I’ve always believed our homes are living reflections of who we are.
Back in my teaching days, whenever parent-teacher nights rolled around, I’d take a keen interest in the small details of the lounge or reception area.
One family might have polished photos framed neatly, while another displayed an eclectic mix of figurines on every shelf.
Even as a young educator, I noticed how certain décor choices could subtly influence the mood of a space.
Now, in my retirement, I find myself inviting friends and family into my own home more often. It’s given me a chance to reflect on what I’ve learned from etiquette experts over the years — and I’ve realized there are a few “knick-knacks” that many refined (and yes, classy) folks simply choose not to keep around.
In this article, I’ll share 8 specific items that etiquette experts consistently advise us to avoid displaying, whether we’re hosting a casual Sunday get-together or a formal dinner party.
1. Tattered or overly sentimental trinkets
I get it: we all have items with emotional ties — keepsakes from a long-ago trip or a dear family member.
But there’s a difference between treasuring something meaningful and cluttering your space with old, worn-out knick-knacks that may have lost their aesthetic appeal (and sometimes their sentimental value too).
Etiquette experts will often suggest reframing or restoring truly cherished items rather than letting them gather dust.
If you want to preserve nostalgia, try scanning and printing old photos in a fresh format or sewing a quilt from inherited fabrics. That way, you’re giving these memories a second life without letting them sit neglected on a shelf.
I remember years ago, a student gave me a small, hand-carved elephant figurine — its trunk was chipped, but it represented the gratitude of a young man who’d finally found his voice in class discussions.
Instead of letting it become part of an endless décor menagerie, I fixed it up, placed it in a modest glass case, and made it a conversation piece.
The point is to honor the story behind the item, not let it blend into a sea of clutter.
2. Fake collector’s memorabilia
I’m not talking about fun little replicas or playful souvenirs you might have picked up on vacation.
I mean those items that purport to be the “real deal” but are actually cheap knock-offs.
According to a dear friend of mine who used to work for a well-known auction house, passing off replicas as genuine is a quick way to appear less than authentic to visitors with a discerning eye.
If you truly admire a famous painting or historical artifact but can’t afford an original (let’s be honest, who among us can?), it’s perfectly fine to own and display a clearly labeled reproduction.
Authenticity is key.
If you ever decide to show off that “signed by the artist” poster that isn’t actually signed by the artist, you’re setting yourself up for an awkward moment if a knowledgeable guest calls you out.
Better to display a straightforward print or something you’ve created yourself.
3. Offensive or gag-oriented souvenirs
We’ve all seen them: novelty items from certain beach boardwalks or “funny” gag gifts intended to get a laugh at a party.
These items might be good for a quick chuckle, but classy homeowners know that objects with crude humor, offensive logos, or borderline inappropriate language can make guests feel uncomfortable.
Etiquette experts advise a “less is more” approach — if a piece of décor could potentially offend, it’s probably best to leave it out.
When my older son was in college, he once brought home a silly shot glass printed with a brash slogan. It lived in the back of the cupboard for years, rarely seeing the light of day.
Eventually, I realized it was just taking up space, and it certainly didn’t align with the warm, inviting vibe I wanted to create for friends dropping by.
I passed it along to someone who collected novelty glassware (with a heads-up about its content), ensuring it found a more appreciative home.
4. Dusty, decaying artificial plants
I’ll confess: there was a time when I thought silk flowers were the height of sophistication.
They seemed convenient — always bright and blooming, never needing water.
Then I realized how quickly they gather dust and how challenging they can be to clean.
Etiquette and interior design pros emphasize natural, low-maintenance plants over artificial greenery. Even the best imitation flowers can’t replicate the feel, texture, or gentle movement of real plants.
Of course, if you have allergies or an aversion to gardening, you might still keep an artificial arrangement or two. But it’s essential to clean them regularly and ensure they still look vibrant.
A wilted, dust-laden plastic plant can make a room feel stale.
If you must go faux, consider high-quality greenery that’s easier to wipe down, or rotate it out with fresh cut flowers on special occasions.
