45 Vintage Silverware Decorating Ideas | Dabbling & Decorating (2024)

Vintage Silverware

Vintage or antique silverware is a cherished and elegant addition to any dining experience. These exquisite pieces of cutlery, often made from sterling silver or silver-plated materials, carry a sense of history and craftsmanship. From intricately designed patterns to the weight and feel of each utensil, vintage silverware captures the essence of a bygone era.

What is antique silverware?

“Vintage” typically refers to items at least 20 years old, while “antique” usually applies to items over 100 years old. Vintage silverware encompasses various styles, patterns, and origins, each with its unique story.

Vintage Sterling Silverware Collections

I have two favorite sterling silverware collections that I enjoy decorating with so very much. One I inherited, and the other I thrifted.

My Mother’s Sterling Silverware

My favorite is the vintage sterling silverware set that I inherited from my parents. It was given to them approximately 70 years ago as a wedding present. My mother collected and added to the original collection over the years. I treasure it dearly and have often shared it on my table settings. As you can see from the organization in the box, we use it quite regularly.

Pro Tip: To prevent tarnishing, return sterling silverware to an airtight box when not in use. That is why most sterling silverware sets come with a storage box.

Order of the Eastern Star Vintage Silverware

My second vintage sterling silverware collection was found at Vintage Market Days last year. It is a set from the “Order of the Eastern Star.” You may learn and see more in the Order of the Eastern Star Amidst This Vintage Market Haul post.

I recently picked up more “OES” vintage silverware to add to my collection; see more in this Vintage Marketplace: Infinite Unique Decor post.

Vintage Sterling Silverware Table Ideas

Everyday Use

I use my sterling silverware as our everyday cutlery—my mother did, too. I even throw it into the dishwasher daily. And I polish it about every couple of years.

Vintage sterling silverware is not as high maintenance as one may believe.

Silverware Table Settings

Mix and Match

Have you ever considered mixing and matching vintage silverware patterns for a charming, eclectic table setting look? If you like this style, it will make the thrill of collecting various flatware patterns more fun and creative for you.

I mostly use my sterling silverware patterns on my tables. Here are a few table settings you may enjoy:

With my mother’s vintage silverware

With “Order of the Eastern Star”

How to Polish Vintage Sterling Silverware

The best way to polish vintage sterling silverware is to gather the necessary supplies:

Lay the soft cloth on a clean, flat surface and place the silverware on it. Apply a small amount of silver polishing cream or polish onto the cloth and gently rub it onto the silverware using back-and-forth motions, covering all areas, including handles and patterns.

A soft-bristle toothbrush dipped in polish can be used for intricate patterns or hard-to-reach areas. Rinse the silverware under running water to remove excess polish, then pat dry with a soft cloth.

Finally, use a clean portion of the cloth to buff and shine the silverware in circular motions. Inspect for any remaining tarnished areas and repeat the process if necessary. Proper storage in a dry, tarnish-resistant box, cloth, or pouch is recommended to minimize future tarnishing.

There are many different sterling silverware polish creams available today. I have found that they all work equally well.

You may also enjoy the How to Safely Bring Age Stained Textiles Back to Life post.

Thrifting with the Gals

It’s the third Thursday of the month, and that means it’s time forThrifting with the Gals. The time when the gals and I all get together to share our favorite monthly thrifted finds with you, along with a few tips and tricks in vintage home decorating.

We are excited to welcome back our guest host, Cindy of County Road 407, this month. Cindy shares How to Mix Charming Old Finds with New Pieces in Home Decor, which I know you will love!

Thrifting with the Gals’ Blog Posts

Vintage Silverware Craft Ideas

With a little creativity, you can transform your vintage silverware into functional and decorative pieces that add a touch of charm to your home or garden.

Vintage Silverware Box

Look for vintage cutlery boxes in your thrifting travels, too. I found this cute red one while I was out antiquing in Maine this winter with Molly in Maine. See more in the Antiquing 101: A Guide From the Trail post. I adore using it as a silverware carrier with our porch tables.

Do you have a vintage silverware box that you aren’t using? See how Rachel transformed hers in this Trash to Treasure! How I Repurposed an Old Silverware Box post.

