Sounds very much like Thanksgiving Day prep at our house while growing up. The first job little kids were assigned was stuffing dates with nougat. Older kids moved up to assembling the relish tray. My job was to set the dinner table the evening before. China, sterling flatware, silver serving dishes polished and gleaming. Mom always had a centerpiece of a compote of fresh fruit. Thanksgiving dinner was a formal, happy dinner. I loved it. Yummy food, beautifully set table.
I forgot that we did set the dining room table with china, silver and crystal during that Wednesday afternoon, did the same with my own children.