A New Chapter: Heirlooms

Over the past five years, we have lost four dear family members: my Mom, my Mother-in-law, my Aunt, my Brother.

All four have left things behind for us to deal with.

Many things were donated or found new homes with family and friends; however, many boxes of things remain.

This summer, I’ve been going through boxes of china.

Not only did I inherit my Mom’s china, I inherited my grandmother’s china along with some pieces that belonged to my great grandmother and great aunts.

Ever since I can remember, china was brought out during family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and even Sunday dinners.

Historically, a set of china was considered a foundational gift for a new marriage because a young couple starting a household owned very little. In the early 19th and 20th centuries, china served as a tangible investment. Socializing revolved around the home and china was a functional necessity for hosting dinner parties and holiday gatherings. China was gifted with the expectation that it would last for decades and become a family heirloom for generations to come.

Not only did I have my own china, I had three generations of china: 12 place settings each.

I was a little overwhelmed to say the least because I have no room for all of it.

So, what I decided to do was to consolidate the three sets of china down to one set.

Now I have one multigenerational set of china. Each pattern represents the generation of me, my Mom and my Grandmother.

I set these out during special occasions and even the not so special occasions.

Everyone picks out their favorite.

The questions and memories follow:

“Whose plate did this belong to?”

“Which one is your favorite?”

“Do you remember . . .”

“Our most treasured family heirloom is our sweet family memories.”

William Faulkner