What to do with Grandma’s China

Grandma's china. It's a common household item that holds a wealth of memories and emotions for many families. Simultaneously it is precious, delicate and treasured, yet at the same time it’s often hidden away, unused and gathering dust for fear of breaking the fragile teacup or saucer. This is often an attempt to keep its value through the ages, however it misses the mark. The true value of grandma's china is in its original purpose and how she used it. 

Those out-of-date cups too small for a modern starbucks latte hold a wealth of meaning. A china tea set represents an era when taking care of one another, hospitality, intentional care, and relationships were valued above all else. Looking at grandma's china can be an opportunity to reflect on the importance of these values and to find ways to incorporate them into our own lives.

Grandma's china represents a time when hosting guests was an important part of social life. The china was often reserved for special occasions, such as holidays and family gatherings. However it extends beyond this as well, a 12 piece set of china was common, much bigger than the average family place setting, it was meant to invoke an invitation to others to come into the home. This shows us that those precious dishes are a symbol of hospitality and a way to show guests that they were valued and appreciated. In this way, grandma's china represents a culture of intentional care and relationship building.

At its core, the symbolism of grandma's china is about taking the time to show someone that they are important. It's about slowing down, sitting down for a cup of something comforting, and having a conversation. It's about making intentional efforts to connect with others and build relationships that last a lifetime.

Evaluating grandma's china is a chance to look for opportunities in our own lives to practice these values. It might be taking time to visit an elderly neighbor who lives alone, bringing them a meal or simply spending some time with them. It could be taking someone out for lunch, or inviting friends over for a dinner party.

Grandma's china also reminds us to appreciate the little things in life. It's a reminder to take time to appreciate the beauty in our everyday surroundings, and to take a moment to be grateful for the blessings or trials in our lives. So the next time you come across grandma's china, take a moment to reflect, breathe, and think about how you can bring a little of that value into your own life to share with others.