Friday, April 29, 2016

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!



42 comments:

  1. I love silver and use it daily. Things tarnish more easily here by the seaside, but it's still worth the effort for the warmth and that 'glow' that silver imparts.

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    1. Thanks for visiting. I didn't know silver tarnished more by the sea. Thanks for the info. I think it's just as pretty when it's tarnished.

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  2. Pat, these are all items I love and have as part of my silver and silverplate collection too! I use the compotes as both vessels and stands (both right side up and upside down, depending on whether I need a bowl or flat surface). Napkin rings are my weakness, and apparently toast racks are too. Every time I get into my vitrine for my silver, they come tumbling out, and it's like a puzzle getting them to fit back in so I can shut the door. Maybe I should think about selling a few of those, ya think?? :)

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    1. Hi Rita, you always make me laugh. Thanks for the tip about putting stands upside down; would have never thought of that. Yeah, maybe sell just a couple??

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  3. Love your silver collection, you have so many lovely pieces. A few months ago I found 3 silver plate pitchers at one time. I shouldn't have but I bought all three but no regrets. After seeing your toast rack one is going on my "wanted" list.

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    1. Thanks Sharon. I would have bought all three pitchers too. Good luck on finding a toast rack. I'm not sure if we use them in the US but I'm sure they turn up here now and then.

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  4. I just love silver too! I have collected more flatware, but have a few nice pieces of silver - punch bowl, platters, pitcher, etc! Your collection makes me want to add to mine - how addictive, and better than them melting it down! I was reading an article on that, and it made me sick as craftsmen will never make these beautiful pieces again.

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    1. Oh dear, I can't imagine melting down old silver. More for us to collect!

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  5. Love the beautiful photos in your post! Your silver certainly does add charm to each room in which you have placed it. That old loving cup is so perfect as a container for the hydrangea. You've certainly given me some thoughts on what to do with my own pieces.

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    1. Thank so much Lynn. I'm sure your collection is so pretty too.

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  6. What a wonderful silver collection, Pat. You have many unique pieces.
    Have a great week.

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  7. I love your collection and how you use it throughout the house. I have an addiction to silver, too. It's like a magnet calling my name at the thrift store. Do I really need one more silver creamer? Why yes I do! Thanks for sharing. Pinning it :-)

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    1. Thanks for visiting Tammy. You can never have too many silver creamers!

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  8. Beautiful pieces Pat. I cannot believe it about the one you found at a Thrift Store. I know I donate a lot of old stuff but to get rid of that? Wow, so glad you rescued it!

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    1. Thanks Christine. It's funny how much old silver you see once you start watching for it!

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  9. So pretty!
    So happy to have you sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  10. Oh my, such wonderful treasures you have. I have been shopping for a loving cup or trophy to use in my home for such a long time now, yours is beautiful, as is that embossed little jewelry box. I would be so honored if you would stop by Celebrate Your Story! link party and share your lovely collection. Here is the link: http://celebrateanddecorate.com/celebrate-story-24/ I hope we see you there!

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  11. I use a toast holder the same way on my kitchen desk :). My new obsession is collecting silver plate coasters. I love your spoon rest, now I want one!

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  12. Beautiful! You've given me some ideas for using and enjoying the few pieces of silver I have inherited. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. You are speaking my language! I also use a small glass loaf pan with it's silver frame/basket, as a spot beside my sink for soap and scrubbies. An ice bucket holds flowers on our center table, an odd footed sugar bowl holds a nest and bird on our sideboard. I could go on all day, but you get the picture :^)
    Thank you so much for this post and a new idea or two!!
    On a side note, the spoon in your first picture, is my silver pattern. I have a monster set after all these years, and of course no one in my family is interested in having it :^( Oh well, I will use it until I can't, and then it will be their problem!
    Blessings to you,
    J

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    1. Hi J, Thanks for sharing your silver collection. Sounds so pretty. BTW if you ever want to sell some of your silverware, please let me know. I have plenty of spoons but am n need of regular forks. Happy May!

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  14. Absolutely gorgeous. I love your beautiful silver collection and your very creative vignettes. Thanks so much for sharing your collection with Talk of the Town.

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  15. Absolutely gorgeous. I love your beautiful silver collection and your very creative vignettes. Thanks so much for sharing your collection with Talk of the Town.

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  16. I love silver too, bud sadly when we downsized I was not in a "loving silver" state of mind and I gave a lot away. I do still have a few favorite pieces left.

    Thanks for sharing this lovely post with SYC.

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    1. How many times have I given something away and then wished I still had it when I renew my love for it! Thanks for visiting.

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  17. You have a wonderful silver collection. You really got them for good prices and I like how you use the pieces all over your house.

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  18. Love all of these beautiful Silver,pieces?

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    1. Pieces! That want supposed to be a question. Can't type too well on my phone!

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    2. Thanks Angelina. No worries about typos. Hugs,

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  19. This is really beautiful! I inherited a full coffee and tea set from my aunt and hate to say this but it took me years to fully appreciate it. Now I love to pull the pieces out and use them much like you have. The silver adds a beautiful sparkle.

    Thanks so much for sharing at Thoughts of Home. :)

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  20. You have some beautiful pieces! I have picked up a few here and there and love pulling them out now and then. I also love finding odds and ends of tarnished silverware. I actually love it tarnished. Love your monogrammed piece and the loving cup. Thanks for sharing your collection with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks Jann. Silver seems to be making a come back. Glad you're enjoying yours.

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  21. Your silver collection is just stunning, Pat. I think I'm in love with your loving cup :) Oh, if I could find one of those at a garage sale...Thanks for linking up your posts with Vintage Charm! Pinning and Facebooking.

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  22. Hey Diana, thanks so much for your sweet comments. Don't give up...there's a loving cup out there with your name on it!

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