Not so perfect

I go into the dining room to check out the table. Here is one thing you should know about Southern women. They know how to set a table. This might be a lost art in many parts of the country - but is still going strong in the South. My mom may not even have the guest list finished for a party - but she already knows what the centerpiece will look like.

And in her large, rambling country house - there is the perfect dining room. A gorgeous 9 foot rustic table - bought even before rustic style was popular. A shining antique silver set on the buffet. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling casting a glow on the bark blue walls. A wall of framed art and old prints from my grandparents homes. And china... my mother has 12 (no, that is not a typ0) TWELVE sets of china! She is crazy about china.

The dining room centerpiece is always well thought out. It will include some natural things like stones or leaves. There will be candles and glass. It will make a statement - but not be so large that it inhibits conversation. It would make Martha Stewart proud. If I am not at the party, she will take a picture of the centerpiece so I can appreciate it later.

When she threw a party when I moved to Europe, she stacked old suitcases, passports and hats on top of the table. She crazy for themes. No candle shop is safe when she is looking for something unique to decorate with.

I walk into the dining room...

and see...

papers.

Papers stacked on the table. Papers stacked on the chairs. Bags stuck in the corner. I have to make a double take. Did I step into the twilight zone? In 40 years, my mom has always set a perfect table. This was not perfect. And there is no way I could get it cleaned up before everyone arrives.

I am not Emily Post. And seriously, I am just as happy to eat on paper plates (it means no dishes) and could care less about a well set table. But this is my Mom. And this is not normal.

"Hey Mom", I ask, "Where did you think we might sit for dinner?"

I thought we might just all sit around the kitchen table.

She doesn't see any problems with having 20 people squished around a table built for 6.

The issue is not that the table is not

perfect...

the issue is it makes

perfect sense

to her to have ever cousin, uncle, aunt and child gathered around a tiny kitchen table.