How To Store Your Fine China Safely

Fine china is not cheap, nothing worthwhile in life is. Whether you’ve invested in it yourself or were lucky enough to receive them as gifts, you want to ensure your favorite china will last as long as possible. Proper storage is crucial to protecting fine dinnerware from breakage, cracks, chips and crazing. The following are some tips to help you enjoy your china for many years to come.

Separate One Piece from The Next.

Of all the steps, this is the most important. When china is stacked one upon another, the chances are much greater for chips, scratches and nicks to occur. Better is to separate each piece with a cloth divider that will absorb bumps, cushion and protect the dishes. There are many different choices available in all shapes and sizes to protect your dinnerware no matter the brand or pattern.

Store in Specialized Tableware Containers.

Instead of stacking cups, plates and bowls on shelves, consider specialized china containers. These are specially designed to protect the china on all sides with strong foam or other cushioning material. The plates are usually stored in round containers that come in different sizes to fit dinner, salad/dessert, and bread plates/saucers. Most usually come with dividers for in between the plates as well (see above). Cup containers are usually rectangular and divided with cardboard to create individual cubicle-like boxes for each cup so that they don’t touch each other. There are also specialized storage containers for platters and other serving pieces.

Keep Away From Extreme Temperatures.

Extreme temperatures can damage your china, which is why storing them in the garage or attic is usually not a good idea. The temperature changes can lead to crazing, discoloration and other damage. Keep the china at room temperature in insulated rooms where there are no wide temperature swings.

Make a List of What You Have.

The more china is handled, the greater the risk of breakage. Obviously it is made to be used and enjoyed so don’t hold back when you want to use it. Otherwise the less handled, the better. There are times when you need to know what you have. Keeping a list of your current pieces taped to the outside of the container can tell you at a glance what is inside it and how much you have of every piece, negating the need to start counting stacks of china, always a hazardous task.

Do Not Leave China Where It Is Too Easy or Too Hard To Reach.

Keep dinnerware too close to the edge of a shelf or closet and it is easily knocked over. It’s also much easier for children to get a hold of. Keep it in hard to reach places and you’ll find yourself balancing ten pounds of heavy porcelain on your tippy toes. Try the middle road, not to close and not to far.

An ounce of preparation and prevention will save you many pounds (or dollars) of the cure so treat your china right and it will reward you with many years of good service.