Two little sentinels patrolling the table

Whenever I peruse wedding registries, running through the possible pieces of formal dinnerware that can be purchased, I am always drawn to the creamer and sugar bowl. No matter the pattern, I love the idea of the creamer and sugar bowl. I don't know if it's because they present the opportunity for a little bit of creativity in, and a chance to stray from, the otherwise rigid setup of dinner plate, salad plate, bread plate, bowl, cup and saucer of the typical place setting. Or if it's because they evoke the comforting feelings that accompany a hot beverage at the end of a lovely meal. Or, if it's because I've somehow assigned little personalities to the creamer and sugar bowl - picturing little conversations, complete with little spats and bickering, between the two pieces. To me, they are the court jesters in the kingdom of dinnerware, travelling throughout the land, making observations and reporting back on the happenings they've witnessed. Taking notes and keeping tabs. Two little sentinels, patrolling the table, with no one the wiser.

I think this is why my purchase of the creamer and sugar bowl excites me in a way that the large serving platter never could.