The well-set table on an ordinary Tuesday

Somewhere we decided that the nice things — the good plates, the cloth napkins, the proper glasses — are for occasions. So they sit in a cupboard while life happens on the everyday set.

But a Tuesday is most of a life. Setting the table properly on a plain evening does not cost anything and quietly says the ordinary day was worth the effort.

Use the good plates. If one breaks, it broke being used, which is the only honourable way for a plate to go.