Making memory collections

Making a Memory Collection

Just how do you go about collecting memories? The obvious answer is through a photo album or video tape, but I’d like to offer you some different ideas!

A Cork Collection

A wonderful family that I know quite well has saved the corks from every bottle of wine and champagne that they have opened on special occasions! These corks are collected in a large clear glass bowl and each are inscribed with the date and event. Remembered are occasions such as anniversaries, engagements, birthdays, and promotions. As I look at their bowl overflowing with great memories, I want to start a similar collection immediately!

A Matchbook Collection

Like the bottle corks, a large glass bowl is also a perfect host for a collection of matchbooks, taken from favorite hotels, bars and restaurants. Matches from vacation spots and foreign destinations are even better! Grab a matchbook as you leave, jot the occasion and date inside of the matchbook and drop it into a beautiful glass urn. Before you know it, you’ll have a colorful and sentimental record of special events!

A Unique Guest Book

I LOVE this idea! When having company for a special occasion, don’t set out the usual guest book or sign in poster, but display a pile of polished river rocks – easily purchased at your local craft shop. Next to the rocks, set out paint pens or sharpie markers in pretty colors. (Consider a metallic color ink or a color that complements the guest of honor.) Have each guest inscribe their name onto a rock as they enter your home. After the party, fill a large glass container with all of the personalized rocks and you will be left with a meaningful and stylish remembrance!

A Table Cloth of Memories

My mother has talked about this idea for years, and I was reminded of it recently in a Hallmark magazine article. Purchase a very large plain white tablecloth. Every time that you have company for dinner parties or holidays, have guests sign the tablecloth with an ink pen. After each celebration, embroider what has been written using different thread colors. Add the names and birth dates of new babies, wedding dates for married couples, and dates for special anniversaries. After most of your family and friends have added their signatures to the cloth, you can get creative! For example, “2007 – Summer in Paris” or “John: UVA Class of 2008.”

Even if you aren’t interested in starting one of these collections for yourself, forward this entry to your favorite engaged couple or newlyweds! Right away!! Their memories together and as a family are just beginning!!

Do you have a special family or friends memory collection? I’d love to hear!

Memory Collections