The day after a dinner party is always chore-laden. I only get my dishes done on the night of the party if I am struggling with insomnia. Usually it waits until the next day, and feels a little burdensome when I first come back to the kitchen. However, I usually end up enjoying it because it is a chance to spend some quality time with my nicest dishes. I don't put them in the dishwasher, I wash them by hand. The warm sudsy water and the feel of the porcelain and metal returning to their clean and shiny selves is very satisfying. I can pay attention to each piece and admire the clarity of the glass and the patterns and colors of the plates. The mother of pearl handles on the knives are a delight to the touch. Delicate cups and saucers are incredibly smooth as I hold them up to the light to see my fingers visible through the translucent china. The shapes of dishes, glassware, and silverware are varied and interesting....the tines of forks and the handles of cups and the roundness of pitchers. Cleaning up is fun.