If you’re like me, you have a cupboard full of “good” china and crystal. You probably save it for special occasions—a dinner party or a holiday. But have you ever asked yourself why you are saving this china and crystal? Is it to pass along to your children? After all, they probably acquired their version of “good” china and glassware when they set up a household. Or they really don’t care about stuff like that. And most likely, their taste is a lot different from yours.
So, why not use that china that takes up space in your cupboard? Why not enjoy it now while you can? After all, we don’t pack up our treasures to take with us to the next life like the ancient Egyptians did. And your kids just might sell your treasured objects along with all the other stuff from your house in the estate sale they have after you pass on.
Recently, I decided that I was worthy of the “good” china. I resolved to use it every day. And I am enjoying eating my morning toast off the Franciscanware Desert Rose patterned china and drinking my iced tea from the crystal stemware.
As the saying goes, “you only live once.” So go ahead and enjoy it!
Get the prized china out of the cupboard and eat your ham and cheese sandwich from it. You’ll be surprised at how much better it tastes!
I totally agree.
I would go to estate sales and see all these lovely new things. Once I bought a hand tatted coverlet from an estate of a 95 year old. It was never used, and had a tag “Mother made this” in an older persons hand. And here I was, a stranger, pawing through it. I am slowly getting rid of the “everyday” things, and using the special items. I have 2 reasons. I’m worth it, and I want people to come to MY estate sale and think “what a bunch of junk – it’s all used up”!
Kathy,
I have to laugh at this blog. Boy, does it hit home. I do have “good” china that I hadn’t used for maybe 10 years, but decided this Christmas to use for my family dinner. But some years back in another state I had a dinner and burned candles. They weren’t my beautiful candles. My friend wanted to know why I didn’t burn the beautiful candles. I told her that I didn’t want to ruin them. She said “burn those candles.” That is my mantra now when I have something lovely. Instead of keeping them in the drawer never to see the light of day, I think “burn those candles,” and out they come.
I’ve gone to a few estate sales over the years. It’s sad to see the dainty embroidered handkerchiefs that were never removed from their gift boxes and the bottles of perfume saved for special times that never came.