Continuing with yesterday's "party eats" theme, I opened up a couple of drawers where I store fun napkins and some miscellaneous party things. I decided that I've looked at these decorated napkins for long enough while using too few of them. I'm not going to get rid of them immediately, but I'm putting them in the napkin holder where they will be used in fairly short order, though I may put a few of the ones with cute designs with my paper crafts for some future decoupage project - or will that just be creating another thing to clear out later when I sort through those items?
Regardless, the next time I serve up some decorated cupcakes with fresh candy sprinkles, I may just have to buy some fun fresh napkins to go along with them.
Or not.
The questions I ask myself regarding getting rid of this kind of thing are not easily answered in light of recently learning my favorite napkin buying source - Tuesday Morning in southern Indy - has closed its doors. See... this is where the problem begins - buying things when one sees them at a good price instead of simply buying what one needs when one needs it, and paying retail if that's the way the cookie crumbles... I'm often prompted to buy a thing based on some perceived future need for the item without asking if it's a thing that is actually needed at all.
I hope all this thinking while I'm purging stuff will serve me well in the future. I hate the thought that I might return to my old ways. I know, too well, how prone I am to doing so.
I know paper goods don't exactly have an expiry date, but let me assure you... after clearing out MIL's house I've learned these types of things do reach a point where they aren't fresh anymore. And I'm not talking about the designs.
Just sayin'.
Fun, pretty napkins need to be used. Enjoyed. Not stored for years.
Besides the napkins, what's pictured here are some greeting cards I gathered together in ziploc bags to take to the thrift store, a foldable gift box, two styrofoam plant thingies I don't recall why I purchased them (though the smaller one had been opened and cut, so I evidently did have a reason. Also I've got four packages of paper heart doilies, some broken and some cut dowel rods, an unopened package of colorful gift bags (I confess I saved back a second unopened bag of these), and two placemat grippy things that go under cloth placemats. I actually cut into one of these for making some grippy feet for furniture on our wooden floor. These can go.
Day 27: 409 things gone
I went through a fit of using up napkins awhile ago. I finally realized that the odds of having company in the foreseeable future were probably nil so why not use them. I even cut the bigger ones in two so they would last longer.
ReplyDeleteThat didn't cross my mind, but you're exactly right! I don't know when we'll be having any over that isn't family in the near future, and while I would have pulled out fun napkins for them, I don't have the sense that they especially appreciate them either. Cutting them in half gives me something to think about. I like the idea. I'm going to see if I think they'll make a substantial enough napkin.
DeleteIf not substantial enough, you can always use two halves!
DeleteToo funny. You know what... I did cut some in half and since decorated napkins are often thicker than the ones I normally buy, half of one actually works really well. And if I end up needing two (which I almost always do with my cheaper ones I buy for everyday) I don't feel as wasteful. :)
DeleteWow, I thought I was the only one who saw a great deal and bought it whether or not it was needed. Since hubby and I no longer host family dinners, I have dumped or donated all my holiday things. I am sure there are more stashed in places yet to be gone thru.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing there are a great many of us out there. How stores must rely on us to get the ends of their inventory turned over so they can bring new stuff in.
DeleteYes! Use them. I'm proud of myself for pulling some napkins on reserve out to use rather than purchasing new ones. They do go fast when place in the napkin box. Saves on paper towels, too.
ReplyDeleteI often pull a paper towel off the roll for a napkin when making a simple lunch. I haven't actually calculated which is more expensive - paper towels (especially, now that they often come in half-sheets) or paper napkins.
DeleteGood point. We are so focus on being frugal, saving a few coins that we tend to foget when money is spent, it is not saved. If I haven't been anywhere to use decorative paper products without a year, then I use them myself.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good personal policy, I think. I will plan to employ it the next time I purchase decorative napkins for a special event. I will give them a year's use-by date (if not sooner).
DeleteGood for you!!! I don't entertain and when I do it's the grands and that's not going to be anytime soon so out it goes!
ReplyDeleteThis COVID time has put some things into perspective - in more ways than I would have thought when we started out.
DeleteOuch.
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Cheryl, and I am a napkin collector.
lol
DeleteNone of my posts are meant to prick others - only myself. :) But I do understand if some things I'm gaining clarity on feels uncomfortable or even unwelcome by others. That's fair. Not that I think I made you uncomfortable -- I just thought this an appropriate time to mention that.
I must say, though... I've seen your pictures of large themed family gatherings, Cheryl. My purpose here isn't to validate or convict anyone else, but if we all truly had to justify our hoards of such things, you'd only have to submit photos of your parties and large extended family to get off the hook. ;^)
My "ouch" was definitely said tongue-in-cheek, Becki!
DeleteI almost offered my explanation and then I deleted that part in favor of a shorter comment. But, yes, we do use our napkins for family gatherings and also for our homeschool girls book club and for the friends who come over for coffee (which we used to do before you-know-what) and so on. And, honestly, I do occasionally cull my napkin stash if some have been hanging around for too many years without being used.
All in fun! I am thoroughly enjoying your posts and seeing what you're finding to eliminate each day!
And just three more days! It's hard to believe the month is almost over!
DeleteNapkins can be used for art journaling. Gesso can whitewash over it so stamping can be placed over it.
ReplyDeleteYes! I can totally see that. Very cool idea, Stef.
Delete