of the Slow Flowers movement. Quality.

It was fun setting my dining table and incorporating my collection of old bells with the newness of fresh tulips and the metal vase.

I look forward to using and reusing this collection for as long as the tulip and chocolate lasts… while the vase and parfums will have a much longer lifecycle.

If you are interested in this collection, it is called “Sensory Seduction” and it retails for $89.99 + $14 shipping. Shipping is free through February 29^th if you use the code “flowerkiss” at checkout.

Hope you enjoy!

Happy table setting.

Eat well, my friend. Eat well.

Lyndi