Saturday, June 4, 2011

May I Overwhelm You For A While?

I am overwhelmed! So, I am warning you. If you do not want to get overwhelmed, you may stop reading my post right now. I thought I would never finish creating this. It took forever but I had to keep going because I did not want to miss The Tablescaper's party "Where Do You Keep It All?"

I will start with this French provincial cabinet in the formal dining room because it is my favorite. In fact, I am on the lookout for another one exactly like it. I would love to buy another one.


On the left side of the cabinet is a small French cabinet. It holds salt and pepper shakers. On top of it is a Noritake "Nippon Toki Kaisha" tea and dessert set.


The wooden flatware box holds a place settings of 12 silver plated Baroque flatware.


I like how it looks but most especially, I like it because it holds a lot of dishes and I don't have to worry about their weight. And it keeps me organized. There are at least 14 sets of dinnerware here.




If you want to see how others store their dishes, please visit The Tablescaper at http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/


If you think I have more than enough dishes, you ought to check out her post.



I am also linking with


Carrie for Amaze me Mondays at http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/
Marty for tabletop Tuesday at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
and Kim's Wow Us Wednesdays at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/




Now, let's go to the kitchen but we will go back to the dining room later.



This is the cabinet that I bought from Nancy of Nancy's Daily Dish. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it because I knew it would hold a lot. After you see this post, you will see why I need a lot of big storage cabinets. I filled it right away from the top to the drawers at the bottom.


This black hutch is also in the kitchen. It holds, you guessed it, more dishes, lol! All the drawers are full too and so is the top and the bottom cabinets. It's a long story but I got this cabinet for free.
This is right across from the black cabinet. It does not hold a lot but it helps!
This small cabinet with lots of drawers holds most of my napkin rings and placecard holders and it is full.
Of course I also use built in kitchen cabinets to store more dishes. Here is my coffee nook. Above it are our everyday glassware. I hate plastic cups but I have to keep them because hubby uses those big ones. He is a Diet coke addict and he pours 2 cans at once. I better keep them, after all, he foots the bill since I do not work. I better be nice to him because you know I can shop and boy, do I shop!!! LOL! In the cabinet below are mostly Polish pottery that will not fit in the black hutch, and then some.

These are our everyday dishes. As you can see, there is an open space there. That's because we just used the plates that were there and they are in the dishwasher now.


The dishwasher is a perfect storage place too and the tables? Why else do you think I always create tablescapes?


I even have to use the counter top of the island to store more plates. I use iron and wire racks, cloche and baskets to make them look more decorative. This is like a holding pattern. They stay there until I find a place to store them. Under the island holds a lot and it is full. I have plate chargers there too, bowls, baking dishes, etc. I like to store bigger items there.
On the right side of the TV is a flatware box which holds 3 sets of flatware. You will see my "Napoleon Bee" set on top and a pewter and silver plated sets in the drawers.


In the corner before getting to the wet bar, is this little glass pedestal cabinet. It holds wine glasses and goblets.


Enter the bar and you will see more glasses on the counter top, the bottom cabinets and a rack on top.
This is in the laundry room which is just off of the kitchen. This used to be a broom cabinet that I converted to a charger plate storage. I had our handyman, good ole Mitch, install shelves. I have goblets behind the charger plates and the bottom shelf is full of candle holders.
I told you we will go back to the dining room.


Here is another one of my favorite, a corner china cabinet. It holds my favorite dishes, various antique Tirschenreuth Bavarian dishes, Johann Haviland's "Brown Rose", platinum and gold Greek key rimmed Bavarian dishes and A. Laternier Limoges "Bird of Paradise" set.
This is a French buffet, also in the dining room. On each side with glass doors are more wine crystals and goblets. The top drawer holds my "Siam" flatware set and the cabinet below holds more charger plates and placemats.
Another china cabinet in the dining room is this little oak one. It just holds more dishes and Mexican margarita glasses. Above the cabinet are various salt and pepper shakers and a Quimper teaset.
Across from the oak cabinet is this little corner cabinet. On top of it are my "Lion" flatware set, a lion silver plated wine cooler bucket, sterling silver lion salt cellar and spoon set , a lion syrup server, Bavarian Tirschenreuth teapot and a Meissen compote.


