As the days grow shorter and the fall shadows grow longer we all turn our thoughts to the upcoming holidays. This past weekend my thoughts turned out to be two day re-do of the cottage. Am I ready for the holidays? No not yet, there will be more "re-doing". I am sure of that. Time to pull out some favorite items that have been stored and work them into my rooms. Especially silver. Antique silver and silver plate add that little "extra touch" to most any room. Pile all your silver napkin rings in a big silver bowl for an instant centerpiece. Fill large urns, coffee pots, or champagne buckets with hydrangeas or fall branches for impact. To reduce your time cleaning silver; just wipe on a good quality polish and let it dry. When dry buff with a very soft cotton rag. I love old flannel sheets or fabric that is cut into 8' x 8" squares. This method requires much less time and polishing. In my silver cleaning basket along with my flannel pieces I also have a container of cotton swabs and a soft baby's toothbrush. These pieces come in handy for small areas, handles, and detailed designs. If you have sterling silver pieces where the hallmarks are no longer easy to see; try dipping the end of a wooden match (the square end) into polish then place over the marks twisting slowly. You may need to do this several times to fully clean the marks. A cotton swab can help finish the job too. Below are so pictures of antique silver I enjoyed; hope you will also!
(photo by Jennifer Jordan)
(Designer Toby Marks--Southern Accents)
Pale pink roses, evergreens, and one of my silver French timbales
(photo by me)
