Yes, my garage has a few antique pieces of furniture under covers waiting for my children to have homes of their own so I can pass them on. No, the furniture isn't family pieces passed on from generation to generation but they are visually interesting.
Well, no they aren't really valuable but one is an art deco era side board that has a nice look. What do you mean my kids won't want these pieces? What about my china or silver service? Those are a "maybe" you say.
Tom Verde, a writer for the New York Times, published an interesting piece on passing down unwanted keepsakes. He writes that the competitive accumulation of materials goods, a cornerstone of the American dream, dates to the post-World War II economy when returning vets came back and established home and status in the suburbs. Wedding gifts were meant to be used and cherished for life. After interviewing a variety of experts, he came to the conclusion that there has been a significant shift in material culture when it comes to young adults. They tend to acquire household goods that they consider as temporary or disposable as opposed to inheriting them from family members. Their style is more minimalistic and they don't have the space, or desire, for extra items.
The truth then is I need to clear out some things and not expect my children will want them.
Having said that, one of them will be getting the china (it belonged to my Grandmother!) and I expect to have a Thanksgiving meal on it one day at one of their homes whether they like the pattern or not. Perhaps the answer is to get rid of the items without familial significance and then hope one of my offspring will want the rest. If Verde is right, they may take the objects to keep me quiet. I will consider that a win.
