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Dear Miss Here to Help,
My husband and I have been arguing for weeks over what is a rather silly issue. We simply cannot agree on what to call our buffet table. It sits in our dining room and I prefer to call it a buffet but he insists on calling it a sideboard! He claims that it confuses him when I make a reference to the "buffet" because he believes I am referring to a large spread of food. As a result, he gets overly depressed when he realizes I just meant the table and expresses his disappointment by being grumpy and irritable. His horrible attitude makes me upset in turn and we are just two very unhappy people for the rest of the day. I refuse to call it a sideboard, however, because I do not think that is what it is! Can you help clarify this issue for us? Thank you!
- Frustrated in Topeka
P.S. - The sooner you answer, the better because our marriage might be in jeopardy!
Dear Frustrated in Topeka,
I had no idea that furniture terminology could ever threaten a marriage! I am more than happy to help you and your husband out but I would suggest seeing a marriage counselor as well. It sounds like there might be some other issues going on, but let us see if my information can help ease the tension.
The term "buffet table" has come to encompass all the different pieces of furniture that sit alongside a wall in your dining room, living room, or hallway. These smaller tables were mostly used as decoration at first but today the term "buffet" refers to tables, cabinets, and hutches. The term "sideboard" however was first used in the 18th century and is much more specific than "buffet." It exclusively refers to a buffet table that sits in the dining room and is used to serve or display food as well as store dining room items in the cabinet below.
Since you mentioned that this table is in your dining room, then I am afraid both terms are right. Buffet is the general term but sideboard is the more specific one. So you will both have to choose one and stick to it so that you both do not become upset! I hope that answers your question.
As always, I am here to help!
- Miss Here to Help |
