Joie Challenge Day 3: Use The Good China

I will never get tired of saying this.

In my book, Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life, I tell the story of my childhood obsession with my mother’s wedding china. (I know many of you know this story already because I tell it so often.) Over and over, I asked her to use it—to set the table with the beautiful blue and white plates for a special occasion. But each time, she would gently say, “Another time, Ajiri.” She was always afraid that a precious piece might be broken. 

Sadly, that day never came. My mother passed away when I was still a young girl, and she never had the chance to enjoy even a simple piece of toast on those cherished plates. That experience shaped me deeply. From that moment on, I made a promise to myself: I wouldn’t save the things I love for some distant "special occasion." I would use them now, regularly, and share the joy they bring me with others. Because life is happening right now, and each day is an opportunity to find and create joy.

I love to collect crystal and glass champagne coupes and wine glasses. Some are even Baccarat and St. Louis, which means they are expensive and have a higher value. However, I use them all the same. All the glasses are used and sometimes get broken, but I enjoy drinking from them and serving drinks in them.

I have a collection of costume jewelry and wear these earrings everywhere from school pick up to the grocery store.

Today’s Challenge: "use the good china"—whatever that looks like for you.

Look around your home or in your closet for that one item you’ve been saving for a "better day." Wear it, use it, savor it. Whether it’s enjoying a simple dinner on your finest plates or wearing that fabulous dress out just because—it’s time to let that item bring joy to your life right now.

It might be:
- The dress hanging in your closet with the tags still on it.

- A piece of jewelry you adore but never take out of the box.

- A bottle of fine wine you’ve been saving for the "perfect" moment.

- The dream vacation you’ve been waiting for an excuse to book.

- The fancy candle that’s never been lit.

- The heirloom wine glasses or special table linens.

- A designer handbag you’ve kept wrapped up in a cloth case or box.

- The shoes you’re waiting for the right event to wear to.

- The expensive tea you’ve been saving.

Whatever it is, today is your special occasion. Nothing you love is too good to enjoy now. It is better to grace ordinary moments with extraordinary items than to keep a treasure hidden away, waiting for some undefined "perfect" day that may never arrive. After all, what’s more precious than the present moment?

What did you choose to use today? I’d love to hear about it! Send me a message, or even better, share a picture of your treasured item in action. Post in the comments, tag me on Instagram (@madamedelamaison and/or @ajiriaki) with the hashtag  #joiechallenge or join the Substack chat. 

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Share this with someone who you believe will enjoy being part of the 5-day Joie Challenge.

And if you are just joining us, be sure to check out the welcome message and the challenges from day 1 and day 2.