Traditional Hope Chests
Some of my readers may be unfamiliar with the term "hope chest," despite the fact that it used to be a popular gift for girls on their 18th birthday all the way up to the 1950's. The idea of it is that when a girl turns eighteen she would be given a chest in which to store anything she might want to keep for her future house (example: linens, books she loved as a kid, etc.). Then, when she's married and setting up house, she'll unpack all the lovely things she put away when she was still a girl.
The idea has mostly died out, but it still remains popular in some Christian circles.
Molly's older sister got one for her birthday, as well as several of our older cousins. But by the time Molly and I turned eighteen our parents had abandoned the idea.
Our Twist on the Original Idea
About the time Molly and I turned 18 we decided to start our own hope chests. Molly has a lovely wooden chest she's painted a weathered blue color, and I - well, I don't have a chest yet, but I do have plenty of stuff to put in it! Lol! We like to collect more dishes, and kitchen ware than most traditional hope chests, but the fun thing about starting your own hope chest is that you can do it however you want! Since Molly and I both love vintage Pyrex (and have no use for it right now!) we love storing it away for whenever we get our own place. The great thing about this, too, is that once we get our own place, we'll have a good start on all the stuff we'll need for living on our own!
The Contents
I have way too much stuff to do just one post on, but I thought I'd take a moment to show you just a few of my absolute favorite finds.
1. What: A nine-piece set of matching condiment containers. There's a mustard pump, a ketchup pump, a sugar shaker, a container for syrup, a creamer, and two sets of salt and pepper shakers (I couldn't find those to photograph them).
Cost - $6
2. What: This is one of my favorite finds ever. A beautiful, handmade crocheted afgan in the loveliest colors. I found it at a garage sale on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The owner wanted $10 for it, but I didn't want to pay more than $5. They went down to $8, but I was still hesitant so I decided to leave without it. As I was walking down the driveway the lady called after me that she would do $5. Haggling FTW!
Cost - $5
3. What: Vintage metal mixing bowls. I love the pansy pattern on these, and they'll be perfect for baking, or even just eating popcorn or cereal in. I don't remember exactly how much these were, but definately no more than $7.
Cost - under $7
4. What: Hand crocheted pot holders/coasters. I picked these up at an antique/thrift store. They match the colors I want in my future house perfectly and will be so useful!
Cost - $5
5. What: vintage Pyrex mixing bowls with clear bottoms. When I saw Molly's bowl like this teal one I was so jealous, so when I found it on eBay with a matching pink one, I had to get them! One of my favorite finds ever!
Cost - $9.99 + $8.52 for shipping
6. What: Clear glass Pyrex nesting bowls. I've had one of these bowls for months but I just recently re-discovered it and it made me want the whole set! I looked around on eBay but shipping is just so expensive, so I was thrilled when I found the full, four bowl set at a thrift store earlier this week!
Cost - $12
7. What: A non-stick frying pan in the most gorgeous teal color - it matches the colors I want my kitchen to be! I just couldn't pass it up.
Cost - $8
So what about you gals? Do any of you have hope chests? If not, would you ever consider starting one?
