Somebody had good taste. I have lots of old laces and linens, gotten very cheaply at yard sales and auctions, most from my mother's stash who was the auction buff, even more so than I. At one time, not so long ago, people didn't much use them and didn't see them as art. I think their time has come for collectors, however, and can only see them appreciating not only monetarily, but for their own beauty. That is just a lovely collection.

Mitch, I love linen too-- I stopped buying the tailored linen though because it just didn't look nice in a business setting when I am traveling and sitting lots. I live in the loose fitting cool and breezy linen now-- and I especially like the washable linen! I haven't bought any of thier new line-- but I have some jjill linen pants from a few years ago that I just LOVE and it is washable! Jane, I bet your skirt is lovely-- boxed pleats are timeless. I think I have talked myself out of linen sheets for now though--with two big dogs I think it will messy way too quickly. :( At least one of my dogs will not make it another summer so I will keep it in mind for next summer. I know that sounds morbid but after struggling with and grieving for Grace's cancer for over a year, it kind of helps to have things to have little things to look forward to.

Sounds like a plan. I'd mess with the metal frame for the storage stuff first. Actually put it in place, secure it and put the stuff on the shelves to see if you have enough storage and if you have to adjust any to make room for the vacum cleaner or any other odd shaped objects. One other suggestion would be to make sure you label your storage containers clearly BEFORE you put them on the shelves. Maybe even take pics of what goes in each box and either put it on the outside of the box where you can see it or put it into a file and just number the boxes and the back of the pics so you can find stuff. If it's going to be a cat playroom you are going to have to make sure the cat can't crawl into the boxes or lay on top of boxes and damage items. My favorite rod holders are btw ones used in closets. The one end is open like a letter "c" turned on its side so you can remove the rod should you need to so you can clean/replace as needed curtains.

Thanks Patricia for the picture of the tablecloth - it brought back many pleasant memories. When I married my navy guy >30 years ago we were stationed in Hawaii. The first week I was there the CO's wife "came calling". We all had the silver trays by the front door and placed our cards in it when visiting others. I still have my Army-Navy tablecloth in my cedar chest and use it occasionally. I also have my silver tray by my front door. I doubt people know what it is (it is engraved with the squadron's emblem). During my DH's career we saw many changes taking place for the benefit of families (out went the old addage that if the Navy wanted you to have a wife they would have issued you one)! In the beginning of his career we would write letters that were sequentially numbered so that when the ship got a mail delivery my DH could open the letters in order. He would get sometimes 20 letters at a time. When in port, the guys would rush off the ship to stand in long lines at pay phones and call collect. We wives sat home waiting for their phone calls. It was a hoot. Nowadays, cell phones and email keep families close. I remember at the end of my DH's career one wife was pouting bc she hadn't received an email from her husband that day. It was quite amusing. We even had to change the Wives Club to Spouse's Club and include fiancees. Lots of changes but the linens live on.....