"The Distinctive Life" presented by the Distinctive Collection

LIFE & LEISURE

PROTECTYOUR MOST TREASURED PIECES Fine china is more fragile than regular dinnerware and often includes intricate details, like gold rimming, hand-painted patterns and delicate glazes. To keep your collection safe and ready for the next special occasion, follow these china storage tips in between each use.

STORE PIECES IN STURDY CONTAINERS

Instead of flimsy cardboard boxes, pack china in sturdy, structured containers that aren't easily dented or crushed. Opt for hard-sided cases to protect dishes on all sides. A heavy-duty banker's box or sturdy gift box can also work. Be sure to line the interior with felt for extra cushion.

CHOOSE A LOW-TRAFFIC STORAGE SPOT

You don't want to jostle past your fine china every time you reach for a cereal bowl. Choose a storage spot that's out of the way to reduce the risk of damaging the pieces during your daily routine. A separate storage cabinet or hutch is ideal, but if you don't have one, a spare shelf in your linen closet or a plastic bin in the basement can work fine. Just pay attention to temperature. "The cold or heat in attics and garages can crack the glazes," says Julie Robbins, product specialist at Replacements, Ltd., a favorite source for buying and repairing vintage china.

DISPLAY CHINA WITH CARE

Think twice about displaying treasured heirlooms on open shelves, which leave your china susceptible to collecting dust or getting knocked over. A glass-front cabinet or hutch is one of the best ways to protect china from dust while still showing it off. To display plates upright, fit the edges into the built-in grooves on shelves, or purchase individual stands for each plate. Don't crowd the shelves to prevent pieces from bumping into each other.

SEPARATE AND STACK CHINA SAFELY

Wherever you decide to store china, take care to stack items safely. "Always place a coffee filter or piece of felt between pieces so they don't scratch each other," Robbins says. And never stack plates or bowls more than 10 high. "The weight can actually damage pieces on the bottom," Robbins says.

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