5. Oversized collections that lose their impact
Some of us love to collect — spoons, magnets, stamps, pottery, figurines… you name it.
And there’s nothing inherently wrong with collecting.
The trouble arises when a collection overtakes your living space, leaving guests feeling overwhelmed or even claustrophobic. A home should feel welcoming, not like a cramped museum dedicated to one specific theme.
I’ve figured out that for our own inner peace, we need to create a balanced environment that sparks joy without dominating the senses.
I’ve seen dear friends, especially fellow retirees, scale down their collections to a few favorite pieces that best represent their passion.
This approach highlights the stories behind each piece without cluttering tables, shelves, and walls. If you can carefully curate your most precious items, your space will remain classy, and your collectibles will stand out in the best possible way.
6. Outdated technology (gathering dust)
Remember those old VHS tapes of family events or the dusty DVD player that hasn’t been plugged in since 2008?
If these items aren’t actively used or functioning, etiquette experts say it’s time to store them properly or let them go.
A sleek, modern home aesthetic often calls for eliminating tech clutter and streamlining your digital environment. Even if your décor style leans more traditional than modern, there’s no reason to keep obsolete equipment front and center.
In my own home, I discovered a small tower of CDs from my teaching days. Many were reference materials and old recordings of choral performances by my students.
While they held sentimental value, letting them gather dust next to the TV wasn’t doing them justice. I digitized what I wanted to keep and donated the rest.
Now, those memories are stored securely, and I’ve freed up space in my living room for fresh décor accents—and perhaps a new reading lamp for those cozy evenings with a good book.
7. Loud, tacky advertising paraphernalia
You’d be surprised how many homes still feature promotional posters, calendars, or random freebies from conferences and bank giveaways.
While a local pizza joint’s magnet on the fridge might be practical, entire walls adorned with brand logos or corporate slogans can cheapen the ambiance.
Instead, you should use subtle, tasteful elements to showcase your interests or affiliations rather than plastering them across your living spaces.
In my volunteer work with a local community literacy program, we occasionally receive donated items from sponsors—T-shirts, mugs, pens.
I use some of them behind the scenes or pass them on to volunteers who might want them, but I typically don’t decorate my house with brand-laden freebies.
If your personal style is more whimsical or modern pop art, that’s one thing. But if you’re striving for a refined, warm environment, consider limiting ad-based or corporate décor to the home office or storage closet.
8. Excessive seasonal décor (left up all year)
Finally, but perhaps most importantly, no one wants to walk into a living room in July only to be greeted by a sad-looking Christmas wreath.
While celebrating the holidays can be fun, and some folks go all out for Halloween or Valentine’s Day, etiquette experts advise removing holiday items promptly when the season has passed.
This habit keeps your home feeling tidy and fresh.
I like to think that curating what’s on display — whether seasonal or everyday décor — helps us remain open, flexible, and connected to the present moment.
When my grandchildren visit around the holidays, we certainly enjoy putting out gingerbread-scented candles and festive lights.
But I’ve learned (the hard way) that once we roll past the festivities, those decorations should head back into storage. A timeless home aesthetic shines best when it’s not overshadowed by out-of-season garlands or novelty décor.
Wrapping up
The truth is, what we choose to keep in our homes says a lot about our self-expression, our values, and our sense of community.
I’ve found that simplifying my décor — and saying goodbye to certain knick-knacks — has freed me to focus on the things that truly matter:
Spending quality time with family, staying active in volunteer work, and creating a cozy environment where loved ones feel welcome.
So, take a look around your home.
Are there any items on this list lurking in the shadows?
If so, consider whether they’re bringing you joy — or whether they’re simply gathering dust. Sometimes, the most meaningful shift isn’t a massive renovation, but a thoughtful purge of the objects that no longer serve us.
I’d love to hear your thoughts:
What knick-knacks have you parted ways with recently, and how did it feel to let them go?
Let me know — and remember, it’s never too late to refresh your surroundings with a touch of class and a hint of warmth.
