DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ve been collecting silver flatware in various patterns when I see pieces at really great prices. I also love to entertain, both casually and semi-formally. In both cases, I love to mix up the place settings with all of my different patterns.

At this point, I’ve donated all my stainless steel flatware and only use the real silver.

Is it gauche for me to be using all these silver patterns together? My china is also a pattern wherein every piece is a different floral. My tablescape looks like a lovely English garden, and to me, it’s very beautiful.

I hope you tell me I’m not committing a horrible faux pas.

GENTLE READER: Well, you are leaving the impression that you have descended from well-stocked families, and inherited silver from various branches. As long as you d

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