Adding a Little Bling to French Country with Silver

French Country design is known for its effortless blend of comfort and elegance,
featuring things with a timeworn patina, whether it's a painted cupboard or a hazy mirror.

What better way to incorporate this aged beauty than with old silver.

Just look at the gorgeous detail on the edge of this silver tray. 

I'm no expert on silver but I know what I like. 

I've recently started adding to my silver collection

 and I find I love the sparkle it adds to a room of soft muted colors. 

This beautiful water pitcher is a perfect vase to hold dried hydrangeas on my mantle.

The wonderful thing about silver is it can look as if it's been passed down for generations 

(if you let it tarnish) or like it's shiny and new (if you polish it). 

Either way, it adds depth and beauty to your rooms.

I actually enjoy polishing my silver and watching the gleaming shine reveal itself  as 

I wipe off the black tarnish. Cheap plastic gloves will protect your hands from turning black too. 

I found this out the hard way.

Most of my silver pieces are actually silver plate -- a thin coating of silver fused to a metal, 

usually copper or nickel underneath. Silver plate is less expensive than sterling silver.

I like to tuck silver candlesticks in here and there and mix in sugar bowls with old books.

One of my favorite silver pieces is this little creamer I found at Goodwill for a couple of dollars. 

I couldn't even see the design when I bought it, it was so tarnished.

What a joy it was to discover an "S" monogram, which happens to be my last name.

I also adore this large loving cup. It's engraved "Coors Handicap 1961." 

A yard sale bargain, I let this piece tarnish lightly because I prefer the nostalgic feel it evokes.

These little stemmed dishes are very inexpensive at thrift stores or estate sales 

and are great to hold all kinds of things like a candle or these old doorknobs.

I bought this charming toast holder at a London flea market years ago. 

Now it holds bills to pay or I'll be toast!!

A reproduction Sheffield, England silver shell makes a unique spoon rest on the stove.

In the bedroom, I display silver items such as a small covered dish (for earrings maybe?), 

an ornate butler's dust pan and brush to sweep away crumbs on the dining table, 

and a silver-colored Avon jar embossed with a woman's head. 

I know it's not real silver but thought she was so pretty.

Pretty vintage silver adds a bit of bling to muted palettes 

and seems to bring reflected moonlight into your rooms.

Here's a detail of the dust pan. Too lovely for crumbs!

Cool to the touch, old silver adds warm provincial charm to any room.

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