"Because I don't want it!! I have no where to store it and very little occasion to use it. But, I love my Grandma and the memories of her fine china, and of course, I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings!"
Is this a very real dilemma that you're facing today? Great news! We've got some amazing suggestions for preserving your heritage and those precious memories without cluttering up your life!!
First of all, it's important that you not feel guilty about "doing away" with your grandmother's fine china. (It's not going to be like that anyway ... we promise!) For many reasons, a large collection of china is not practical for families today. And you won't be "honoring" anyone by boxing up dishes you won't use and storing them in a dusty old attic or basement (probably never to be seen again anyway). So, definitely let go of your guilt (because you're not going to just drop it off at the Goodwill for heaven's sake!).
Second, set aside the idea that your grandmother's china has tremendous monetary value. Most vintage china has relatively little value today. Certainly do some research; however, unless your porcelain is from the Northern Song Dynasty, it probably holds a very modest value. (Quick tip: Don't base the value of your pattern on the asking price at Replacements.com -- give them a call and ask what they'd pay to buy your piece!) Besides, you're not trying to make a profit from grandma's china, you're just trying to declutter your life and preserve some good memories.
So let's get started! Here are 5 Fun & Practical Ways to see that your grandmother's china continues to be loved and cherished.
1 - Choose Your Favorites
Okay, you've really gotta save a piece or two of grandma's china! Our recommendation? A couple of teacups and saucers (to pull out and share with a special friend from time to time) or a creamer and sugar dish (to use every day with your morning coffee). These will truly become family heirlooms because they're used and loved and a constant reminder of your sweet grandmother! Saving a piece or two and actually using it is so much better than having an entire service for twelve gathering dust in your attic!
2 - Grab Your Tile Nippers
If you don't already have a few pieces in your set that are chipped or broken, consider breaking a few yourself! Yes ... this sounds horrible (and grandma might faint!) ... but you'll be thrilled by the results of a fun DIY project with broken china. And, the fact that you've used grandma's pattern will make your new piece a treasured addition to your décor! Just google "broken china mosaics" ... the possibilities are endless. Check out this amazing tutorial from the O'Neil Sisters for this adorable birdhouse (https://runningwithsisters.com/how-to-mosaic-a-birdhouse-with-broken-china/) and have some fun!
3 - Create A Lasting Memento
While this suggestion begins with broken china, it ends with a piece of heirloom jewelry you'll treasure forever! Talk about keeping your grandmother's china close to your heart ... here's one way to do that, quite literally. There are many DIY tutorials on "broken china jewelry," but for a truly one-of-a-kind, heirloom quality piece, we recommend you work with a professional jeweler to design and create a lasting memento.
Our favorite designer is Mary-Ann, the owner and artist behind DinnerWear Jewelry (https://dinnerwearjewelry.com/). She has been perfecting the process of turning heirloom china into heirloom jewelry for more than twenty years. While Mary-Ann uses recycled vintage china to make lots of beautiful handmade pieces, her specialty is working one-on-one with a client to design custom pieces from their family's beloved china pattern. Her custom "keepsake jewelry" is surprisingly affordable, and will be loved and cherished and passed from generation to generation!
4 - Add Vintage Charm To Your Garden
5 - Give Grandma's China A New Home & A Lasting Legacy
Did you know that there are small businesses that offer "vintage rentals" for special events? Imagine your grandmother's beloved china pattern adorning the "sweetheart" table at a wedding reception or adding vintage charm to a sweet shower for a new baby! You might consider donating your grandmother's china to a small vintage rentals business where it will continue to be used and loved for years to come!
Our vintage rentals company (https://www.minnieandbeas.com/preserving-the-pattern) offers a program to honor the legacy of your grandmother's pattern by preserving its history and also pays it forward with a donation to a charity of your choice each time your pieces are used. What a fine solution for honoring your grandmother's legacy and her treasured fine china! 💕
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