A couple of weeks ago, Aunt Shanda had a birthday. We were so honored to be able to kick off her
day by having her over for breakfast before she headed out of town.
I planned on making her favorite muffins and coffee with
extra vanilla creamer…and then I started to think about how I could jazz things
up a bit. My mind was soon spinning with
thoughts of cupcake toppers, fresh fruit skewers, and meats and cheeses.
I quickly settled on a black-white-and-silver theme, with
pops of bright pink, Shanda’s favorite.
I had so much fun planning our little tablescape. I brought out my mom’s silver-rimmed china,
my silver chargers, some silver and crystal serving pieces, and I tied a black
and white polka-dotted ribbon to the stems of our champagne glasses (for
mimosas…minus the champagne, anyway).
[Shanda was traveling that day, and I had two wee ones to attend to.]
The girls were so excited when they saw all the pretties
that morning…
“What’s this, Mommy?”
“What’s that, Mommy?”
“Is china from China?”
…and it dawned on me that my girlies have never been seen
any of my china, at least not outside the china cabinet.
I have three full sets…one from each grandmother, and one
from my mom…and they’ve basically never laid eyes on it.
And it later struck me, as Shanda and I were sipping
over-creamered coffee from delicate little teacups…in 36 years I don’t think I’ve
ever drunk from these teacups.
Why do I have this stuff if I’m not going to use it???
Granted, we’re still very much in a “plastic” phase at our
house…and I don’t put my china or crystal in the dishwasher, which raises some
logistical challenges in terms of resource allocation…but I’m going to make a
concerted effort to use my “good stuff” more often.
I want the girls to see us enjoying “the fine things”…and
soon to enjoy “the fine things” themselves.
I want to live this life and celebrate all the fine little points in it…not
just reserving “the fine things” for the rare special occasion.
AWARE in 2012.
8 comments:
I love this post, Mandy.
this is such a great realisation and I'm so glad you're using your good stuff. You and your family/ friends deserve it!
Wonderful post.
I am ashamed to say that in our nearly 12 yrs of marriage, my husband and I have eaten off of our wedding china once. Yes, once. On our first anniversary, I served a fancy dinner with our china and crystal, but that is the only timee food has ever touched any of those beautiful, expensive dishes.
Even more shameful, right now all of our china and crystal is boxed up in the basement. We are using our formal dining room as a playroom, so I don't really have space for it. The quads have never even seen it!
Thanks for the reminder I clearly need. I should make a bigger effort to use 'the fine things' every now and then.
Wonderful post.
I am ashamed to say that in our nearly 12 yrs of marriage, my husband and I have eaten off of our wedding china once. Yes, once. On our first anniversary, I served a fancy dinner with our china and crystal, but that is the only timee food has ever touched any of those beautiful, expensive dishes.
Even more shameful, right now all of our china and crystal is boxed up in the basement. We are using our formal dining room as a playroom, so I don't really have space for it. The quads have never even seen it!
Thanks for the reminder I clearly need. I should make a bigger effort to use 'the fine things' every now and then.
Wonderful post.
I am ashamed to say that in our nearly 12 yrs of marriage, my husband and I have eaten off of our wedding china once. Yes, once. On our first anniversary, I served a fancy dinner with our china and crystal, but that is the only timee food has ever touched any of those beautiful, expensive dishes.
Even more shameful, right now all of our china and crystal is boxed up in the basement. We are using our formal dining room as a playroom, so I don't really have space for it. The quads have never even seen it!
Thanks for the reminder I clearly need. I should make a bigger effort to use 'the fine things' every now and then.
Wonderful post.
I am ashamed to say that in our nearly 12 yrs of marriage, my husband and I have eaten off of our wedding china once. Yes, once. On our first anniversary, I served a fancy dinner with our china and crystal, but that is the only timee food has ever touched any of those beautiful, expensive dishes.
Even more shameful, right now all of our china and crystal is boxed up in the basement. We are using our formal dining room as a playroom, so I don't really have space for it. The quads have never even seen it!
Thanks for the reminder I clearly need. I should make a bigger effort to use 'the fine things' every now and then.
I thought long and hard about china. I have two full, and one partial set. Not once I have I eat from any of them, ever. One my mother has never even used. So away they are safely tucked in the attic. If I were more adventurous like you, I might pull them out. But I love my dishwasher too much and don't want him to feel left out!! LOL
I thought long and hard about china. I have two full, and one partial set. Not once I have I eat from any of them, ever. One my mother has never even used. So away they are safely tucked in the attic. If I were more adventurous like you, I might pull them out. But I love my dishwasher too much and don't want him to feel left out!! LOL
I love how festive you made it for her. I am now mooving towards "no plastic" or only when outdoors and it takes a lot of bravery
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