Inside the cabinet are oval serving trays, more Johann Haviland's "Brown Rose" and Warvel dinnerware set.
Then I just have this tray table next to the tall corner cabinet where I am storing more teapots, tea cups and my set of mermaid glasses and pitcher and other miscellaneous items.



Right outside the dining room is the foyer and in the drawer of the console there, I keep some napkins. The bottom cabinet holds more teapots, my Spode "Emma's Garland" set and some other dishes.


I am not storing dinner stuff in the formal living room except in the little buffet server. On it is my Tracy Porter "Artesian" tea set and in the drawers are more plates.


I use table tops too to store plates and teasets decoratively.
Ok, now we are in the family room. We have this china cabinet there that holds some of my favorites, the flow blue and some Bavarian dishes and teasets and more crystals and glasses. As you can see, I store more stuff on top too, including a beverage server, a punch bowl and some pottery.
And you thought I had too much flatware sets? LOL! Here is our coffee table in the family room. It has 8 drawers on both sides and all 16 drawers are filled with flatware, well, except for one which I use to store my bigger napkin rings that would not fit in my tiny drawers in the kitchen.
Our TV stand is really a buffet server. We wanted something higher because we recline when we watch TV so this serves the purpose. Only one cabinet (the one on the right) holds TV stuff, dvd's etc. All the rest holds more table stuff.


The top holds a silver plated set. The bottom drawers and the left cabinet holds more dinner sets. Now we're in the hallway. We have this book case and I use the top to store my bulky cake plates and big bowls. The bottom cabinets hold my table linens, more napkins, tablecloths and placemats.
Under the doll cabinet are more table linens. I think I have been doing pretty good for not letting my dishes invade the bedrooms, YET, except for this computer armoire in the guest room. I am using the file drawer to store my Alice in Wonderland tea set, that I am still trying to complete piece by piece. Two shelves on the left side of the cabinet have more plates.



More miscellaneous storage. The top of the cabinets in the kitchen holds soup tureens and other bulky stuff, more dishes in more cabinets in the kichen and also the refrigerator top.



In spite of all my storage cabinets, I still have plenty of dishes in the garage that I cannot find room for inside the house. Do you see the door on the left side of this shelves? It is a walk in closet.

Now, we are in the walk in closet.

And yes, I have more dishes and stemware here, some of them still in boxes.
And to think that I still keep buying. When I go to a store, I head straight to the home goods section. I am just lucky that my hubby is so nice for letting me buy anything I want. He never complains nor stops me, in fact, he even encourages me most of the time.


Whew! I thought I will never finish. I hope I am not too late for the party but it seems like it took me forever to create this post. Thank you so much for your patience in viewing and thanks to The Tablescaper, Marty and Kim for hosting such fun memes.

41 comments:

Entertaining Women said...

You've done a great job keeping your goodies at hand for easy use. Thank you for sharing your treasures. I really like the box with the three tiers for flatware storage. Cherry Kay

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Girl, you need help!LOL! I love the bird china in the t.v. cabinet-have you done a tablescape with those? I used to be crazy about buying dishes, but I got over it-now I can't stop buying books, I seriously need to stop.

Blondie's Journal said...

You are SO organized. If I had the space I think I would have more...and everyone thinks I have enough! Great post!

XO,
Janie

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Wow! That is a lot of dishes. I would not be able to remember what I had if I had that many. You are well organized.

Ricki Treleaven said...

:O Wow.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

WOW Christine that is a lot of dishes, but you are so organized!! I LOVE that french cabinet! Martina

Richard Cottrell said...

