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My "good" china is my grandmother's Noritake. Knowing my grandmother, she scrimped and saved and was proud to have a full set of fancy dishware for special occasions. It's too fussy for me to use very often but I love having it and using it from time to time. Every time I use it I think of herand it is a way to have her spirit at our table at important family events.
I like them because they represent special celebrations. Now that could mean anything - from Christmas to celebrating the first lost tooth.
But, for me anyway, when I break out "the good stuff," my family knows I put in extra effort for them, and for the occasion. Also, we really like "family traditions" and my grandmother's china is one of those traditions.
My husband inherited the china that his dad (who died when my husband was six) brought home to his mother after his tour in Germany right after WW2. Unlike my other set, this set IS valuable - for instance, the tureen is on the Replacements website at $700. (I nearly had a heart attack when I saw that!) However, we both decided that we're not going to let it sit there and collect dust. It is very formal, but we use it every Christmas and a few times during the year if I want to set a very opulent sort of table.
The thing is, with these antique family heirlooms, setting the table, and washing the dishes, is an act of love, of continuance, of connecting with past generations, thinking of all the occasions that have been celebrated over the decades within our family. Every time I use either my grandmother's or my husband's parents' dishes, I think of when they bought these - how young they were, how full of hope, how they cherished each piece. It's very touching.
I don't believe in saving things for special occasions. Every day that you're alive is a special occasion.
I used to use the expression "Why save it for the second wife?' after my aunt got married.
She married her best friend's husband (a few years after the best friend passed away). I remember looking through the drawers and cupboards of her new home with her. There were dozens of beautiful table clothes and linens and fancy china & crystal. My aunt said that her friend was "saving them for a special occasion". Well, after being married almost 40 years she still had not found "special occasions" so all of these brand new items were left for the second wife (my aunt) to use.
We have 12 place settings of good china that we use for holidays, depending on my mood. If we have holiday guests it is usually just a few extra people so there are plenty of dishes.
My grandma loved pretty things so I think of her when we get out the good stuff.
My "good" china is my grandmother's Noritake. Knowing my grandmother, she scrimped and saved and was proud to have a full set of fancy dishware for special occasions. It's too fussy for me to use very often but I love having it and using it from time to time. Every time I use it I think of herand it is a way to have her spirit at our table at important family events.
I bet it looks a lot like mine; Noritake from the 1920s or 30s. If only those dishes could talk, I wonder what conversations took place over them?
We did not inherit china or silver from either side of the family. My grandparents were very blue collar, and my g-grandparents were even lower on the ladder. Our dishes are plain white Apilco that we bought ourselves many years ago. That suits us just fine, which is great since we have no alternative. The only special piece I have is a small depression glass vase that I keep filled with garden roses all summer long. It belonged to my husband's grandmother.
Last edited by randomparent; 04-05-2015 at 11:12 AM..
I like them because they represent special celebrations. Now that could mean anything - from Christmas to celebrating the first lost tooth.
But, for me anyway, when I break out "the good stuff," my family knows I put in extra effort for them, and for the occasion. Also, we really like "family traditions" and my grandmother's china is one of those traditions.
My husband inherited the china that his dad (who died when my husband was six) brought home to his mother after his tour in Germany right after WW2. Unlike my other set, this set IS valuable - for instance, the tureen is on the Replacements website at $700. (I nearly had a heart attack when I saw that!) However, we both decided that we're not going to let it sit there and collect dust. It is very formal, but we use it every Christmas and a few times during the year if I want to set a very opulent sort of table.
The thing is, with these antique family heirlooms, setting the table, and washing the dishes, is an act of love, of continuance, of connecting with past generations, thinking of all the occasions that have been celebrated over the decades within our family. Every time I use either my grandmother's or my husband's parents' dishes, I think of when they bought these - how young they were, how full of hope, how they cherished each piece. It's very touching.
I respect that tradition. In my life, we focus on minimalism hence my view.
I respect that tradition. In my life, we focus on minimalism hence my view.
Us, too.
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