Upcycling Old and Odd Tableware

It is Guest Post Time again. Thank you Jakob Barry for your contribution to The T-Shirt Diaries.

It often happens that over the course of time dishes and glasses break leaving what used to be complete sets with a few odds pieces.

When this occurs the leftovers frequently get stashed in a cupboard behind other stuff, put in a box and stored away in the attic, or simply tossed in the trash. It’s a totally normal process and we’ve all been there before.

However, just because something appears out of place doesn’t mean it no longer belongs. The truth is if we took a closer look at some of these specimens we’d realize many have great potential back on the table as vessels for serving. After all, as long as they remain in good condition their status as reliable plates, bowls, glasses, tea cups, and saucers technically still stand.

In fact, we could even go as far as saying reusing and upcycling random ceramics, china, and other types of tableware could take the experience of any meal to the next level.

For example, consider the following:

1. Character: Sometimes tableware inherited from a previous generation has intricate designs and workmanship that sets it apart from most of the generic looking dishes families have today. Standard sets may match the table cloth or walls but have a lot to be desired when juxtaposing them with the typical dining room backdrop. Including some older bowls or storied glass into the mix could take the character of any dinner party in a completely different direction.  
2.  Appeal: Presentation isn’t just about aesthetics but can often give a greater appeal to certain foods. For example, deep colored foods like beets, craned berry sauce, and the like would look more wholesome in a darker shaded bowl than a white one. Alternatively, if you were planning to serve some dips they would be perfect in a variety of old tea cups spread across the table reachable by everyone.   
3. Nostalgia: Reusing a dish or old soup bowl from a set that was once a family heirloom can bring heartwarming nostalgia to a holiday meal with family and friends gathered together. It can be a sweet reminder of loved ones who are no longer living and present an opportunity to tell a story or two about those relatives to the youngsters who didn’t not know.  
4. Conversation: Placing a main course on a wild looking platter you found in the basement of your great aunt’s house can spark interesting conversation about history, family, decorating, and more.  
5. Eco-Friendliness: The fact you are reusing and upcycling some of the treasures in your possession instead of buying new ones show a healthy determination to try and make the world a better place. In doing so you may even encourage others to find creative ways to do the same. 

Finally, it’s important to note finding the right cutlery isn’t just about raiding the family home.

If you are looking for some unique items to brighten up your table this holiday season and beyond try searching in garage sales, second hand stores, flea markets, or simply your neighbor’s trash.

You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find and how much of an impression all the extra effort makes on your guests when they are being served.

Jakob Barry writes for Networx.com. He covers various home improvement topics including tile installation and finish carpentry .