As an author and occasional housewife who loves to write, I appreciate beautiful table settings but don’t want to spend a fortune or take too much time on it. I would rather spend my time writing!

I have a number of books on my bookshelves that I refer to from time to time. One such little gem is COUNTRY CHIC TABLE SETTINGS by Susan E. Mickey, published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc, 2004. On nearly every page of the book, there are lovely photos of table settings and creative ideas for making the dining experience pleasurable. On one page, there is a photo of dainty vintage handkerchiefs adding texture to the table . I love vintage hankies and if you read my novel, AMELIA, you will discover how a delicate white handkerchief has many uses!

The “candlestick” napkin fold. My husband’s mother showed me how to do this one.