Richard and others who have commented (here and elsewhere) in the same vein - I used to be very much of the "this is too special to use" persuasion, but several years ago I changed my mind. They are beautiful, and I enjoy using them, and so I use them and enjoy

. OK, I wouldn't use them for a tea towel

- mostly because they might not wash very well - but I am now a great believer in "if it is beautiful enough to look at, it's beautiful enough to use so you actually see it!
At the moment we (DH and his siblings and spouses) are tidying/clearing the bungalow which my MIL has just moved out of after FIL's death. We have found the most amazing tablecloths, napkins, silverware and what not, most of it never used. We do use cloth napkins, but not such fine ones, but I said to DH if no-one else wanted them why not have them and use them! He said "we've got a set of those ourselves"

turns out they're tucked away in some cupboard and I've never even seen them in 13 years of marriage, and they're never used! We've decided to get them out, make them feel wanted and appreciated, and put them to the use for which they were made; I'm sure they'll be much happier that way
