Here’s to using the “good stuff” in 2026
January 21, 2026
By Reba Hull Campbell
Who doesn’t love a good mess after bringing out the “good stuff” we never use … like enjoying dinner using the family china or silver and eating in the dining room instead of on trays.
It means favorite people in my life have lingered around this table. We enjoyed each other’s company. We ate good food. We laughed. We may have stumbled down memory lane. We definitely had fun.
And that makes a mess worth every second of the little bit of extra effort it takes to bring out the “good stuff.”
I do love setting a pretty table and bringing out the “good stuff” that may have belonged to a grandparent or been a beloved wedding gift.
On a recent Saturday night, I brought out my mom’s good china for no occasion at all when we hosted a very last minute, very casual supper for dear friends. A fancy table didn’t mean we had to dress up or plan a formal meal. David whipped up a lovely dinner using recipes he wanted to try out.
I set out my mom’s silver goblets alongside our wedding crystal. The place settings mixed and matched our silver pattern with David’s grandmother’s. Candles flickered. The chandelier was lit low. I think I set all the silverware in the right places.
It just made me happy to use things that stay tucked away and saved for a “special occasion.” Using them on an ordinary cold Saturday night in January did make us feel a little special. And reminded me there’s no reason not to use the “good stuff.”
Over the past month, I pulled out lots of the “good stuff” – our Christmas china (which I now share with my goddaughter), my mom’s china, silver goblets, fancy serving pieces, a silver water pitcher, Campbell silver flatware from four generations, and a smattering of silver napkin rings I’ve been collecting for years.
During the holidays, this table anchored our Christmas dinner with four friends, a rollicking evening with my high school girls’ annual holiday soup supper, and a much-needed casual dinner with dear friends.
All made even more special because we pulled out the “good stuff.”
I didn’t worry about breaking a plate, accidentally throwing out a silver knife or spilling red wine on the tablecloth. I just enjoyed using the “good stuff.”
And my favorite dining room hack … my “rustic looking” tablecloth that is actually a drop cloth from Home Depot … means no issue if some red wine spills on it.
So here’s to 2026 and using more of the “good stuff.”
Reba Hull Campbell is president of The Medway Group. She works with clients on writing, PR planning, presentation training and advocacy coaching. Reba also serves on the faculty of the Buckley School of Public Speaking where she teaches business etiquette that lets her share her “good stuff” to demonstrate place settings. In her downtime, you’ll find Reba on one of her bikes, playing in a band, traveling, writing and reading. Reach Reba at [email protected].
