You know those bowls, baking dishes, and cake plates that belonged to your grandma or great grandma? Yes, the ones you have stored wayyyyyyy up high or in a china cabinet. The ones you point to and say, "Don't touch!". 

Well, I'm telling you to take them down off the shelf and use them! Yes, you heard me. Use them-don't put them in the dishwasher but use them. Fill the bowls with green beans, mashed potatoes, or one of those (yummy) Jello salads. Bake a pie, homemade rolls, or a cake in the baking pans. Use the cake plate for cake (go figure) or use it for a cheese and cracker plate. But don't just use them. 

While everyone is gathered around the table, talk about who it belonged to 'once upon a time'. Tell your children and grandchildren stories and memories you have of these people. If someone in the family shares their name or looks like them, talk about the connection. 

Using these family keepsakes is the best (not to mention only) and practical way to pass down their meaning and memories to younger generations of your family. And in doing so, you have a much greater chance of making what is special to you, special to them, too. And so on and so on for generations to come. 

Keepin' it simple,

Darla