The Gentleman's Table
Tasteful table gadgets
Shane Fernando is director of Cape Fear Community College’s Humanities and Fine Arts Center and throws the best Canadian Thanksgiving dinner parties.
It’s cliché, but so true when it’s said that the devil is in the details.
And that little devil is also present at a gentleman’s dinner table when he’s entertaining at home.
The food might be simple, the clothing casual, and the occasion not of great consequence, but there is some arsenal that should be in a man’s dinner table toolbox to make his guest/s feel special and the time spent all the more memorable.
We all know the bare necessities: plate, fork, knife, napkin, cup, but remember, we’re not out camping on Freeman Park. There’s a special someone at your home, and most don’t have the crashing ocean or star-filled sky to set the mood in their kitchen or dining room. The impression to be made is up to you.
We all know us men love collecting our toys and gadgets, whether they’re tools, yard equipment, electronics, sporting goods, matchbox cars, music, etc. Most men are known to be collectors and darn good ones. It’s something hardwired in our brains – some scientists think it’s an inherent competitive nature to impress and attract mates.
There are a variety of table gadgets to make you stand out from the crowd.
As the base for your table, the charger adds a solid foundation. Going down first as a base for your salad and/or dinner plate, this large platter of silver, wood, or even colored plastic will lift and frame your plates, giving a sophisticated, sleek look. It makes your table look like a serious contender in the dining arena.
Next up is the salt cellar, a cool name for a cool device hailing from Roman times. This little guy who graced gladiator tables is usually an open-top container made of glass, wood, metal, or ceramic that holds a tablespoon or so of salt, and are generally put at each place. They can match, but many like to mix designs, and they can be found quite affordably at flea markets and antique shops. Some choose the more primitive pinching of the salt to sprinkle on their food by hand, and others invest in miniature, baby salt spoons to go into each cellar. Either way, it certainly adds an old world feel to your table.
If you are looking for a show stopper, turn to the knife rest. Every sword or knife should have its sheath or resting place. These are always a conversation starter. They usually look like miniature glass or metal barbells that sit on the table by your knife. After you use your knife, you place the tip on the rest, so it won’t slide off your plate when you’re not using it – and they look pretty awesome at each plate.
Of course the list can go on and on with ways to arm your table – nut bowls, tiny pepper shakers, and of course candles – who doesn’t love a little fire?
So serve up a little culture on your dinner table and make the gentleman’s table just that.
To view more of illustrator Mark Weber's work, go to www.markweberart.blogspot.com.
