Use the Good Stuff
11-13-09

I have thought about this topic many times over the years and I am apparently not alone in my thoughts. I have seen several articles in print and online about it recently. This time of year I always think about it more when it comes time to set the table for holiday gatherings. I get out my grandmother’s china twice a year - MAYBE. I have it packed away so safe that it is a chore to use it. It is beautiful and I should make the effort to use it more often. A cup of tea using grandma’s cup and saucer would be nice anytime.

It is a mystery to me why people “save things for good” and never get to enjoy them. I have done it myself in the past but not anymore! Thrift stores love these people. That’s how they get great new stuff to put on their shelves. All those things we saved and then never got to use.

I suppose this phenomenon is sometimes a desire to preserve things for a future generation such as the china, or to increase the value of a collection. But it should not apply to normal everyday items. Yes, I have worn out many hand embroidered pillowcases and dish towels and broken a few dishes. But I loved each and every item as long as it lasted.

We all know someone who has plastic slip covers on their furniture or plastic runners on the carpet. Who wants to sit on plastic and never feel the richness of fabric? And, sure the carpet stays cleaner under that runner. But why have carpet you can’t walk on? Just put down linoleum if you are afraid of dirty carpet.

Now I understand sometimes you need clothes or shoes specifically for certain occasions. But, if you have a favorite article of clothing or a fabulous pair of shoes WEAR THEM. If you don’t they will be out of style or won’t fit anymore.

And get those good towels out of the back of the linen closet. Don’t save them for company. Get the goody out of them yourself. Chances are, your guests have ratty towels at their house too. It will make them feel right at home.

Remember that perfume you got last Christmas? You know you want to use it. DO IT! If you save it too long it will go rancid and you will have to throw it away.

My drawers are full of cards and stationery “too pretty to use.” Too pretty for who? Me? I am sure that the recipient of these pretty notes would be quite pleased. The whole reason to send them is to bring happiness, but laying in the drawer they don’t bring joy to anyone.

We buy things because we like them. We should allow ourselves to indulge in the things we like. People give us gifts because they want us to enjoy them. We should honor the gift givers by never tucking things away for another time.

Use the good stuff. Bring happiness and beauty to your life every day.