Ms. C. I think you win the prize. I have some for sale, if you are interested?????Richard at My Old Historic House

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I am just stunned at all you have! I was raised with cracked cups from many sets and I don't recall my mother ever having a set of "good china" until much later in life. Recently I gave my good china to my daughter. It was time to pass it on. This is simply overwhelming! One beautiful set after another...like a store. And...they are all things you love and have chosen and not JUST dishes. Beautifully displayed and beautifully stored. Yes...amazing is all I can say!!
I think my simple mind would burst with just trying to decide which to use!
I agree with Richard...you win the prize!
Hugs!!
Mona
And what is more amazing to me is that you ...admire an old red wagon?? LOL Thank you for the sweet comment..you are always so kind.

Silvia said...

omg..

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Christine, I am totally impressed. You have so many beautiful dishes, china and crystal, then add in all of the linens, and wow. You have them all so organized. Loved the tour. Hugs, Marty

FABBY'S LIVING said...

OMG, Christine! You have all your treasures quite organized! I love, love all your beautiful things, I am impressed you know how to keep them too! Me, I haven't brought myself to take pics of my stuff, I just can't, I feel overwhelmed from all of it!...hahahaaa...next time, maybe!! Love FABBY

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, you have so many beautiful pieces of furniture that are also storage pieces (and it's a good thing they are!). You have done a great job of finding storage that is also beautiful. I love it when something looks pretty and is also functional. laurie

Beth said...

Hi Christine, Dish collecting is addictive, isn't it? You have many beautiful things and I enjoyed seeing where you store them. Your home is lovely too and I'll bet you are really enjoying the pool now.
Blessings to you and your family,
Beth

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

Oh my, Christine, you have some amazing treasure here and I loved your gorgeous furniture, especially the French provincial cabinet.I'm loving this party hosted by our gracious hostess, Tablescaper. I'm getting so many inspiring ideas to get organized. Thanks for sharing all your awesome storage ideas.Have a nice weekend!~Poppy

http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

Dolores said...

I'm totally overwhelmed. You have so many beautiful dishes!
I'm thinking you have an addiction to dishes. HA!
Hugs,

Sweetladyelaine said...

You do have alot of treasures but you have stored them so nicely! Thank you for sharing...I loved looking at all your pretties.
Blessings My Friend,

Kathleen said...

Call 911! I am more than overwhelmed, I am flabbergasted! Not really, I knew you had a lot! I love to see people who are crazier than I am! :)

The Tablescaper said...

Man, Christine, would we ever be in trouble if we went shopping together OR lived close enough to share our loot! I'm not sure who has more and I'm not sure I want to find out. I think you'd be the winner. LOL! Love the cabinet where you store the napkin rings and love the table where you store your flatware and that corner cabinet is gorgeous!!!!

Thank you SOOO much for bearing it all and sharing our/your addiction with us. We're both very fortunate to have supportive spouses. I know that's not the case for many.

- The Tablescaper

Dianne said...

OK, I totally feel better now! You do have a lot of storage cabinets. I am totally impressed. I love that you have a "dish holding area". For me, that holding area is usually the trunk of my car! Do you have an inventory of everything somewhere, or do you just remember what you have and where it is hiding? Dianne

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady. Did you get overwhelm taking your pictures. I love the way everything is in its place !!! You have some Beautiful China sweet lady. I hope you have a lovely week.
XXOO
Diane

bj said...

MERCY ME, woman....you DO have the dishes..the flatware...the napkins..the...well, I can see how much you love all this and I am glad your sweet hubby likes it, too. You have done a magnificent job of storing it.That flatware holding coffee table just blows my mind.
You have such a beautiful home, Christine..:)

Diann said...

I always enjoy seeing all yur gorgeous dishes Christine! you have so much and so many stunning things! I love the napkin ring cabinet and the coffee table is brillant for flatware! thank your for inviing us in to look around!

Anonymous said...

Wow!!!! I truly enjoyed touring your storage areas and seeing your wonderful collections and how you have them organized. You have some gorgeous storage for your dishes and accessories. Thanks so much for giving us a tour of it all!
Tammy

Marlis said...

