Do you have a special set of silverplate cutlery tucked away in a velvet-lined box, only brought out for Christmas, guests, or “best”?
Or perhaps a silver-plated tea service sitting quietly in a cabinet or on a sideboard, waiting for an occasion that never quite arrives?
I used to think this way too.
In my family, it always seemed that the nicest things — the formal things, the expensive things, the fancy things — were not for everyday life. They were reserved for guests, for special dinners, for holidays.
But after dealing in vintage for over twenty years, I’ve seen just how many beautiful objects never get used at all. And silverware sits very near the top of that list.
So here’s why I use my silverware every day — and why I think you should too.
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1. It’s beautiful
Setting a table with bright, polished silver instantly lifts even the most humble meal. A simple dinner feels considered. A cup of tea poured from a silver-plate teapot feels like a small ceremony. Beauty, even in tiny daily doses, has a way of changing the tone of a day.
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2. It’s hard to break
Silverware is wonderfully robust. Properly cared for, it can last generations — and can even be re-plated if needed. I’ve bent the odd fork, and I’ve lost a Bakelite teapot handle or two (try not to drop things!), but overall, old silverware is far sturdier than people expect.
It’s also surprisingly good for children’s tea parties — and far nicer poolside than plastic.
3. It’s easy to wash
Yes, you can put silverplate in the dishwasher, but I usually hand-wash mine. A quick soak, a gentle wash, a rinse, and air-dry — done. It’s no more work than everyday cutlery, and often less fuss than people imagine.
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4. Polishing is meditative
Silver polishing is one of those quietly satisfying tasks. I find it calming, especially when working on a piece that’s quite tarnished — the before and after can be remarkable. It’s almost as satisfying as making over a piece of furniture.
It’s also a lovely school-holiday activity for children or grandchildren… just promise them a tea party when it’s finished.
There’s also the bicarb method, which feels a little bit like a science experiment. Line the sink with aluminium foil, place the silver pieces inside, sprinkle generously with bicarbonate of soda, then carefully pour over boiling water. The tarnish transfers from the silver to the foil, and it’s genuinely fascinating to watch — especially for older children. It’s a wonderful way to combine curiosity, learning, and caring for old things.
5. It’s kinder on sensitive teeth
I can often “taste” stainless steel, and my teeth can react to it much like they do to food wrapped in aluminium foil (yes, chocolate included). Silverplate cutlery doesn’t seem to affect me the same way, making everyday meals noticeably more comfortable.
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6. It starts conversations
I use one cutlery set from the 1920s and another that was a wedding gift in 1990. They always spark stories — where they came from, who used them before, and why they matter. In fact we just used our wedding silver this Christmas and it got my twenty year old asking about our wedding day. Silverware carries memory beautifully.
7. It catches the light
Even sitting in a cupboard, silver adds sparkle and depth alongside china and glass. On a table, paired with candles or soft light, it glows. It reminds us that everyday life is worthy of care.
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So tell me — do you use silverware every day?
Or do you have a favourite piece with a story of its own?
Perhaps today is the day to take it out of the cupboard.
Deb💋