Sunday, March 2, 2014

The Silverware Drawer


Since purchasing our vintage silver-plate flatware a couple years ago and using it daily, I've found the maintenance to be a little more time-consuming than stainless steel, but well worth the simple pleasure of using something so beautiful every day. 


I feel a little backwards - our old stainless steel flatware is tucked away for larger gatherings whereas the silver gets used every day.  But somehow I just never tire of opening the silverware drawer to this view, particularly after it's been freshly polished (smile). 

(I've found this or this natural cleaning technique to be a major time-saver!)  

22 comments:

  1. Very pretty! I've used my Mom's silver for everyday use too, and even though it's a little more work, it sure makes me happy to use it.

    Pam

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  2. That's beautiful... and "new" to me... if you can believe this. I don't know that I have ever thought about taking care of or purchasing real silver to use...let alone for everyday use.

    You always inspire me... now I'm going to be "thinking about this".

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  3. Oh Andrea, I so agree with you:-) There is nothing like the feel and patina of silver that has been used and polished. Nothing breaks my heart more than to see silver sold for scrap to be melted down. Love that you are keeping something so genteel and "civilized" alive:-)

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  4. What gorgeous pieces of silver. There are some things that are just worth the extra work, you know? xo Diana

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  5. Simply Beautiful! My silverware is tucked away...I think it is time to take it out and give it a good polish!

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  6. May mom has a set of silver flatware that I would love to have and use every day. Maybe some day it will be mine...until then I have been looking around for a small set of my own. Still looking for something I can afford! Yours is lovely. Oh...and thanks for the link. :) ~Ann

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  7. Beautiful, beautiful silverware...and you are so right that it should be used and enjoyed every day...something that makes you happy!

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  8. Fell in love with this pattern immediately - do you know the patten name? I have my grandmother;s set of silverplate and my great grandmother's silverplate sugar spoon. The rest of that set was sold long ago but I've collected quite a bit of it. I have a drawer of stainless and a drawer of silverplate plus a flatware chest for my collections, hah. And now I want to collect this pattern. I do use them all often.

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    1. Hi Barbara, yes, the pattern is Royal Rose by Oneida Nobility Plate (circa 1939). How wonderful to have your grandmother's silver! What patterns are they? The only matching pattern I have is Royal Rose but I have a little collection of mismatched silver too... I use them all the time!

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    2. I have been considering doing this also....other than polishing it how do you clean it daily? Do you put it in the dishwasher? I need to know the pros and cons please!

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    3. Thanks for the info! My grandmother's pattern is Rosalie 1938 Wm. A Rogers. My great-grandmother's pattern is La Concorde 1910 Wm. A. Rogers. I also enjoy pretty teaspoons to display in my great-grandmother's spooner (a glass vase for teaspoons that was always in the center of her table). Such a fun post, thanks!

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    4. Hi Lulusparkles, Ideally I think the silver should be washed by hand; however, technically it is dishwasher safe and I have been known to put it in the dishwasher many times when I'm in a hurry. I refer to my Martha Stewart handbook, where she says to not use the dry cycle in the dishwasher but dry instead by hand; use a gentle detergent and reduce the amount; and never put silver plate in with stainless steel as a reaction can cause damage. There are certain foods that can cause reactions too, like eggs and anything acidic, so I rinse quickly after contact with those foods. Even taking those factors into account though, I still find it does tarnish after several months but using the aluminum/baking soda cleaning method (linked above in the post) is a quick and effective remedy. All in all, I think there are many more pros than cons!

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    5. Barbara, those are lovely patterns! I love that you use an antique spooner too just as she did - how special.

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  9. My silver is only brought out for special occasions. I think it needs to be used more often. Thanks for the inspiration (and the links on keeping it clean)!

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  10. I agree with you. Discovering the easy salt & baking soda method was the game changer for me. I love my silverplated flatware and assorted pieces. Polishing and heavy tarnish...not so much. Now I use it daily and cleaning it is a breeze! Your flatware drawer is so pretty.

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  11. Andrea, I would use it every day too. It is so lovely. I love how your drawers look. Makes me want to reorganize mine immediately. Hee hee
    xoxo
    Lisa
    Leeshideaway.blogspot.com

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  12. Thanks so very much for all the info, I appreciate it!!

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  13. I think you have it right! By using this silverware everyday, you are creating memories for your family. One day this set will be a precious reminder of you to your children.
    Have a great week!

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  14. It's such a beautifully dainty pattern, how could you not want to use everyday? :)

    Heather @ GreenWay Home

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  15. Gorgeous rosey details! Now I wish for silverware....
    Thanks fpr the silver cleaning tips – they'll come in handy for my jewelry.

    London Marble Polishing

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  16. I think it's wonderful that you use your silver every day!! Why have something so beautiful sitting in a drawer waiting for a special occasion?? : )

    ~ Wendy
    http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  17. Your silverware is lovely. Those vintage designs are so pretty! I'm going to try your cleaning method. Great post!

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