Monday, January 25, 2010

Met Monday - Dishware Storage

If you have 'dish' love, you probably also have dish storage issues.  I have a hall closet full of display items - candleholders, glassware, flatware, etc - and my China Cabinet and buffet server are crammed full so I needed some other options.  While I ponder what other closet I can take over, I am using hat boxes to store some of my chargers, plates and salad plates. 

I purchase my boxes from Hobby Lobby when they are 50%, which is about every other week.  The differant size boxes range in price for 4.99 to 7.49, so at 50% off this is a very reasonable storage alternative.  These boxes are just the right sizes for my chargers and plates...the salad plates are a litte small in diameter based upon the smallest box size, so I just stuff empty plastic bags around them so they do not shift as I am moving the boxes around.  Use sheets of bubble wrap or tissue between the dishes and stack them inside the containers.  Just measure your charger and plates and when you get to HL, pick up the corresponding size....I will probably keep my items stored in these boxes even when I move them to a closet, as this gives the dishes extra protection. 



This 14 inch box gives me plenty of room to store ten 9 inch plates...I could use the smaller 10 inch box, but I like having more room around the edges which makes getting the plates out a lot easier. 


Just stack the boxes in an empty corner and they provide storage and look good.



You can even use the boxes as a display pedestal. 


I keep an inventory list on my computer of all my tabletop display items, plates, flatware, etc along with the date and place I bought the item and any branding or other descriptors (ex. if I buy a silver piece from an Antique shop and it provides the name of the item or a date, I keep that on my list since it is not marked directly on the item).  I also add a picture of the item and the quantity.  When I need something, I know exactly where it is and how many I have etc.  You could also label each of the boxes by using a tag on a string and just tape the string to the inside of the box and let the tag show underneath the lid...you could turn the box so the tag is in the corner and not showing, if using as a display in your room. 

I hope this idea helps with some of your storage needs, it has certainly helped me with some much needed clean-up and organization. 

I have a Rooster-licious Blogaversary giveaway going on, so please click here to get the details and sign up. 



Please click here to visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch as she hosts another Metamorphosis Monday, and shows us all the great changes going on around Blogland.
All The Best,

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23 comments:

Designs on 47th Street said...

A brilliant storage solution for us dish addicts! Love the idea of the boxes for decoration as well as storage. I also love how organized you are with entering all the info on your computer!

Great post! Hopping on over to sign up for your event!
Donna

Designs on 47th Street said...

My post disappeared! This is simply a brilliant idea and one that many of us dishaholics can use. I love how you came up with a new storage area as well as making it work into your decor. Great idea. I just signed up for your giveaway too!

Donna

Anonymous said...

What a great way to store dishes. I wish we had a Hobby Lobby where I live.

Unknown said...

Love those boxes, they make for great storage. Love the, I believe damask pattern. I like the touches you added to the top.. its almost a piece of furniture... Cute!

Lynn said...

Anita, I absolutely love, love, love your giveaway! I love roosters, and I have them in my kitchen and diningroom areas.. I would love to have my name added to your beautiful giveaway!

I am posting your giveaway on my blog..

Have a great day!
~Lynn

Ms. Bake-it said...

What a fabulous idea Anita! I have been wondering how to store all my dishes now that I have less room. The nearest HL is about 100 miles from me but I am sure I can find something closer that carries similar boxes.

Thanks for sharing!

~ Tracy

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Great idea, Anita, for when you don't have that extra space for storing dishware!

Anonymous said...

This is such a great idea! It's practical and so cute!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Raggedy Kingdom said...

I love your storage of plates solution. One that I am sure to copy. Thanks so much. Very clever.

Sheila @ Raggedy Kingdom

southerninspiration said...

Oh, you are one smart AND stylin' cookie!!! Love this idea!!!

Suzanne
Plus you can stack way more than you would in a pantry or cabinet!!! Wahoo!

Julie Harward said...

I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYONE DO THAT! WHAT A GREAT IDEA, SO MUCH BETTER THAN PUTTING THEM AWAY IN A CUPBOARD. VERY PRETTY ADDITION TO A HOME TOO..SMART GAL YOU ARE! COME SAY HI :D

Miss Char said...

Well Southerninspiration sent me a link to your blog because she knows how out of control I am right now with dishes. This is just a wonderful idea that I plan to get started on TODAY with your fabulous storage idea!

Theresa said...

Great idea! I just so happen to have some hat boxes that I am not using! Yippppppeeeee, thanks! That helps a lot. Have a blessed day Anita!

Amy said...

Great idea--and inexpensive!
I will for sure be using this, maybe not for dishes since I don't have many, but such a great storage solution.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a fabulous idea. I love it. I am so out of storage space and this is just the perfect idea. Beautiful hatboxes too. Hugs, Marty

Gina said...

Now that is a clever idea!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Anita...

Ohhh my gosh, I think that your idea to use these pretty decorative boxes for dish storage may very well be the best idea since the wheel! Hehe! Seriously!!! You know, I am in the same boat for trying to find storage for all my dishes! Yes, I am a dishaholic! Eeeks! I have two china cabinets full...cupboards full...and I have begun to fill closets! Hehe! I have some of these decorative boxes that I have bought from Hobby Lobby when they go on sale...I use them for storage of photos, etc..etc. but never thought about using them for dish storage! My friend, I could just kiss you...what a grand idea!!! Ohhh boy, now I have a great excuse for buying more pretty boxes...and DISHES!!! Hehe! Thank you so much for sharing this great idea with us...I will be using it!!!

I also wanted to thank you for coming by to take a peek at my new living room layout and for leaving me such a sweet comment! Loved your visit!!!

Warmest winter wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Everyone feels like I do! What a GREAT idea! :) Just exactly what I need to store my dishes in...as in right next to the hutch?? :)
Mona

Sharlotte said...

Anita,
This is a GREAT idea! You are so creative!!! These hat boxes are a perfect solution to the never ending issue to storage issues. Thank you so much for sharing, I will definitely be using these!
Sharlotte

Simply Debbie said...

DEAR ANITA,
WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, CREATIVE IDEA. I COLLECT HAT BOXES....I LOVE THEM.....BUT I NEVER THOUGHT OF PUTTING DISHES IN THEM. I LOVE WHITE MILK GLASS DISHES, PITCHERS, GLASSES...I HAVE IT ALL OVER THE HOUSE AND DIFFERENT PATTERNS...I LOVE YOUR ORIGANIZATION.....THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR IDEAS
BLESSINGS
SIMPLY DEBBIE

Americana Lady said...

I recently bought some similar boxes and because of the lack of storage areas for dishes I have thought of this idea too. Thanks for sharing.

Marigene said...

I do have the 'dishease' so I am really liking this! Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I posted your button on my blog!

Katherine