Rehoming pieces can be more fun than I thought

Unlike many people's houses this day and age, walking into our house is like stepping into the past.  Our house is filled with family treasures from all sides.  And it's honestly a pretty good mix of things.  I love them and try my best to use them whenever I can.  Not only do I enjoy how it looks but I love all of the memories that each thing brings to mind.  It's just part of who I am. So, when I am in the process of rehoming pieces, naturally I will turn to family members first.  I believe that it is important to keep things in the family as it is part of our history.  This is not always the outcome but it is my first go to when I want to let go of something.  I say "let go" because "get rid of" just sounds so negative LOL

Anyway, several months ago Michael's parents moved out of their home into a smaller place.  I want to incorporate more of the treasures that we received from them during that process into our own home.  It's important to me. And, in the process, I can let someone else enjoy something that I have.  It's a win win situation for me.  I started looking at things that I have the most of, some of which I was ready to let go of.  Lo and behold, china was at the top of the list.  If you've read some of my earlier posts, you will know that I have  a lot....at least in my mind....5 sets.  And we got a set of Christmas china from Michael's Mom, so this is the perfect time to switch them out.  

The set that I am letting go of belonged to my Great Aunt Mary Lee.  It is a pattern called "Sahara" by Noritake.  They began producing the pattern in the 1920's and I have no doubt that Mary Lee acquired it around this time.  When she broke up housekeeping, it went to her sister, my Great Aunt Billie.  When she passed, it came to my Mom and then eventually to me.  I do love it and have used it several times. 

 

I had 4 relatives that I wanted to offer this set to, hoping that one of them would want to take it.  And while everyone was interested in the history, not everyone could take it.  But, luckily, one has kindly accepted my offer.  I have a very distant cousin by marriage on the Tyner side of the family.  Aunt Mary Lee married into the Tyner family in 1909.  We've been online friends for years and he seemed thrilled to have this set.  And I am beyond thrilled to give it to him because, like me, I know he will use it and cherish it.  Our love for antiques and family history is one of the things that binds us.

So, this set, along with a few other things that I will save for a later blog, will be off to a new home soon.  Now, I just have to find enough boxes and paper to wrap it all up.  I never thought I'd be excited to give away china, but I truly am!

That is all