Let's get organized!

So, why do you suppose I have gathered all these different bits of china?

Pretty to look at, yes, but there's quite a useful purpose for them as well. Can you guess?

They are various shapes and sizes, to suit a number of purposes …

.. and I even pulled in a teacup I crocheted a while back. So can you guess why they were all placed in a shallow drawer in my bathroom?

Cosmetic organizers! I recently saw this simple idea in a decorating magazine and knew I wanted to try it. The article said to line the drawer with that rubbery shelf-liner paper (I got my roll at the grocery store), and indeed it keeps everything in place so the various pieces of china aren't playing bumper cars when I shut the drawer!

This is definitely prettier than the messy jumble of products I used to have rolling around in there. The other advantage is, if I ever need to call these pieces back into service as teawares, they're right there waiting for me, and right where I'll see them every day. Years ago, I watched a Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic TV program in which she mentioned that even when traveling, she brings along little creature comforts like a pretty, fluffy throw or a scented candle. Why? Because, she said, those days are just as important as the other days in your life, and why shouldn't they all be pretty ones? That's how I feel about my new bathroom drawer "organizers," you see!

I'm often asked where I put all the things I collect, so I thought I'd mention that I do indeed use my teawares all over the house. When my mom found this little wicker stand for me at a yard sale, I got my husband to paint it white and placed it in a corner of my bathroom.

A large cup I bought because of the vintage tea ad on the side becomes storage for washcloths.

This small teapot holds extra cotton balls, and behind it I placed a pretty plate my mom gave me.

Finally, this little pedestal plate I received as a Christmas gift is called into service for displaying cute soaps. I hope today's blog post gives you some new ideas for non-traditional uses for your teawares. If you find a new one, please let me know!