The inherited dishes saga

Porsgrund Farmer’s Rose

I read a post this morning that asked how many times we pull out the special wine glasses or fancy china. Do we take them out at all, or do we keep them in a box at the back of the closet or cabinet? It was a metaphor, of course, to the joys in life - are we making time now to do the things we love, or putting them off until someday when there will be -hopefully - more time?

My family and I inherited two homes, my aunts and my mothers. And bonus - at my aunt’s house we found a dozen boxes from my grandmother’s (Mor Mor’s) home, packed up after her death in 1969. I happen to cherish all of the finds, and have spent the years since selling the homes using what I like and letting go of the things my kids and I don’t need or want.

If I had to guess, I’d say at least 50% of the breakables from my grandmother, aunt, mom, are broken and glued, or chipped. This gives me their answer to the question at the top of this post - they used these items often, even if it meant sometimes things were broken or chipped!

The pattern in the photo of this post is called Farmer’s Rose, a crazy expensive china from Norway. My grandmother made multiple trips home to Norway and brought some back with her every time. I have two dozen egg cups, perhaps because they easily fit in a suitcase.

My answer to the question posed? I do take out the special dishes and I use them - often. It brings me great joy. Guests to my RedTail party this spring used the Farmer’s Rose, and although fellow Norwegian Karen tried to put some in her purse (she loves the pattern, too!), I think they all survived just fine.

Special occasions are a great excuse to get fancy - from clothing to food, decorating to dishes. How we define a special occasion is up to each of us.

Birthday? Check.

Promotion? Check.

Sunny Monday? Check.

End of a long week? Check.

However you define special, I hope you have many chances to feel and celebrate - this week and beyond. Even the little things - like a soft-boiled egg in an egg cup, are cause for celebrating.