All four elements were happening in equal measure - the cuisine, the wine, the service, and the overall ambience. It taught me that dining could happen at a spiritual level.

— Charlie Trotter —

Part of Charlie Trotter’s success with his restaurants and associated businesses can be attributed not only to his cooking expertise, but that he recognizes the fusion of the eating experience with Spirituality.  To have a sense of peace and spirit in your Dining Room, you want it to be organized and functional, yet have a sense of elegance.

China, linens, glassware, tableware, and serving pieces are stored in the Dining Room. They can be stored in China Cabinets, Buffets and Hutches, and Sideboards, or a combination if you have a large enough room. But since many of these items are not used on a daily basis, they need to be stored in such a way that their beauty will be preserved. Also, if your Dining Room is used for everyday eating, and not just for dinner, you want items you use often readily available.

Let’s first look at storage of items that are used occasionally.

1. China: If your China is displayed so that it can be seen, as in a glass enclosed hutch, you can protect the plates by inserting rounds of felt or even coffee filters, between them. If the China is going to be hidden from view, you can store them in padded fabric containers made for plates. Measure your dishes before purchasing these, as they are available in a variety of sizes. If you have several sets, you can mark a label and attach it to the outside. At least once a year, clean your China, even if you aren’t using it.
   
   
2. Crystal: All Crystal and glassware should be stored standing up to prevent chips to the rims. If you are concerned about dust collecting in them, then consider a glass case which would prevent too much dust from getting to them. The same advice goes for cleaning your crystal at least once as year, as was noted in the China section.
   
   
3. Linens: Some cabinets have long drawers to minimize creases in linens in storage. Another method to prevent tablecloths from having crease lines is to cover a long tube, such as ones found in art stores, in acid-free tissue paper, and then wrap the tablecloth around the tube. You can cover the tablecloth with another layer of paper and then insert it into a larger tube. Another method is to hang the tablecloth over a hanger or rack that has a tube over the hanging rod. You should also have a table pad to protect your dining room table from spills and heat that can come through the tablecloth. Runners can be stored in drawers with two tubes placed at the sides of the drawer and wrapping the runners around the tubes. Sets of napkins can be stored in pouches of acid-free tissue paper.
   
   
4. Protective Items: Have sets of attractive trivets, coasters, and pads for added protection to your table. Even a set of chargers can add protection in addition to the glamour.
   
   
5. Flatware:  Whether you have a set of fancy stainless flatware or vintage silver, a silverware chest is both attractive and keeps dust of your eating utensils. If you have silverware or silver-plate, the chest should be lined in tarnish resistant flannel. You may also purchase treated flannel bags to roll and store your silver pieces in.
   
   
6. Serving Pieces:  Different serving pieces require different care and storage, so we will look at a variety of them.
   1. Silver: The same advice for the silver flatware above applies to your other silver pieces as well. Keeping them stored in protective flannel is the best way to keep them beautiful. However, if you do display your silver, don’t keep polishing it as polishing can remove silver particles. Just polish your silver before actual use.
   2. Ivory: Ivory items should be wrapped in acid-free tissue and stored in an air-tight container. Heat, moisture, and sunlight all damage ivory, so it should be kept stored covered and at a constant temperature.
   3. Trays/Plates/Bowls: Ideally, your cabinets should have adjustable shelves to maximize storage of the varying sizes of your serving pieces. If you must stack pieces, insert pieces of felt between the items to protect them.
   4. Collections of Small Serving Pieces: If you have collections of small items, such as salt cellars, napkin rings or specialty spoons, you can display these in glass cases. An alternative is to have interesting boxes to hold your various collections.
      
      
7. Wine: If you like to enjoy wine, an attractive wine rack will add to the elegance of your Dining Room. If you enjoy very fine wines which could be affected by the environment, you may wish to invest in a wine refrigerator, which will keep the wine at a proper temperature and the best humidity.
   
   
8. Table Leaves: Store your table leaves in protective bags in a living area closet. Storing in the garage, basement, or attic could cause damage and warping to the wood.

Now let’s look at setting our space for informal dining, if you don’t have a kitchen or family room with another table.

1. Protecting Your Table: To protect your table, you still want a pad with an informal tablecloth, or sets of placemats. I have bamboo placemats, which keep heat and moisture off the table, yet are attractive. Also have coasters for those drinks, both hot and cold.
   
   
2. Lazy Susans: Keep a tray or Lazy Susan handy with your often used condiments and spices. I keep a marble Lazy Susan with salt cellars, pepper grinders, and soy sauce bottles on my table.
   
   
3. Napkin Holders: A napkin holder or caddy to hold paper napkins is not only handy, but now comes in many styles to fit with your decor.

— Shelly —