Being a thrifting expert has its responsibilities and notable conclusions. Over the years, I have interviewed and asked a zillion questions. You know what most people said? “The kids don’t want it.” Everyone has heard that statement.
My favorite is, “The sales tag is still on the dress and someday I will be able to fit into it.”
Sure, it hurts to get rid of stuff that was intended to be used someday or pass down to the kids. It’s kind of how we collect — the souvenirs, gardening books, stacks of computer cords, obsolete camera equipment, more shoes that 50 people could use in a lifetime and the kitchen items passed down.
That is where we are going — great grandmother’s dish sets and the oddball bowls and wine glasses used at every family get together. Today, the 20-something is concerned with electronics, travel supplies, minimalist decor and attire. Grandma’s dishes — pretty but ouch.
That set of dishes for six, eight or 12? Few young folks can accommodate sit-down eating for that many, nor do they have room to store that quantity of dishware. We may not be able to use those treasures, but in our minds those items are worth a bundle. This week a director at a prominent local thrift store told me that people may tell them an item is worth $400 but in reality, it goes on the shelf for $1.50.
Let me take you into the direction less traveled, a recipe for a tasty solution. Here are a few ideas for that family treasured dish set, let’s say for eight. Divide the set into individual place settings (plate, saucer, bowl and cup). That is one gift. The accessories to the set can also be divided up. Everyone is happy with memories. Even just a cup and saucer would be a loving, treasured gift.
Grandma’s dishes can be useful beyond you. Large sets are cute in that small, community eatery biz. Then there are artists who love old dishes for projects.
For the past five years, I have seen set after set, boxes on the thrift floors filled with dish sets — and few takers. It’s a reality that you must accept. If you can afford storage, that is the way to go.
A museum director told me they have no room for great grandmother’s dish sets. I asked her, “Then what do people do?” She replied, “I don’t know.”
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