For most of our history, the dining room did not exist. Most of the space in homes had to be multifunctional and most homes consisted of one big room. Even castles built in the Middle Ages, although large, were mostly one very large banquet hall which was used for dining, meetings and a lot of sword fighting.

In the late seventeenth century, early homes had dining rooms but they were still used for other purposes. Dining room furniture was light weight and many pieces could be folded or separated easily so they could be moved. Popular pieces at this time included the drop leaf table, two piece hutches and other small pieces of furniture.

Another two hundred years would pass before the dining room became popular with the wealthy. In the mid-1800’s, the rising middle class had dining rooms. Prior to that, ordinary folks were lucky if they could sit down for regular meals and could afford three meals a day. Manufacturing grew and mass production allowed for the middle class to afford dining specific furniture and accoutrements. Popularity grew for mahogany table and chairs, fine china, and the right silver flatware to get the hostess through serving four to ten courses at dinner.

This also was the birth of the bridal registry. The formalities and importance of the family dinner required the proper china, silver and linens. Of course most of this was social pressure and “keeping up with the Joneses” but everyone felt compelled to do it.

Now let’s take a look at what our lives are like now. Most people will say they’ve used their dining room a couple times a year. A lot of families struggle to have a family meal and when they do, it may be at a restaurant. Everyone is busy and rushing out the door with a granola bar in their mouths. Sure, all of these studies say a family that eats dinner together will produce more stable, smart children. But how many people do this on a regular basis and how many are doing this in the dining room?

I think most formal dining tables are being used to fold laundry, sort the mail and may even be used to do homework. Many dining rooms are now family rooms, offices or play rooms. So much formality has left our lives and we have lost an important family ritual.

Thus as there has been a decline in the family dinner, there has been a decline in the market for antique dining related objects. Maybe instead of getting rid of your fine china, start using it and bring a little luxury back in your life (even on a week day). Take time to relax and enjoy someone's company. It is always special when someone sets a place for you at the table.

Karen Waterman is a fine art, antique furniture and decorative arts appraiser in the East Bay area and will answer as many questions regarding your “hidden treasures” as possible. By sending a letter or email with a question you give full permission for use in the column. Names, addresses or e-mail will not be published and photos will be returned if requested. Send e-mails (digital photos preferred ) to watermanappraisal@gmail.com. Send snail mail to Waterman Appraisal and Consulting Services,PO Box 134, Barrington, RI 02806.