So loved this Elizabeth, and once again you’ve made me think about the things I own and treasure and the things I know I’ll have to deal with at some future date as my mom and MIL are in their mid-80s. The idea of these objects not having to survive unscathed but just be enjoyed to the fullest is kind of a metaphor for our own lives, isn’t it? Great to see you in the Zoom cooking class last Friday and looking forward to the next one (I’m making kimchi!!!).
My grandmother’s highly decorative gold china is a service for 12. Dinner plates, salad plates, lug bowls (with plates), and fruit cups (with plates).
Also a service for 12 are her stemmed wine glasses, water glasses, footed juice glasses, and stemmed sherbet glasses. All hand-wash.
I used all of it often when I lived in Cincinnati because I entertained very frequently - luncheons, ‘girl’ dinners, family dinners, holiday dinners.
I moved every bit of it to Portland, but post-culinary school I went with plain white stock (for the obvious reason).
As my fifth grade teacher, Mr. Graf, used to say, “Everything has a time and a place.” (His second statement was always, “This is neither the time nor the place”.) 😏
I enjoyed every minute of those beautiful dishes and, particularly, the table they set.
I have no idea to whom they’ll go when I pass. They’re emblematic of a time gone by.
How wonderful to have had those beautiful things Linda! It sounds like they’ve been well loved and well used.
There was a piece in the Wall Street Journal a while ago about a family that has passed on the same set of china for generations and what its future fate might be (the current holder of the china has grown sons who have no interest). I do fear that in an age of disposable possessions, much beauty and history will be lost.
I felt all of this, especially the part of future inheritance. I also have no children and a houseful of keepsakes of my own and those inherited from past generations that I’m unwilling to part with. Using them and loving them keeps me in the present.
Our “things” give us great joy every time we use them. Each one has a story and I’ve been thinking about capturing them in a series of posts (or maybe even a little book). I hope you include some stories of your own in your book.
Loved your post (as always) and am SO happy you joined us on Friday! Thoroughly enjoyed cooking alongside you, appreciated your participation, and thought your hummus platter turned out beautifully! Hope it was a lovely date night after too. :) Look forward to hanging with you at future sessions!
Use all those beautiful things. You've really captured but it's not their aesthetic but the meaning they convey by being reliable surroundings and part of our presence.
What to treasure, what to keep? Our heart is the finest arbiter of these things. Our approach to beautiful and precious things is the same. I recently broke an exquisite crystal glass. I’ve learned not to morn in such moments, as the true sadness would be if it had remained in the cupboard with no living life.
You are saying something so important in this post, Elizabeth. My MIL says the same about jewelry. Use it, wear it, enjoy it. Don’t wait for THE occasion.
This is gorgeous Elizabeth, I loved seeing your treasures. That beautiful green plate! Also your copy of Jane Eyre, I know you weren't referencing that but it's a favourite book I've never owned and always got out of the library. I've been hunting for a nice 2nd hand one to change that.
I also love this philosophy, that your treasures should be well used. I feel this way about crockery, and clothes too. Friends have joked that I am 'Never knowingly underdressed'. Life is too short, wear the dress.
Ahhh, Shell, I love that--wear the dress! That is me to a T 😊
The book is a special new edition to our library. Last Christmas, Richard bought me a Bronte sisters' set (not pictured here is Wuthering Heights). I too adore Jane Eyre and always look forward to a reread. The company is the Folio Society (UK-based) and I definitely think this should make its way into your letter to Santa this year. Absolutely beautiful books.
So loved this Elizabeth, and once again you’ve made me think about the things I own and treasure and the things I know I’ll have to deal with at some future date as my mom and MIL are in their mid-80s. The idea of these objects not having to survive unscathed but just be enjoyed to the fullest is kind of a metaphor for our own lives, isn’t it? Great to see you in the Zoom cooking class last Friday and looking forward to the next one (I’m making kimchi!!!).
My grandmother’s highly decorative gold china is a service for 12. Dinner plates, salad plates, lug bowls (with plates), and fruit cups (with plates).
