Homemakers in the 1930s and 1940s, and even earlier, dreamed of fancy china cabinets to display their good dishes and keepsakes.
But with china cabinets out of fashion, it does beg the question of whether we should use our best things daily, or save them for special occasions.
That decision depends on one's personal values and lifestyle. But there are some things to consider.
Antiques might give you joy, especially if they were from a relative. But should you display them? One woman talked about what happened to a 100-year-old delicate Japanese tea set she got from her grandmother. The lady proudly displayed the set until one day the dog's collar got caught on the cabinet, which fell, reducing the tea set to dust. Some things are best stored.
Saved things also create a sense of occasion and value. A 2025 Journal of Consumer Psychology study found that using special items during holidays increases perceived enjoyment by 15 percent.
On the other hand, we might not used saved items enough. A 2024 survey by The Spruce found that 40 percent of people regretted not using their special items more often, as they felt the items lost their purpose.
You might miss out on the pleasure of using beautiful things regularly if you store them away. A 2024 Journal of Happiness Studies study found that using aesthetically pleasing household items daily increased overall life satisfaction by 10 percent.
One possible way to decide: If an item brings joy, use it more often to enhance your daily experience. If it's tied to a specific memory or tradition, save it for occasions that honor that significance.
