My Vintage Silver Flatware Collection

In the late 19th and early 20th century silver was used for elaborate place settings and elegant dinner parties. Could you image the luminous silver place settings back in the day where every meal was served with an array of multiple silver forks, spoons, knives and dinnerware! The art of dining reached new levels with lavish dinner parties and impressive cutlery patterns. Styles became more ornate and inspiration was derived from interior design and architecture. 

Vintage Silver Plated Flatware

I have been collecting antique silver flatware for a few years. Vintage silverware has unique history. Whether it be from an old hotel, have a families monogram engraved on them or an elaborate floral design, these pieces are so enjoyable to collect. I get excited when I see a bin full of them at an antique show all tarnished and ready to be cleaned! When I come home I immediately wipe away the years of tarnish with Wright’s Silver Cream to reveal the white silver glimmer of each design! They are for the most part reasonably priced, anywhere from $1.00 to $5.00 each piece depending on age, pattern and condition of the cutlery. There are vendors which sell rare and pricier vintage flatware but I stick to the economical priced pieces. Styling place settings with vintage flatware creates an elevated dinner party table scape. When arranging, I like to mix and match designs for an added eclectic look. When I treasure hunt for them, I am drawn to distinctive ornamented designs. Whatever your style, you will discover pieces with elaborate engravings, floral patterns, monograms and plenty of charm. Your tablescape will sparkle and it makes for a great conversation piece. When hosting casual gatherings, I like to arrange them in mason jars, depression glass or small vases with their ornate handle designs up and visible. 

Mix and match ornate designs.

For casual gatherings, arrange in depression glass.

How To Care For Your Antique Silver Flatware?

1. Wash your sterling silver immediately after each use. Hand wash is recommended.

2. The best way to avoid tarnish is to use your silverware. Certain foods that contain sulfides such as eggs, fruit juices, tomatoes, vinegar, ketchup and salt shouldn’t remain on silverware very long. 

3. The Silver polish recommended to me is Wright’s Silver Cream. Use a very soft cloth and avoid excess rubbing. 

4. Store your silver flatware in clean drawer free of moisture in flannel flatware rolls.  

They make one of a kind gifts.

A vintage collection of silver place settings make the perfect one of a kind gift. (Bridal Showers)

I hope to inspire you the next time your are at an antique show, flea market or thrift store to pick up a few mix and match silver pieces and build your own collection of history. 

Thank you for visiting!