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Saturday, June 1, 2013

WHERE DO YOU KEEP IT ALL?

The most frequently asked question by my blog readers is: How do you dust all of your stuff?  Answer:  Don’t look closely.  I don’t dust often.

The second most frequently asked question is:  Where do you keep all of your dishes?  I’ve been collecting dishes for a VERY long time.  My sweetheart and I have been married for almost 44 years.  That’s a long time to collect if you are addicted to dishes.  I know you won’t believe me, but I have even gotten rid of some dishes in that 44 years (not many, but some).  When we remodeled my family home to move into it, I knew I wanted a dish pantry.  My dish pantry is long and narrow, so it’s difficult to take photos, but this mosaic will show you most of the cabinets in the dish pantry.

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

In the drawers under these cabinets, I store chargers and platters.

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

Of course, it didn’t take long for me to fill up the dish pantry, so my built-in cabinet that was supposed to be for the display of some pretty things, became dish storage too.

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

During holiday times, the most frequently asked question is:  Where do you store all of your holiday décor?  Again, I’ve been collecting holiday décor for 44 years, so when we remodeled the house, my sweetheart agreed that we needed a holiday closet (he was tired of helping me drag boxes from the attic).

Bargain Hunting with Laurie

This is another long, narrow space, so it is difficult to take pictures.  It is also a mess, but I’m the only person who ever goes in there, and I can’t believe I’ve shared it on my blog.  I won’t even let my best friend look inside this closet. I apparently have no pride on my blog, but you can’t say I don’t keep it real.  Have you entered the giveaway on my blog?  I know you can find something at Amazon to spend a $180 gift card on.  Enter here and on 17 other blogs.

Thank you for visiting.  laurie

For her fourth blog-iversary celebration, The Tablescaper has asked that our contribution for Seasonal Sunday this week be a “Where Do You Keep It All” post.  Congratulations, Alma!

 

30 comments:

Phyllis @Around the House said...

I love your great storage, wow you have some beautiful things and I love the drawers, they are so helpful when hunting stuff, which I am always doing..thanks for showing your beautiful pieces...I am praying for Dylan..

hidden art of homemaking said...

I loved seeing where you keep it all..very nice to have dish closet and really like the Christmas closet too..
Love, Mona

Sarah said...

Laurie, I envy your storage areas. I have to be creative about where to store dishes, ie. guest rooms, attic, garage. Not the best solution. Happy Weekend! ~ Sarah

thepaintedapron.com said...

Congrats on your long and happy marriage, we are approaching 41 years and I hesitate to tell that because we still feel so young! Anyhoo, your dish and decor collection is amazing! I don't have scads of stuff, I have been buying in 2s and 4s mostly. I am lucky enough to have a garage off my kitchen where I have lots of shelves and plastic boxes and bins but nothing to show off here today, just admiring everyone elses!
Jenna

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I would love a holiday decoration closet! All my things are in bins! Love your dish closet and the overflow!
hugs,
Linda

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's so much fun to see in everyone's closets! I feel like I'm peeking in! Better check my pockets before I leave! heehee!

Ginger said...

Laurie you sure have an understanding hubby!! I love your decoration closet.
Ginger

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I have wondered about the dusting issue also, but did not want to be to nosy - just figured you had a cleaning service. :D
I would love to have a large storage space with lots of shelves to keep everything organized and neat - Not gonna happen here. :/
Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Don't know about you, but I am ready for some sunshine and drier weather.

Entertaining Women said...

We should have met all those years ago. We'll celebrate our 45th this year, and I've had a love affair with dishes all these years, too. Your built-ins in your home are a huge blessing. I would love to have such a large space for Christmas goodies...Sweet Mister would probably love it, too. He carts large storage boxes holding a number of our things from our warehouse each year. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Wonderful storage for your treasures, dear Laurie! I love how organized all your lovelies look, I bet it's easy for you to just choose anything you wish! I'm sure you love it all! Thanks for sharing.
FABBY

Judy Biggerstaff said...

It's so exciting to see where everyone is storage their collection. You have great storage areas and I'm glad to see your Christmas storage area. I didn't show all of mine because every spot doesn't look perfect.

The Tablescaper said...

Laurie:

Thanks so much for sharing where you keep it all. Yes, it is difficult to let our guard down and share where we keep it all.

- Alma, The Tablescaper

Ann @ Corner of Plaid and Paisley said...

I am loving your grey built-in cabinetry!! That is beautiful. I appreciate you sharing all of your storage ideas. It really helps to see how others are storing items, I am getting some great ideas.

Mimi said...

I don't dust much either- I hate it although I haven't a fraction of your dishes- swifters work fairly well when I bother, ha! I love your collections- and what a sweet husband!

Thanks for a peek "behind the scenes"- such fun to see!

Unknown said...

First of all I think its remarkable that you have been married for 44 years!! I really love your storage areas. This will probably be me in 20 years because I love dishes as well! ;) Thanks for sharing!!

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

I have a few closets with holiday decor but still have the bins and boxes that go to the garage. You have a great set up for holiday dcor.

Unknown said...

Oh my! Love the holiday closet! Genius! I have them organized in tubs in the garage, but I much rather see and "shop" on closet shelves! They always say that you can never have too much storage! Love it!
Heather

Tricia said...

Awesome dish closet and holiday closet! No wonder you're so happily married! Your sweetie is a keeper!

Lulu said...

With your eye for stuff, I can only guess at how many wonderful things you have. The problem is always finding room for one more thing.

Marigene said...

You have wonderful storage areas, that walk in closet is awesome. I have stuff spread throughout the house and garage. It would be nice to have just one spot I would have to dig through.

Nicole@nicole-southerncharm.com/ said...

Wow I love your storage areas! I am new from southern charm! I would love for you to check out my blog and hopefully follow me back! Nicole

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Wow Laurie, you have great places to keep all your dish ware, etc. I also love your Christmas storage area. Mine dishes are every where I can find space for the, However I really don't have that many. But now Christmas I have lots and that's in the garage in plastic tubs.
Thanks for sharing your post with us.
Mary
How's that sweet baby? He is always in my prayers.

Monica @ Happily Playing with Dishes said...

I love your Christmas closet. My aunt has one. I can stay in it all day.I am sure I would be able to do the same in yours and the pantry.

Anonymous said...

Holiday closet??! Inspiration!
Great to have a dishes pantry too!

Ivy and Elephants said...

I wish I had all your fabulous storage space. You do keep it well organized, and your collections are just amazing.
You have so many gorgeous treasures.
Hugs,
Patti

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Laurie, I love seeing how you keep and store your treasures. It looks very well planned out with the storage and the long holiday closet is fantastic.
One can never have too much storage space. Love your kitchen display hutch too. Gorgeous.
Have a great week.
Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Well, Laurie, just slap me silly! I just knew you'd have the most fabulous storage for all of your pretties!
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

sweet violets said...

What wonderful storage you have....you are one lucky gal!!! And thanks for keeping it real....I like to keep my posts real too.....

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Amazing Laurie, just amazing!
You sure planned well when you re-modeled.
I would love to take a tour through there..
Hugs friend,

Cindy

xinex said...

I wish I had all those storage areas too, Laurie. Everything is so easily accessible...Christine