Thrifted Vintage Cutlery

Bakelite Handle Cutlery

Last week, while in Maine, I found a 15-piece set of vintage Bakelite cutlery made by Sheffield for $20. It’s in such a beautiful condition that it inspired today’s blog post. Over the past few years, I have noticed vintage silverware trending everywhere. And if you’re lucky, you can find it affordably, too.

Sheffield Cutlery

Sheffield cutlery refers to cutlery (knives, forks, spoons, etc.) made in Sheffield, England. The company has a long history of producing high-quality cutlery, dating back to the 14th century. The city became renowned for its skilled craftsmen, who produced exceptional blades and utensils.

Sheffield Cutlery is known for its craftsmanship, precision, and durability. The cutlery is often made from stainless steel or silver and is highly regarded for its sharpness, balance, and elegant designs.

Today, Sheffield continues to be a hub for cutlery production, and many traditional manufacturers and craftsmen still operate in the city. The Sheffield Cutlery Museum is a popular attraction where visitors can learn about the history and craftsmanship of Sheffield Cutlery.

This cutlery set will remain in the kitchen at our home in Maine. After setting this pink table setting during our stay, I was inspired to pull out one of my mother’s pewter pitchers to house and display this new thrifted vintage Sheffield cutlery set, which complements the wooden counters.

Bakelite

Next to sterling silverware, I also love collecting vintage wooden-like handle cutlery. Its rustic yet elegant charm adds a beautiful texture to all dining settings. But they’re not wooden handles; it’s Bakelite.

Are you familiar with Bakelite?

Bakelite is a type of synthetic resin that was developed in the early 20th century. It was the first synthetic plastic material and became widely used for various applications. One of the key properties of Bakelite is its ability to be molded and shaped when heated, and once cooled, it retains its shape. This characteristic made Bakelite a popular material for manufacturing various products, including electrical insulators, automotive parts, radios, telephones, kitchenware, jewelry, and more.

Bakelite is known for its distinctive appearance. It has a smooth and shiny surface and is available in various colors, including black, brown, red, and green. Bakelite was highly popular during its heyday due to its affordability, versatility, and durability. However, its use declined in the mid-20th century with the advent of newer and more advanced plastics.

Today, Bakelite is still valued by collectors and enthusiasts for its historical significance and unique aesthetic. Vintage Bakelite items, such as jewelry and kitchenware, are sought after by those who appreciate its retro charm.

Vintage Bakelite Utensils

Here is another set of vintage silverware that I picked up at an antique shop for $10 a bundle.

Just look at their fabulous color and rustic charm.

I love the country charm so much that these utensils will accompany us in our new RV this summer. Learn more in our new blog series, .

These vintage silverware pieces will also be stored nicely in these adorable Cutlery Roll Travel Utensil Cases. The Bakelite handles match the RV dinnerware beautifully.

You may see more decorative ideas with these Bakelite vintage silverware sets in these posts:

Vintage Lobster Utensils

How many of you have vintage lobster utensils?

I have shared our lobster utensils many times on the blog, but I don’t know how often I mention that they are vintage, used by my mother as she grew up in Coastal Maine.

My grandfather was a lobsterman and owned a lobster pound. Learn more in the Coastal Maine Heritage – Embracing My Roots post.

Lobsters are a way of life in Maine, not just a delicacy. So, having a set of my mother’s and, in retrospect, my grandmother’s lobster utensils is a treasure. Vintage silverware isn’t just about the fork, knife, and spoon. It is a gift from years of love and family table conversations.

See more in these lobster table setting posts:

Vintage Silverware Alfresco

Vintage silverware can elevate your outdoor picnics and alfresco table settings, too.

I have also used my mother’s sterling silverware around our fire pit and porch for outdoor dining.

You may see more Alfresco vintage silverware ideas in these posts:

Silverware Pouches

Transform your table setting with my favorite Cutlery Couture silverware pouches. Discover how to add an extraordinary table accent to any occasion.

Silverware pouches, also known as silverware holders or cutlery pouches, are practical and decorative accessories used for storing and presenting silverware or cutlery sets.

Learn more in this post about Silverware Pouches to Elevate Your Everyday Table. They are super cute and have several styling options.

More Thrifted Finds

Because this is a Thrifting with the Gals post, you may also enjoy some of these goodies I found thrifting this past month.:

I hope you found loads of inspiration while visiting with us here today. We’re so glad you stopped by!

Now, the lilacs are blooming, and I must go… Happy Thrifting!

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