Decorating 101

My first rule of home decorating is:
1. Don't collect things that you do not use unless it plays a significant role in your decor. Usefulness gives value to items we choose to use in our home. Collections of things like spoons, plates, and bells can be fun to collect but they often do not lend to the decor nor do they usually get "used". Consider carefully what you choose to "collect" if anything at all. Collecting lends itself to materialism and collecting cobwebs. When it comes to china, be sure and use it. Don't let it sit unused in a china hutch. Use all the things in your china hutch or get rid of them. By using them you create memories to them. Your children will not cherish the china plate or the tea pot that has no memories attached to them. Use them. It's worth even the risk of breaking them which is what most people are afraid of.

Ideas for using china:
~ have a formal night once a week/month where the table is set with fine china. Use the opportunity to train your children how to properly set a table. You can also use the evening to work on manners and proper table etiquette.
~use the fine china for special occasions like birthday dinners, anniversaries, other life celebrations, or special guests.
~always use the fine china for holidays!