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Totally overwhelmed. Help me out!

November 13th, 2012 at 03:55 pm


Don't know what possessed me, but I am embracing the decluttering bug in a MAJOR way and I've decided to tackle my kitchen cabinets and all the knick-knack things I've accumulated.

What do you feel is an adequate number of "nice" serving bowls and glass dishes for serving guests (I'm not talking your best china or pyrex/corning where). I have tons of things ...

I have Waterford crystal from great grandmother that was in the back of a cabinet (shame on me!) and I'm not re-arranging my new-to-me (in Feb) China closet with the sentimental stuff.

I'm just overwhelmed ... so, again, what is your stash of guestware like? thanks!

5 Responses to “Totally overwhelmed. Help me out!”

  1. MonkeyMama Says:
    1352827345

    I think this sounds like a very personal decision.

    For us, is a big fat -0-. (OF course, no one is handing down anything fancy, nor would we spend the money - so it kind of snowballs from there - is very different and personal if you have already bought or inherited nice pieces).

  2. wowitsawonderfullife Says:
    1352828156

    I have a party pack that is stored in a large container. I only bring it out when I have a party. In it is all the cutlery, plates, servers etc. and the nice things I want to put out on special occasions. I have enough for 20 guests. When the party is over I wash up and put away all these items in the storage container and put it away until next time. Works for me!

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    1352828205

    We don't have too many serving dishes...two vegetable bowls and a large platter that came with our china. We actually use this set for everyday. I realized a few years into our marriage that we would never use it, or if we did it would be 30 years from now. So we are getting to use it all the time.

    I don't have a number to give you, but I would suggest eliminating some from your everyday cupboards to keep you from being overwhelmed. I also think those that you stash away could be divided into two boxes...keepsakes and maybe. Six months from now, when most of the holidays have passed you will know whether you can get by without those items. Hope that makes sense.

  4. CB in the City Says:
    1352828701

    I would say I have at least six platters and six serving bowls of varying sizes and patterns. I also have two tureens with matching platters, but I never use them -- they are on display. I have no plans to get rid of any of them -- as long as I have the room to store them, I'm keeping them. I love dishes.

    I think the key to your collection is to keep what you truly love and give the rest away.

  5. ThriftoRama Says:
    1352831051

    I have a party cabinet as well. I hated throwing away paper or plastic cups and dishes, so we have picked up washable plates, cups and trays (all plastic or vintage) for our normal bbq and kid-type parties. I have a glass punchbowl and cups I use often as well.

    We have always been minimalists otherwise, but it's clear that needs to come to an end. As our parents age, we are becoming the holiday hosts for what is left of our families, and the last two years have shown us what we are sorely lacking. I've been acquiring things like roasting pans, and this year I need to buy a large platter for carving the holiday roasts/birds. It's time.

    If I were you I'd hold on to the special pieces-- like your great grandmothers' items, or at least pass them to another family member with equal love of that relative who might use those peices more. That is how our parents are handling it. If something sentimental isn't being used, it's offered to someone else in the family. Seems to work out well.

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