Saturday, January 23, 2010

Sharing my Silver with you

It is Silver Sunday and welcome to my post. Thank you for stopping by for a visit. By the way, for those who have visited before, please note the name change, hope that you like it. Also, please be sure to say hello to Beth, our glittering hostess, at http://thegypsyfish.blogspot.com and the other participating "Silver Sunday Sistas" to see all the silver fun.

I call this photo "Silver Icicles on a Winter's Day"

As a caterer, I am always picking up serving pieces to use, brand new, lawn sale or thrift store finds. Here is a sample of silver ladles or gravy spoons. The first spoon pictured on the bottom is just marked stainless. The second spoon, my favorite in its simplicity, is stamped Viners of Sheffield England, Empire Stainless Steel. The third spoon is marked Japan with Pageant, Stainless Harvest. The fourth spoon is marked Rogers or Royers, too small to make out. the biggest spoon at the top, is marked Oneida LTD, Silversmiths.

In my 8th grade literature book, there was a short story about a woman that walks in to a silver shop and requests to be shown their most expensive silver ladle. The proprietor hands the woman a beautiful piece, simple, with no adornments. The woman is offended. The ladle is to be a wedding gift for a very prominent and influential couple. She would be embarrassed to present such a simple and presumably common gift. The owner patiently explained that anyone can create an item covered with embellishments, perhaps unnecessary touches. A rosette or curlicue design may be covering flaws in the piece. It takes true craftsmanship to create a simple and flawless piece thereby making it priceless. I wish I had noted the author's name as I have often told that story to make that same point.

These pieces above, except the cake server, are all marked Oneida LTD Silversmiths and have such a beautiful soft shine. The cake server has no markings and is quite a heavy piece.

The next three pieces are all marked China, and although they are shiny, it is a bright and cheap shin
e. I keep them to use for utilitarian purposes only and don't mind if one of these pieces gets lost.

I love the fork to the left, kind of a crinkle cut design, it is marked Korea. The other 2 pieces are both Cuisinart 18/10 Stainless.

I don't own much silver for my own personal dining table; however, I had purchased these salt and pepper shakers from a large and well known shop in Maine. This was several years after I had been married, still with no formal set of "good china". I had a moment of weakness, thinking that since I was now married and a new home owner, that it was time to start a proper dish collection, meaning from Macy's or some other similar retail establishment. This shaker set is beautiful, and I do love them, but thankfully, they were the only official store bought formal purchase that I have made.

I was married in 1980. I did not have a gift registry on file, again at a store like Macy's. My friends and family were broke, times were tough. I received 3 crock pots and tons of towels among the assorted gifts of home-made pillows, quilts, cook books, can openers and a blender. All those gifts are now gone, all lovingly used. The one gift that remains, was my most cherished gift of all, a silver tray, silver plate to be exact, with a little fork. It is a "party set" produced by Rogers Bros, marked IS, 199, America's Finest Silver Plate. Whenever we entertained, the tray would be used.... for cheese and crackers or nuts or olives. It made me feel like such a proper little hostess. After each use, the tray would be carefully washed, wiped dry and be put back in its box for safe keeping. Needless to say, I now own a substantial collection of trays and other serving pieces, that are large enough for crowds of 40 - 100. But I will always remember how I felt when I would bring out that little tray for the few slices of cheese it would hold and how I dreamed of becoming the hostess that I became.
My last piece of silver, a 25th Silver Anniversary plate.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a chance to say hello. Looking forward to our visit together next Sunday.

26 comments:

Coloradolady said...

What an amazing set of serving silver. And I just love your blog name...very cute! I have many conversations at goodwill...and mostly with myself!! I promised my husband I would not step foot in GW for a whole month...starting yesterday...I don't know how I will make it! Had a blast visiting your blog, and I will be back. Have a wonderful day!!

Simple Home said...

What a wonderful selection of items, and I loved the story you told about the silver ladle. I'm going to share that with my own kids.
Have a wonderful Silver Sunday!
Blessings,
Marcia

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Sherrie great silver pieces and a great story! That is interesting that you do catering! I know it is hard work but you must enjoy it! I'm so glad you changed the name of your blog...I like it!

