China...

My goodness, check out this "china room" from House Beautiful's website:

I'd love to have a closet like this but not for china.  Couldn't you see bottles of stickles in various colors lined up on a shelf here.  And the mounds of cardstock that could be stored behind those glass doors.  How about your wardrobe and accessories stored in a space like this.  I'd never leave this breath-taking room.

My collection of china would only fill up one shelf in a room like this.  Our pattern is circa 1988 and has only been used twice.  Such a shame the little use it gets in our home.  I should try to use it more often. 

And those who have china handed down to them from previous generations are fortunate to possess a piece of their family's past to share with future generations. 

Do you bring out the good china for the holidays?  Do you have a favorite pattern you use only for the holidays?  I have been tempted by nice patterns reminiscent of fall colors to add to our collection for use at Thanksgiving.  Then the reality-check is we do not host a Thanksgiving meal in our home every year.  I think it would be nice though to have a few accessory pieces, including the above platter I linked to.

It is china we use to enhance our dining experience, attempting to create an environment that is pleasing to the hosts as well as the guests.  And it's the sentimental moments we enjoy with family and friends.  That is what creates the fond memories and turns our china into cherished heirlooms. 

Being a scrapbooker, memories are what it's all about.