Who gets Grandma’s yellow pie plate?

A one-hour workshop on passing down personal possessions (and avoiding family feuds!)

You know what’s more likely to tear a family apart than money? Stuff.

The yellow pie plate. The old clock on the mantel. The quilt that’s been in the family for generations. These everyday objects hold meaning, and when there’s no plan for who gets what, things can get messy. (And not just emotionally—hello, legal battles.)

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

This workshop will help you navigate the tricky process of passing down belongings—without burning bridges.

Your family’s stuff is important, so let’s talk about it!

  • Grandma's pitcher used at every Sunday dinner

  • Great Auntie Annie's Antique Toy Collection

  • Uncle Bill's photos from after the Vietnam War

  • Grandpa's watch that somehow still works

  • Second Cousin Jackie's button collection

  • Great Grandpa's woodworking tools

  • Uncle TJ's military medals

  • Mom's diary from college during the civil rights movement

So what happens to your stuff after you die?

A lamp, a teapot, or grandma’s favorite chair—who knew these items could cause such family drama? Personal items hold deep sentimental value, and without a plan, they can spark the biggest disagreements. Let’s talk about how to keep things peaceful.

And why does this matter?

Personal possessions cause more family drama than money—seriously, it’s not the big bank accounts that spark the most tension, it’s the sentimental stuff.

Yet, 6 in 10 people don’t have a plan for who gets what, leaving their loved ones to figure it out (and often argue) after they’re gone. And if you’re thinking, “Just divide everything equally,”—well, that’s about as clear as a foggy windshield. Without a plan, even the smallest things can turn into the biggest conflicts.

What You’ll Learn in the Grandma’s Pie Plate Workshop

✅ How to start the conversation—without it getting weird.
Talking about who gets what can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. You’ll learn practical, low-pressure ways to bring up the topic with your family and keep the conversation meaningful instead of uncomfortable.

✅ What happens if you don’t plan ahead (spoiler: chaos).
Without a plan, even the smallest items—a pie plate, a rocking chair, or a holiday tablecloth—can lead to major family disputes. We’ll explore real-life scenarios and discuss how to avoid unnecessary stress, confusion, and conflict.

✅ Worksheets & resources to help you plan like a pro.
You’ll get hands-on tools to help you document your wishes, communicate with your loved ones, and create a clear plan that reflects what matters most to you. Whether you’re just starting or fine-tuning an existing plan, these resources will make the process smoother and more intentional.

But what is it like, really? Here’s what some participants have said…

  • Not only was Caitlin's Yellow Pieplate workshop useful, it was also entertaining, poignant and thoughtfully presented. She effectively wove in storytelling to convey her information. The handouts that I could access afterwards were definitely helpful and I anticipate using them with my parents to facilitate conversations about their many possessions. I also learned from the other participants. Everyone was engaged and informative. I would highly recommend this workshop for anyone who wants to start a conversation with loved ones about honoring their legacy after they pass.

    Paula Duran, online workshop participant

  • I attended Caitlin's Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate workshop which was one of the best workshops I have attended in years. It helped me to begin my estate planning discussions with my family in a meaningful and constructive way. Her handouts were especially helpful. Caitlin is a gifted speaker with enthusiasm, humor and knowledge that is contagious. I have come back again and again to her workshops, and learn more each time. I highly recommend Caitlin's workshops and her work as a mediator.

    L.D., online workshop participant

Hi 👋 I’m Caitlin.

I’m a mediator, conflict coach, and trainer dedicated to helping people navigate tough conversations with clarity and confidence. I founded Future Focus Mediation + Coaching because I believe conflict isn’t about winning or losing—it’s about understanding, repair, and transformation. I know we can move through disagreements without burning bridges (or setting the whole house on fire).

I’m so glad you’re here.

 FAQs

  • Anyone who wants to plan for the transfer of personal belongings—whether you’re making decisions for your own possessions or helping a loved one navigate the process. It’s great for individuals, families, caregivers, and even professionals who assist with estate planning.

  • No, this is an educational workshop designed to help you think through and communicate your wishes. While we’ll cover best practices for planning, this is not legal advice. You may still want to consult an estate attorney for formal legal guidance.

  • That’s exactly why this workshop exists! We’ll go over practical, low-pressure ways to start the conversation without making it awkward (or causing a family feud).

  • Not quite—but you will leave with worksheets, tools, and a clear next step for making a plan that fits your situation. This workshop gives you the foundation to take action with confidence.

  • Yes! Many wills don’t provide specific instructions for personal belongings, which can lead to confusion and disputes. This workshop helps ensure your wishes for sentimental items are clear and honored.

  • There are in-person options listed on the landing page above the FAQ section. If you prefer to learn on your own time, you can also download a free, self-paced version of the workshop—just scroll up to download it!