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I think it is time to let them go

post #1 of 35
4/2/07 at 1:16am
Thread Starter 
I have finally come to realize that it is time to let the china set go that I inherited from my Grandmother. Here are the photos of them:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...a/IMG_1273.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...a/IMG_1278.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...a/IMG_1283.jpg

They are pretty, but I never use them. I don't know if they are even worth anything. They take up a lot of space, and some pieces have gotten damaged from being moved so much. I have come to realize that I am only hanging on to them because I feel it is my "responsibility" to keep them. Sitting here looking at them, I realized that she didn't really use them either. Once a year she would pull them all out and wash them, then put them right back in the cubboard, not to see the light of day for another year. I pulled them out thinking I was going to do the same, but then I had to ask myself "why?", and I had no real answer for it. I already have dishes that I like to use daily.

So, my next step - what should I do with them? I know if I offer them to family, they will guilt me into keeping them. So, here are the options I am thinking about:

~ freecycle
~ donate to salvation army or other thrift store
~ sell them (but I am not sure how to go about it, and will the effort even be worth it?)

So, what do you all recommend? Am I crazy for doing this? Any other suggestions are welcome.

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post #2 of 35
4/2/07 at 1:34am
I don't think you're crazy. We have two sets of china-one from our wedding and one from my grandmother. The only reason we use them is when we have a big group over-its the only set(s) we have big enough for such a large group. I would see if you can find out the going price for them-can you sell them locally to an antique type store if they are worth enough?
post #3 of 35
4/2/07 at 8:26am

Here's a place that buys

www.replacements.com

http://www.replacements.com/misc/packship.htm

The second link is info about selling to them. You can also do a search on the pattern, to get an idea of what it's worth. . . .I do like the idea of freecycle, too because you get to directly benefit someone else . . . .what comes around, goes around.
post #4 of 35
4/2/07 at 9:13am
I would probably check the value first. Then you can decide about giving them away or looking for a local consignment shop. If pieces have been broken and it isn't a complete set, you might want to keep just a teacup and saucer or something?
post #5 of 35
4/2/07 at 9:20am
I was going to suggest replacements.com as well. I'm pretty sure this is the right pattern, isn't it?

http://www.replacements.com/webquote/FLPFLP1.htm

It looks like there are a few pieces that they don't have in stock. It might be worth talking to them about what you have and seeing what they offer.
post #6 of 35
4/2/07 at 9:41am
another option - use them. use them daily. if you like them...why not? you deserve to eat off of gorgeous china every single day.
post #7 of 35
4/2/07 at 10:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by IncaMama View Post
another option - use them. use them daily. if you like them...why not? you deserve to eat off of gorgeous china every single day.
Absolutely!
post #8 of 35
4/2/07 at 11:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by IncaMama View Post
another option - use them. use them daily. if you like them...why not? you deserve to eat off of gorgeous china every single day.
That's what I do I don't have "everyday" dishes-just thrift shop stuff. Anyway rather than buy everyday dishes I decided to use the good stuff. I'd rather have it get used than sit on my shelf.
post #9 of 35
4/2/07 at 12:00pm
We're the party house, so serving plates and large sets of things come in very handy for us. I have some pretty antique dessert plates from my g grandma that I use frequently. (They must be handwashed, can't be thrown in the dwasher). All b'day parties, all holiday parties etc. There is usually one person in an extended family who ends up hosting all the special occassions, and that's me.

If you aren't going to use them it seems a shame not to have someone else use them. So, I vote, don't store them ever again!
post #10 of 35
4/2/07 at 12:11pm
If you want to get rid of them I would sell them personally.
We have 2 sets of good china, one from my grandmother and one from dh's. We hardly use them, the one from my grandmother are actually boxed up, when my sis gets married I will pass them on to her. DH's set will get used here someday, I love the set but would rather wait til the kids are bigger or for special occasions to use them.
Good luck in your decision
post #11 of 35
4/2/07 at 12:21pm
They are so pretty. I am no help because I love my grandma's china and getting everything all ready and the silver polished before Thanksgiving... but I'm just weird that way : . I would try to sell them myself.
post #12 of 35
4/2/07 at 12:38pm
They are beautiful!! I would use them for everyday dishes!!!
post #13 of 35
4/2/07 at 12:46pm
Why don't you keep one piece - like a serving dish or a teacup that you can use and remember your granny?

Then, pick out one piece for each member of your family who was fond of grandma and give it to them for Christmas. For instance, if auntie likes to entertain, give her a platter or gravy boat, etc. This could be in addition to another gift if you normally give them something. Tell them how meaningful it is for you to think of grandma every afternoon cup of tea or when you serve veggies and that you wanted to share that with them.

Then sell or freecycle the additional pieces. There are lots of sites for completing old china sets that buy pieces and where you could get an idea of worth.
post #14 of 35
4/2/07 at 1:02pm
Do you have a dd?

If so I would pack and save them for her. She might really enjoy having something of her greatgrandmothers.


I am all for decluttering but not when it comes to family heirlooms.
post #15 of 35
4/2/07 at 1:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by momto l&a View Post
Do you have a dd?

If so I would pack and save them for her. She might really enjoy having something of her greatgrandmothers.


I am all for decluttering but not when it comes to family heirlooms.
I agree, I've always wished I had some family china. This is something pretty special and I think you should save it for your children or at least give it to another family member.
post #16 of 35
4/2/07 at 1:41pm
Personally I would keep them : :

they are a link to your family that actually -- IMHO -- belongs to your children, not to you. : :

I would box them well, lable them and pack them away if you choose not touse them -- we use Grandmother's china and will use it a lot more as the kids are older ....... but if you choose not to -- box it and store it.

You could JUST START USEING IT. WHAT A FAIMLY TIE. and it is nice looking. and qulity. just get it out and start useing it.

grandmother always said "if it is made to be used, use it" My aunt who passed it on to me on Grandma's death told me to use it.

There are a lot of things to get rid of in life -- Grandmother's china is NOT IMO one of them.

you will regret it when your dcs are older.

If you really and truly do not want it -- pass it on to a family member.

AImee
post #17 of 35
4/2/07 at 2:31pm
I had a set of dh's grandma's. I mean a huge set!! I kept a couple of bowls and a six place settings and sold the rest. I still have some if we want to get them out and use them but not a huge space eating amount.
post #18 of 35
4/2/07 at 2:37pm
My mom just asked me last week if I wanted her wedgewood china, I told her I would like a piece of it, perhaps a serving piece and to sell the rest.

As for using china, we already do use china as everyday pieces but they all came from the thrift store and it's all mixed and matched. If a piece breaks, I toss it and don't get teary eyed.
post #19 of 35
4/2/07 at 2:45pm
Quote:
As for using china, we already do use china as everyday pieces but they all came from the thrift store and it's all mixed and matched. If a piece breaks, I toss it and don't get teary eyed.
just me but i would rather use my Grandmother's set -- again -- if a peice gets broken -- it was borken being used......

Quote:
My mom just asked me last week if I wanted her wedgewood china, I told her I would like a piece of it, perhaps a serving piece and to sell the rest.
why have you mom get rid of HER china that is a family tie and use something from a thrift sort?????

JMO

Aiumee
post #20 of 35
4/2/07 at 3:16pm
Since it is an heirloom, I would box it up and pass it on to your daughter. Or gift pieces to family. Maybe pass it on to someone else that would have like to have it.

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