The Fine China Fable: It’s Time to Break Out the Good Stuff

Hey there, DelBlogger family! It’s your friend here, and today I want to chat about something that’s been on my mind, sparked by a recent conversation I had with my dearest best friend. You know, the kind of friend you’ve shared decades of laughter, tears, and way too many bottles of wine coolers with. We were catching up, talking about vacations and me enjoying retirement then the topic of fine china came up.

We were talking about how life is meant to be enjoyed, and we shouldn’t worry about what people think when we decide to wear our fancy clothing or use our fine china for everyday meals.  She told me about an exquisite set of china from her grandmother – delicate patterns, gleaming gold rims, the works. And for years, it’s sat in a padded cabinet in the basement, brought out perhaps once a decade for a truly “special” occasion. My friend, expressed a little guilt, admitting she rarely used it, always waiting for that perfect moment or only using it at Thanksgiving. And as she spoke, a little lightbulb went off in my head, illuminating a truth I think many of us, especially us boomers and beyond, often overlook.

How many of us are guilty of this? We have that gorgeous silk scarf tucked away for a fancy dinner, the sparkly earrings for a grand event, or yes, the dreaded fine china, waiting for an occasion that feels monumental enough to warrant its presence. We save, we store, we preserve, often for a future that may or may not arrive exactly as we envision it.

But here’s the thing, my wonderful readers: What are we waiting for?

Seriously, think about it. As we gracefully accumulate more years and wisdom, we also gain a deeper understanding of life’s precious fragility. We’ve seen enough to know that “someday” can often turn into “never” if we’re not careful. This isn’t meant to be a morbid thought, but rather a profoundly motivational one! It’s an invitation to embrace the now.

I remember my own grandmother, bless her heart, had a stunning set of crystal glasses. Every Christmas, we’d eye them longingly, but they were reserved for very special guests. And you know what? Those “very special” guests rarely materialized, or if they did, the occasion still wasn’t quite “special enough.” Those glasses spent more time in the cabinet than they ever did sparkling on a dinner table. My heart aches a little thinking about all the joy they could have brought.

My best friend’s china isn’t just a collection of dishes; it’s a tangible link to her grandmother, a piece of family history, and an object of beauty. Why should such an item be relegated to a silent, dark cabinet in the basement? Why can’t a Tuesday night dinner with her family, simply celebrating another day together, be special enough? Or a Sunday brunch with her son and daughter, telling them about the history behind the set?

The truth is, we make the occasion special. Not the other way around. The joy isn’t in the object itself, but in the act of using it, sharing it, and creating memories with it. Imagine the stories those dishes could tell if they were brought out regularly! The laughter they’d witness, the conversations they’d overhear, the delicious meals they’d present.

This isn’t just about china, of course. It’s a metaphor for how we often approach life. We defer joy, postpone experiences, and save our “best” selves for an elusive perfect moment. But every day we wake up is a perfect moment. Every shared meal, every quiet evening, every phone call with a loved one – these are the moments that truly matter. These are the fabric of our lives.

So, here’s my challenge to you, dear reader: Go find that “thing” you’ve been saving. Is it your grandmother’s lace tablecloth? That fancy serving platter? The beautiful sweater you bought and never wore? Get it out! Use it! Embrace it!

Don’t wait for a reason; be the reason. Make your everyday extraordinary. Light those candles, use those linen napkins, and yes, bring out the fine china for a simple sandwich if it brings a smile to your face. Let your cherished possessions be part of your living story, not just a dusty artifact of a bygone era or an anticipated future.

Life is happening now. Let’s make it beautiful, one “special” ordinary day at a time. What are you waiting for?

Before you go, if this post resonated with you, I invite you to join our growing community! Don’t miss out on more tips, reflections, and encouragement for living your best “boomer and beyond” life. Subscribe to the DelBlogger blog and tune into my podcast, “Boomers and Beyond,” wherever you get your podcasts! Let’s keep this conversation going.