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

Each item is lovely this week ... however, I particularly enjoyed both of your 'stories' ... great lesson to learn about the plain silver and the personal value behind your first little silver tray is priceless!
Thank you!
xo
Jill

Julie Marie said...

Hello Sherrie, your silver pieces are all beautiful... I love that heavy cake server... but my favorite is your little silver tray that you would serve cheese on, then wash it up and pack it away till the next time... and look at you now! That little tray holds precious memories for you, and you know how I feel about those things, they are priceless! xoxo Julie Marie

Jane said...

I enjoyed seeing all the silver serving pieces. You must have quite a collection as a caterer.
I really enjoyed reading the story about your silver tray. Wonderful memories of a special wedding gift.
Jane

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Sherry
I love your silverware here and the salt and pepper shakers are wonderful... Your story about simple craftmanship is oh so true and reflects the sentiment in the sweet story of your silver tray.. Lovely!!!
Good luck with the Audrey party!! you can't go wrong!! hehe ,, Julie

Vintage Blue Studio said...

I absolutely LOVE the salt and pepper shaker. Nothing at all like my diner-style set, lol!

julie said...

Hi Sherrie, All of your pieces are wonderful, but I love your story of the silver. Great story. Have a great week...julie

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

It was wonderful seeing all the pieces you've collected. The salt and pepper shakers are beautiful but the most precious is that one piece of silver you received as a wedding gift.

Marigene said...

You have some really nice serving pieces, which as a caterer I am sure get used often. I think the salt and pepper shakers would have to be my favorite pieces this week. Thanks for sharing...I really enjoy your blog, therefore I am going to become an avid follower...and as a plus, you are from my neck of the woods, I grew up in Vermont!

FILIGREE MOON said...

What a wonderful story to go along with your super silver post. Don't you just adore silver serving pieces? And the finials in your last photo are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing and for visiting my little space today and leaving such a kind comment. Have a great week! ~ Angela

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Love the new name! and love all your silver pieces. I especially loved that sweet little story!!
Happy SS!
xojanis

alice said...

I love the name! This is my first stop. I am so glad you left me a comment. The gumball machine was a wreck. I was given 2 of them for Christmas presents. Wish I had taken a before and after! HB got them working. I was so proud. Glad you liked it!
smiles, alice

Anonymous said...

Hi Sherrie,
I love your new name. It's perfect! I love your salt and pepper shakers they are so beautiful. I have a few silver serving pieces as well, but your collection is lovely. Have a great week.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Sherrie,
I really enjoyed reading your blog today and looking at your silver pieces. I'm glad that your dream came true and now you are a Hostess.
I'm sure all these perfect pieces really help you to make great presentations.
Thanks for visiting my blog and making such a sweet comment.

Sissie

Sarah said...

I enjoyed your post of silver items. Thanks for sharing the story of the silver gift. I think it is so true! Love the silver salt and pepper!!!!
Happy Silver Sunday! ~ Sarah

Amy Kinser said...

You have some wonderful silver pieces and I loved your stories. Thanks for sharing.

God bless.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

You have quite a nice collection of serving pieces. The anniversary plate is precious. I love things like that...come to my home, and you would see, I am NOT kidding!

Sharlotte said...

Sherrie,
Wow, what a collection you have! They are all so different, unique, beautiful! What a heart warming story of your tray. It is gorgeous and truly special. Thanks so much for sharing!
Sharlotte

Gypsy Fish said...

Your stories are inspiring...I have to say I just love the salt and pepper shakers...
Thanks for coming....see you next Sunday!
{{gypsy hugs}}
Beth

EnchantedBella said...

Hi Sherrie, Your shaker set is beautiful. I have been looking for a silver shaker set and can't seem to find one I like. But I love the hunt so I will keep looking. Happy SS

Rebecca

Kathy said...

Sorry my Sunday Silver visit is so late but I do love your silver post!
xoxo...Kathy

Diane and Kelly said...

Hi Sherri,
Such lovely treasures and even lovlier memories.

Kelly
Second Hand Chicks

CathyH said...

I have many odd pieces of old silver, some from the Victorian era. Your collection is lovely!

Unknown said...

Give me a diamond any day, but since that rarely happens, I'll take a piece of fine and uniquely designed sterling silver chosen by the man i love and given with the affection both the piece and I deserve!