Downsizing made us realise how much 'stuff' we had and how much we didn't use. All the old scratchy towels were replaced by the ones kept for best, bliss. The china I didn't really like but used every day as it didn't matter if any was broken (it never was!) was given away. Now we use things we love, including crystal glasses. Yes, there are occasional accidents but the enjoyment of a meal from pretty Portmeirion plates or clean looking plain white, according to how I feel that day, makes it more than worth it. We also use the pretty embroidered tablecloths worked by my talented mother in law. It doesn't take that long to iron them and the linen is such good quality. we also use easy care cloths, depends on the mood, but nothing is not used now. Have recently taken the same approach with clothes, really enjoy choosing what to wear each day now. It's made a huge difference to use or wear things I like, rather than things I think I should use.
