Our Antique China Cabinet

My husband and I grew up in Colorado and still call it 'home.'  My mother and father in law live in Estes Park, Colorado and we try to go home and visit every summer.  They have a lovely home that sits above the town surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, crystal clear lakes and the fragrance of pines and wild flowers.  My family and I feel that Estes Park is the most beautiful place in the world.

My mom-in-law bought this china cabinet at an auction for $350.  I always admired it and shortly after Mark and I got married, she gave it to us.  It has always been one of my most treasured possessions.

When we moved to Auburn, Alabama in 1993 it was damaged in the move.  An antique expert repaired it and told me that it was then 150 years old, made in England and he valued it at $7000!

Our two older children were little at the time, (our youngest hadn't been born yet) and I held my breath every time they ran passed it after that.  (I think I was a lot more comfortable when I thought it was worth $350!)

But it has been with us through all of our moves - from Denver,Colorado to Auburn, Alabama, to Muncie, Indiana, to Winchester, Virginia and finally, to Big Rapids, Michigan.  

It sits in our family room and is the first thing you see as you enter the main part of our house.  It has held my blue and white collection and now holds a set of dishes I love that match our new decor.

The bottom is a separate piece and I love the pheasants that are carved on the doors.  Very English.

We don't have the keys but I love the key holes that are here on the bottom and also on the hutch above.

the hardware on the drawers

The interior of the cabinet is rough boards.  Sitting on the cabinet is a beautiful antique salt dish and spoon that my sister-in-law, Linda, gave me many years ago

.  The tiny silver spoon has an angel on the handle.  Another treasure of mine.  

My mom in law has gifted us with several lovely antiques and I love them all!  Our house is a mix of things we've built, things we've found at estate sales and things we've been given by our family.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  They bring a richness of history and love and a feeling of permanence - even when you've had to make several moves around the country.  

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Love and blessings!

"An excellent wife, who can find?  For her worth is far above jewels...strength and dignity are her clothing and she smiles at the future."  Proverbs 31