Welcome to the second installment of Country French Design, a monthly multi-blog event.
Today’s topic is French inspired Collections. I love collections of old things, and perhaps my favorite thing to collect is vintage silverware.
Vintage silverware has a French feel to me, even if the silverware isn’t actually from France. But when it is from France, it makes it doubly special. Seeing piles of silver or just a piece here and there, makes me think of France.
I love seeing mounds of silver whether it is on a table ready for a party,
or just hanging out. Now I am not going to put myself out there as a silver expert, but from my experience, the French silver has the detail on the back of the spoons and forks. So they were meant to be put on the table upside down in my American view.
This is a French fork. See what I mean? Isn’t it beautiful?
See how pretty the silver is casually lying about, like you are getting ready for a party?
The silverware below is French.
Of course it’s fun to see the silver sitting on the table,
or perched on food. (Shhhh, I didn’t polish it.)
Here I’ve just put one spoon in a display case.
And below, I have gathered some spoons together for a tea.
So where can you find silver? Lots of places, but I have found the best place price-wise is eBay. Be sure the seller has lots of good feedback, know the return policy, shipping rates, and ask any questions before hand. Then know the maximum amount you are willing to pay.
Now, let’s see what goodies the other country French bloggers collect!!
I sure hope you will visit the other blogs on this country French tour today. So what is your favorite French-like collection?
Your silver collection is beautiful, Anita. I didn’t know they put the pretty detail on the back.
Love your blog. Look forward to it everyday.
Anita..love your amazing collection of silverware…I am in awe of your silverware in the beautiful vignettes that you have created!…and love the fact that there is gorgeous detail on the back of the French silverware…
I love seeing all of your lovely flatware, Anita! There is just something special about vintage silver, isn’t there? I am enjoying being a part of our design group!…hugs…Debbie
I am on yhe hunt for French silver place settings, but the French companies are so expensive! I will just keep waiting and watching. Love all of your French silver!
Pretty…. I have some of mine unpolished as well. I just luv the patina.
Pretty but like it polished.
You are feeding my love for old silver this afternoon. Beautiful photos. I use my small collection frequently. It just makes such has difference in the meal; in the day.
Anita,
What a great collection of French silverware. I love looking at the details on the backs.
Judith
Good morning from Australia Anita,
I love collecting silver as well………….even though I have a modern beach house, I love seeing the table set with it. Mine is mainly family silver but…………if I’m at the markets in Balmain I head there first.
Now…….an easy way to clean silver, forks, jewellery etc.
scrunch foil from the pantry in a tray or bowl ( or sink)
place silver on top
sprinkle liberally with bi-carb soda
pour boiling water from kettle on top
the result is instant!!! and no more products for cleaning…..and I think it would be a lot healthier as we put the fork in our mouth…….
hope this helps to make your silver easier to enjoy…………
Susan
This has been fun visiting the different collections. I LOVE old silver, too. I have some inherited pieces and some I have picked up along the way. It makes me feel connected to the past somehow. I love using it for a party. You have some really wonderful pieces! o Diana
Johnson bros Rose Chintz! I have a full set also! Love that old pattern. And I’m an old silver lover too. Carry on. Great post!
I love, love, love vintage silverware too, Anita! I have been looking to build a collection of different styles of silver teaspoons. Have been hitting the estate sales but now I will check ebay too! Thank you for this post!
Beautiful vignettes, Anita. The warmth of vintage and antique silver is for me a favorite addition to a table. You have some lovely pieces! I’ve brought back vintage silver flatware from France, but my favorite silver finds at French markets are the silver napkin rings I’ve collected over the years. The French napkin rings are wider and heavier than most. They even look pretty stacked in bowl when not in use in a table setting.
Your pictures are simply beautiful Anita, and I love those little spoons
Sharon
x
Really enjoying this series, PINNED a few images. Love old silver pieces. Now that I have a brace I can go back to hunting around for items!!!!
Cynthia
Anita,
Gorgeous French silverware, dear friend!!!
I never knew that the backs were decorative. . .
you can be sure I’ll be on the look~out next shopping trip!
I love the silver spoon in the frame!!!
French collections. . .hm~m~m. . .I don’t think I have any. . .yet! (wink!)
Fondly,
Pat
your beautiful collection is wonderful. Every p[photo a piece of art. Hugs!
I’m LOVING the photograph of the fork in the strawberries! I really enjoyed you pointing out the details in the French silver…I am not fortunate enough to have any French pieces, but I think I will start looking now! I have always loved my silver pieces and I prefer the slightly tarnished look…a little more casual.
Thanks for sharing a beautiful post.
judypimperl.blogspot.com
Beautiful, Anita! I love old silver too.
xx,
Sherry
Hola Anita!
Soy una fiel seguidora tuya desde que te encontré.
Me encanta la sencillez y el gusto con el que tratas la decoración o cualquier otro tema.
Tus fotos son preciosas, tú casa me encanta y tú gusto lo alabo.
Me gustaría comentar que he viajado varias veces a Francia, en concreto la zona de Bretaña y Normandía.
En Bretaña tenemos familia y SI… los cubiertos los ponen boca abajo cuando se pone la mesa.
Me llamo mucho la atención en un principio, no lo entendía. Ahora se porque, sus cubiertos son tan hermosos que los colocan así para que se vean.
Un abrazo ::
Loli
Hi Anita!
I am a faithful follower of yours since I found you.
I love the simplicity and ease with which you treat decoration or any other issue.
Your photos are beautiful, I love your house and you gladly praise.
I would comment that I have traveled several times to France, specifically the area of Brittany and Normandy.
In Britain we have family and covered IF … put them upside down when the table is set.
I call a lot of attention at first, did not understand. Now because your covered are so beautiful that place and to make them look.
A hug 🙂
Loli