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!
Totally overwhelmed. Help me out!
November 13th, 2012 at 03:55 pm
November 13th, 2012 at 05:22 pm 1352827345
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).
November 13th, 2012 at 05:35 pm 1352828156
November 13th, 2012 at 05:36 pm 1352828205
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.
November 13th, 2012 at 05:45 pm 1352828701
I think the key to your collection is to keep what you truly love and give the rest away.
November 13th, 2012 at 06:24 pm 1352831051
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.