You have so many beautiful pieces in which to store your lovelies. Oh wow, I had to really look two and three times to see all the pretty things. You are so blessed. marlis

Handy Man, Crafty Woman said...

WOW! great dish and silverware sets, and great storage!!! That cabinet holds so much! Dishes can be a lot to store, we collect vintage Fiesta. I have some pieces in boxes, that I can't store yet (booooo!) Working on that...

Luncheons at the Junction said...

Well we clearly have a winner! You have one of the most extensive collections I have ever seen and all so beautifully stored, organized and displayed! I have to say your furniture pieces are to die for. Just lovely.

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Good Morning Christine! I saw your post warning yesterday and had to come back today when I had more time. lol! I really wanted to soak it all in. You have so many wonderful goodies and it would be such a treat to shop your home to set a tablescape. I love it. I just saw those adorable little mermaid cups and platter. They are so cute, I love those! I really love the piece of furniture that holds your napkin rings. I also love the way you have flatware stored in the coffee table. I may use mine for placemats now. I had totally forgot about that space. Loved seeing all your beauties this morning! Gorgeous!

Denise said...

Hi Christine,

Wow, you have an AMAZING collection of dishes and flatware!! I recognized a set of Homer Loughlin dishes in the first picture that belonged to my Mom. I used them for a while, and now my sister has them. I could spend an hour looking at this post. I also noticed your Royal Wedding (William and Cate) commemorative plat and mug, as well. So pretty! I really enjoyed watching the wedding. You have such beautiful furniture in which to store all of your wonderful dishes and other pieces. I, too, love the Polish pottery and have been looking at buying some. Thanks for sharing all your organized spaces!

I appreciate your visit to my blog and the nice comments you left. Have a great week!

Denise at Forest Manor

Sue said...

OMG! I knew you had a lot of things, but wow...that really is so much. Do you actually dust those places? How do you ever get anything else done? I think dishes are addictive...the more we have, the more we see we love. I would guess you won't be downsizing anytime soon...you need a big house to hold all your beautiful treasures!

Unknown said...

Holy Cow! All I can say is wow! You have some wonderful pieces. And an amazing collection of dishes. Thanks for sharing.

Have a great week!
~Liz

sweet violets said...

Overwhelming to say the least!! And so nicely organized!!! Yes, you are certainly the winner!!! Enjoy...cleo

Fresh Garden said...

Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!
We all love you.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this post so much Christine! Wonderful!

Linda said...

Wow! You have a lot of dishes. I loved them all. Thanks for sharing.

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

I love dishes and there were so many pretties.

Dee

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Wow! What a selection you have. I fell in love withe the Flo Blue in the one picture on the right hand side... my heart skipped a beat. Now, girl you know you love me and have my address I'll be looking forward to receiving those...lol... What fun you must have trying to decide which sets of dishess to use. hugs ~lynne~

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I am always overwhelmed and amazed at all that you have. I am always inspired by your skill to
store all that you have and love the cabinets throughout your house that hold all your beautiful collections.

Honey at 2805 said...

Beautiful outdoor setting, Christine. Your collections are amazing!

lvroftiques said...

Christine that is a LOT of dishes!!! I think your dishes would take up my whole house! Lol! But I can help you out girlfriend....you can send a set ot two to me!! I only have a couple of sets....I'm practically china deprived! *winks* Vanna

Live Better For Less said...

Absolutely love your outdoor tablescaping and scenery. So beautiful! And, as for the rest....I will have to come back daily to fully enjoy everything you have displayed. It is all so amazing! WOW!

Denise Marie said...

Christine, you are an amazing woman. I just found this post after you have decorated the vaca Mastersuite. I can't believe the 1st piece of furniture or the flatware coffee table and napkin ring pc!! They could not be more perfect. I recognized Fransiscan Desert Rose (my Mom has) Blessings Dear! Thanks for always sharing, DeniseMarie

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