I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

DeniseMang Posted: Nov 11, 2003 10:54 AM

I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

Hi girls. Well, it looks like I am having Thanksgiving at my house this year! :)

Here is my problem. We are having between 9-12 people. I have a service of 8 for my everyday dishes and a service of 12 for my china. I have never used my china and really was just going to have it for show, to display in our china cabinet. However, people are telling me I should use it, whats the point of having it, etc. But, I am nervous. Will it get scratched by the knives, cutting the turkey??? Is there something that would get the scratches out if they do get scratched?? Or should I just buy more everyday dishes and use those. Please help me decide what to do or what you are doing/ have done.

Thanks so much,
Denise

Latina511 Posted: Nov 11, 2003 11:05 AM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

To me its like why have China if you can't use it. Thats just my IMO but you should do what you feel like doing, not what others think you should do.

junebride04 Posted: Nov 11, 2003 11:09 AM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

USE IT!! i agree with Latina511...why have it if you're not going to use it?

DeniseMang Posted: Nov 11, 2003 11:15 AM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

I want to use it but then after I went it displayed in my china closet and what if it is all scratched up? :(( I am being ridiculous right? Come on, you girls can tell me! :)

Niecey Posted: Nov 11, 2003 11:16 AM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

Use your china - it is made to be used and eaten off...my mom has used hers many times and it is not scratched.

The only thing I hate is when I take it out china closet, it becomes bare and ugly because my crystal and china makes up most of what is inside of it...I figure as time goes on I will get new things to put in the china closet and not use all my china to decorate the cabinet.

Last time I had a dinner party I used my casual dishes (but it was only my immediate family and they are veyr casual anyway and they had never seen my china closet set up!)...but if I host Thanksgiving this year (not sure yet), I will definitely use my china.

Danielle&Scott Posted: Nov 11, 2003 11:17 AM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

That is why Danielle and I arent getting fine china....but If we did have it, we would use it. I dont see the point of having it if you arent planning on using it.

DeniseMang Posted: Nov 11, 2003 11:21 AM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

Well we just got our dining room set this weekend. So, right now it is bare. I am going to put the china in and then have to take it out again on Thanksgiving and it will definitely be bare. That is all I will have in there. :((( I don't know what to do now.

Jordan Posted: Nov 11, 2003 11:44 AM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

I would use it - I agree with the others, why have it if you're not going to use it?

As for the bare shelves...what about putting some votives in there? Nice ambience for while everyone's eating. Or you could put some vases or bowls (assuming you have some) in there. Or you could fill some shelves with picture frames. But seriously, I wouldn't worry about that too much. Everyone who first started out in a home - getting new furniture and entertaining - knows how it is. I don't think anyone is going to say anything or pass judgement - if that's what you're worried about.

DeniseMang Posted: Nov 11, 2003 11:45 AM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

Thanks! :) Yeah that is a great idea. I will see what I can do to fill it up. I am just very nervous!

shelzyp Posted: Nov 11, 2003 11:48 AM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

Use it, it is emant to use, so i don't think it will scratch.

DOn't give anyone kinives, and make sure the turkey isn't dry!!

DeniseMang Posted: Nov 11, 2003 11:50 AM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

LOL! Thanks, girls.

I have to give knives. :)

Suzanne Posted: Nov 11, 2003 12:14 PM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

I dont believe it will scratch. My mom uses her china for holidays (i havent used mine yet) but its not scratched. Just dont give out steak knives.. I think you will be fine and it will look SOO pretty..

jessnjoey Posted: Nov 11, 2003 12:39 PM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

I got an email several months ago talking about a man who lost his wife. When cleaning out her drawers he found a piece of lingerie never worn apparently saving for that 'special day'..The message went on to say that that day never came....Ever since then I wear my good perfume, or jewerly or whatever (even use my good wine glasses on a Tuesday night with just me and my DH, yes I've even broke one already...)
Why not enjoy the things you have now...unfortunely (not to be depressing) but life is too short to worry about sratches enjoy your fabulous china and your fabulous family eating off them!! Remember how lucky you are to be enjoying your wonderful life!

februarybride Posted: Nov 11, 2003 12:49 PM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

Posted by jessnjoey

I got an email several months ago talking about a man who lost his wife. When cleaning out her drawers he found a piece of lingerie never worn apparently saving for that 'special day'..The message went on to say that that day never came....Ever since then I wear my good perfume, or jewerly or whatever (even use my good wine glasses on a Tuesday night with just me and my DH, yes I've even broke one already...)
Why not enjoy the things you have now...unfortunely (not to be depressing) but life is too short to worry about sratches enjoy your fabulous china and your fabulous family eating off them!! Remember how lucky you are to be enjoying your wonderful life!

This is so true! I used to 'save' things for special occasions or whatever but not anymore. What exactly are we 'saving' it for & why isn't now the right time? You should definitely use your china!

DeniseMang Posted: Nov 11, 2003 01:08 PM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

Thanks girls. I was actually thinking about that email, I have seen that so many times and you are right.

But how can I not give steak knives, its TURKEY?? I can't put out butter knives, am I missing something???

RichsBride Posted: Nov 11, 2003 01:13 PM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

Denise,
I have my Grandmas china & crystal & silverware & I use it all often even though it's 'priceless' to me. The reason is she always kept everything on display, we called her house 'the museum' even though she & my Grandpa worked so hard for things they wanted she was afraid to use them.
So now my stepmom & I have all of her stuff & we decided to let it all live, we use everything so it can be part of our lives.
I know your china is different, its new & you want to display it for years to come....but if that's all you really want it to be then buy yourself an inexpensive set of holiday dinnerware with 18 settings & keep your china on display.
If I were your guest I think I'd be much more impressed by seeing the new hostess' table all set. Some of your guests may have given you pieces of your china & would enjoy seeing you use it.

Fran M Posted: Nov 11, 2003 01:28 PM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

What are you saving it for? The holidys are the perfect time to use your good china!!! Enjoy it.

OTH if its going to drive you nuts watching everyone use your china its probably better left in the china cabinet.

nrvbrd Posted: Nov 11, 2003 01:45 PM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

I would use it.

MichelleW Posted: Nov 11, 2003 02:47 PM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

Denise,

Are you going to be like Monica on 'Friends'

j/k

yabbobay Posted: Nov 11, 2003 03:05 PM

Re: I need ENTERTAINING HELP! :)

I agree...LIFE IS TOO SHORT!!! ENJOY!!! Did you get cheap china...i really doubt that...so have faith in the maufacturer that it will be fine...

and whats the worst that can happen...you use it in 5-10-15 years it scratches...and you have excuse to buy new!!!!