I traded in my traditional china closet for this modern iron sideboard, but I use the terms interchangeably. I love all of the extra storage that it gives me, and of course, I love the look of it! The large glass doors (perfect for displaying) were the final selling point. I am constantly moving things around and rearranging, because there is a lot more than just fine china that you might want to display! Here are some things that I love to display (and store) in my china closet/sideboard.
#1 Fine China
Yes, we have already gone through this. I know a lot of people no longer have china. But a lot of people still do, too. I felt bad tucking away my beautiful china (that we got for our wedding). I also still think it looks beautiful.
#2 Party Platters and Large Bowls
This is the perfect place to store some of my nicer platters and bowls that I use for parties. Do I put all of my platters out? No! Some still have a designated spot in the cabinets, but my more decorative ones go on display. I also recently got into charcuterie boards. (I have yet to make any, but I love pinning them on Pinterest!) Your china closet is the perfect place to display your beautiful charcuterie boards!
#3 Drink Glasses
My wine glasses and fancy martini glasses live here. This is an obvious one, but no china closet would be complete without them!
#4 Trivets and Hot Plates
If you have fancy trivets, why not put them on display? Mine add a pop of rustic color against all of the white, so I love it.
#5 Decor
I don’t go crazy with decorations in the china closet, because I don’t want it to look too busy and overcrowded. I do add some little touches and some seasonal items. The teapot is a sentimental piece from my mom that I can’t go without. I also wanted to add a little spot for family, so that’s where I keep my Willow Tree Angels, cross, wedding toasting flutes, and knives we used to cut our wedding cake. As the seasons change, so does my china closet!
#6 Last but certainly not least…Wine
Because, why not?! Wine bottles are beautiful. To be honest, my wine fridge broke years ago. This is the perfect place for me to store wine. For any wine lovers out there, I know a wine fridge is best for storage. Maybe someday I’ll buy a new one! (If you do decide to store your wine out in the open, make sure the temperature stays pretty consistent and it doesn’t get blasted with sunlight.)
Some other ideas
The possibilities are endless! Some other items you could include are: cake platters, drink pitchers, silverware, and decorative napkin holders. Some ways to modernize your china closet would be to paint/refinish it, take out the glass and doors, add lighting, and/or change the hardware.
A china closet/sideboard can add so much to your kitchen! Don’t ditch it! I cannot stress the importance of storage, and might I add, they are so fun to decorate!
Enjoy making your china closet/sideboard your own!