Also a service for 12 are her stemmed wine glasses, water glasses, footed juice glasses, and stemmed sherbet glasses. All hand-wash.
I used all of it often when I lived in Cincinnati because I entertained very frequently - luncheons, ‘girl’ dinners, family dinners, holiday dinners.
I moved every bit of it to Portland, but post-culinary school I went with plain white stock (for the obvious reason).
As my fifth grade teacher, Mr. Graf, used to say, “Everything has a time and a place.” (His second statement was always, “This is neither the time nor the place”.) 😏
I enjoyed every minute of those beautiful dishes and, particularly, the table they set.
I have no idea to whom they’ll go when I pass. They’re emblematic of a time gone by.
How wonderful to have had those beautiful things Linda! It sounds like they’ve been well loved and well used.
There was a piece in the Wall Street Journal a while ago about a family that has passed on the same set of china for generations and what its future fate might be (the current holder of the china has grown sons who have no interest). I do fear that in an age of disposable possessions, much beauty and history will be lost.
Thanks for sharing your story 💕
I share that fear, Elizabeth.
I felt all of this, especially the part of future inheritance. I also have no children and a houseful of keepsakes of my own and those inherited from past generations that I’m unwilling to part with. Using them and loving them keeps me in the present.
Our “things” give us great joy every time we use them. Each one has a story and I’ve been thinking about capturing them in a series of posts (or maybe even a little book). I hope you include some stories of your own in your book.
I absolutely LOVE this and the reminder that what's used is loved and cherished. Now I need to read Rebecca's post!
You were a big inspiration for the post! I linked Rebecca’s note in the post right after yours. Serendipity 💕
Loved your post (as always) and am SO happy you joined us on Friday! Thoroughly enjoyed cooking alongside you, appreciated your participation, and thought your hummus platter turned out beautifully! Hope it was a lovely date night after too. :) Look forward to hanging with you at future sessions!
Me too! Can’t wait until the next one 💕
Use all those beautiful things. You've really captured but it's not their aesthetic but the meaning they convey by being reliable surroundings and part of our presence.
It really is about their meaning, isn’t it?
What to treasure, what to keep? Our heart is the finest arbiter of these things. Our approach to beautiful and precious things is the same. I recently broke an exquisite crystal glass. I’ve learned not to morn in such moments, as the true sadness would be if it had remained in the cupboard with no living life.
Yes it is all about the heart. I am certain that lovely glass graced your table to its full 💕
I like this, you made me ponder.
I like to catch your discerning eye, Andrew.
I like that you like that.
You are saying something so important in this post, Elizabeth. My MIL says the same about jewelry. Use it, wear it, enjoy it. Don’t wait for THE occasion.
I agree with your MIL! Thank you for being here, Annada 💕
This is gorgeous Elizabeth, I loved seeing your treasures. That beautiful green plate! Also your copy of Jane Eyre, I know you weren't referencing that but it's a favourite book I've never owned and always got out of the library. I've been hunting for a nice 2nd hand one to change that.
I also love this philosophy, that your treasures should be well used. I feel this way about crockery, and clothes too. Friends have joked that I am 'Never knowingly underdressed'. Life is too short, wear the dress.
Ahhh, Shell, I love that--wear the dress! That is me to a T 😊
The book is a special new edition to our library. Last Christmas, Richard bought me a Bronte sisters' set (not pictured here is Wuthering Heights). I too adore Jane Eyre and always look forward to a reread. The company is the Folio Society (UK-based) and I definitely think this should make its way into your letter to Santa this year. Absolutely beautiful books.
https://www.foliosociety.com/uk/jane-eyre
Love having you at my table Shell...maybe one day IRL!
I did get the vibe I may have found a fellow sartorialist! ❤️
Oh gosh, well done Richard! What a great gift! Thank you so much for this, I am definitely going to be checking out the Folio Society. Beautiful!
Thank you for having me. And IRL one day would be a dream!
🥰
I look forward to reading your posts, always beautifully written.
Thanks so much Sheryl! I am very much looking forward to your CookStack Collective cooking class—such a wonderful idea 💕