Vintage China and How to Use It

I visited my childhood home on the weekend.  The one my parents bundled me home from hospital to, after I was born.  The incredible thing is, it is still occupied by my mum, many decades later.  Now that has to be unusual, and what is so completely fabulous about it, is that as a result of having moved in, in 1964, she has cupboards full of cumulated vintage. Both my parents had the affliction caught by  most vintage lovers, not being able to throw anything out. Consequently, I am the happy beneficiary of  this indulgence.  These teacups are part of a dinner set originally given to my grandmother by her father.  So that when I pass it on to one of my kids, that means 5 generations of my family will have held this china in their hands.  It's a small thing, but it means the world to me.

I don't know about you, but I have told lots of stories over a cup of tea, both happy and sad so if only these tea cups could talk to me about my family. I wonder what they would have to say.  Perhaps something like gee this year 1932, is not great,  I'm so hungry,  I wish I could get a job or in 1942, heck I hope the Japanese don't invade, daddy's heading off to war and I pray he makes it back alive....which he did, by the way.

So you see these tea cups are priceless to me, but how to use them in our everyday 21st century life.  Well one way is as tea light holders.  Can you imagine this table on a sub tropical Summer night? Sitting around with good friends chatting by the pool, in a suburban backyard.  It is so simple and yet so pretty.  Just a bit of vintage china and a few pretty flowers from a well established garden thrown around.  It is these simple pleasures, which to me, are the best and most happy times in my life.  These tea cups, if properly cared for, will out last me and many generations to come. 

I wonder where they will end up.  Do you ever wish your family heirlooms could talk? If they could, what would they say?

Have a wonderful week Beach Dwellers and don't forget to enter my linen cushion giveaway here

For more tablescape inspiration go here
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