> wrote

> My philosophy: If you have something you don't want to risk being
> broken by guests, and don't want t have to hover over it worrying about
> it while entertaining -- then don't use it!

I agree with that ...

> Put it on display behind
> locked glass doors. Leave it in sight to impress people, but not
> worry. But then, I think it's crass to have displays just to
> "impress," so I don't do that.

.... but I disagree here ... if it's something I feel strongly about,
sentimental
value, whatever, I would rather not use them with kids around or
whatever. I don't own a damn thing to impress anyone, but I have
had things that would upset me if they were broken.

> I once loaned some crystal wine glasses to a friend for an event. They
> were returned packed badly in a box with two broken. I didn't say a
> word. Would never. However, I won't loan him anything again.

Once you loaned it, you had to really accept that it was out of your
hands, so to speak. Usually no one will be as careful with your
stuff as you are. Doesn't mean I wouldn't have been ****ed off.
As Sheldon and someone else said, they can just go buy halfway
decent stuff or rent it, then no one has any worries.

I don't see anything wrong with keeping special stuff for special
occasions. Or with having a matched set of dishes, for that matter.
Doesn't mean your every day stuff is schlock, just that it is sturdier.
What's wrong with that.

nancy