One thing our culture discourages is anticipating and planning for marriage. The tradition and charm of the “hopechest” has all but been forgotten, but not here. Many of you probably have a wooden chest, or plastic box or someplace where you have begun to invest in the future. Here’s a little inspiration for more items you could add to your treasure trove.
I have sought to compile the complete and all-encompassing list of Hopechest ideas. But naturally, no list will ever be perfect as it must be catered to each individuals tastes, ideals and plans.
-Serving Dishes, serving bowls, (especially wooden bowls), pitchers, vases, serving tray (breakfast in bed)
-Colorful eating dishes, dessert dishes, drinking goblets, mugs, mismatched or otherwise- Italian painted etc.
-Gifts for your future husband, something for him specifically or something for you that’s really for him
-Candle sticks/candles (not just the plain glass kind, but beautifully painted pewter and ceramic holders of varying sizes, colors and heights)
-Table linens, cloths, napkins, runners, placemats (for the different holidays or seasons)
-Specialty or niche cookware/ utensils (artisan cheesegrater, cake decorating materials, cookie cutters, whip cream dispensers, intricate chopsticks, sauce dishes, salt and pepper shakers, spice racks, mixing bowls, etc)
-Handmade work, embroidered linens- “His” “Hers”, crocheted washcloths, wall hangings, stitcheries, quilts, throws, dresser scarves, doilies, pot holders, tea cozies, etc
-Memorabilia- things your daughter would want. The custom sewn dress you wore at graduation, your photo albums, vintage hats, gloves, etc.
-Cookbooks, we have our own “Timeless classics from the Taylor Table”, add you’re favorite recipe collections
-Books (though they should be stored separately), including completed journals/diaries/memoirs
-Aprons, vintage, handmade,
-China, I limit it to a few tea-cups cream and sugar bowl, and a teapot. My mother has never used china so I havn’t found any use for it.
-Garden supplies, misc specialty tools/ seeds, flower labels, bulbs etc
-Sewing supplies- quality scissors, sewing basket/ box, sewing machine
-Art, paintings, calligraphy, I have collected art as I have traveled and have a growing stash of paintings, wood carvings, book ends, etc.
-Baby supplies, handmade bibs, crocheted sweaters or hats, baby quilts and linens, cradle
-Picnic basket/supplies
-Decor (only classics), polished rocks/agates, throw pillows in basic colors, rugs, beautiful frames
-Larger items, juicer, wheat grinder, bread machine, Cuisinart, Kitchenaid- you name it.
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Do:
-Throw a “hopechest’ party for your birthday- We have done this for every one of our daughters and enjoyed it immensely.
- Read “The Hopechest” by Rebekah Wilson
-shop at Garage sales, Antique stores, boutiques, Bizzars, Flea Markets, Estate Sales, Kitchen Supply or Restaurant supplies, Craigs list, Ross, and the occasional find at Goodwill!
Don’t:
-expect everything to fit in your box or chest (you will probably out-grow it quickly)
-invest in trendy items or lots of Decor, they may be out of style by the time you leave your home or, what is more probable, your tastes will change (tight color schemes are not a good idea)
- get so much stuff that you need a Uhaul space just to store it.
Any idea you would like to add?
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