Silver is one of nature's most beautiful materials and has been valued for centuries. Traditionally reserved for formal settings and special occasions, learn how to incorporate silver heirlooms to make every day special:
- Use dramatic large-scale charcoal drawings of heirloom silver that depict turn -of the-century pieces of Tiffany sterling flatware. These witty and tasteful drawings by Boston artist Nan Freeman add pizzazz and style to a dining room or kitchen (figure A).
- Highlight the drawings with actual pieces of heirloom silver--use compotes and cake baskets as centerpieces. Don't limit their use to merely conventional purposes such as dessert. Fill them with rose petals,potpourri, candies, flowers and even office supplies.
- Group personal effects (perfume bottles, writing pens, calling card cases,compacts , a chatelaine necklace with ivory leaves used for writing the day's tasks on, candlesticks, etc.) on a table or dresser in a bedroom, guest room, bath or den (figure B). For interest, mix silver plated things with sterling, male and female items, large and small pieces, etc.
- Create a tobacciana display to add a quaint and interesting focal point in a library or den. As cigarettes, pipes and cigars wane in popularity, smoking artifacts and memorabilia are becoming increasingly collectible. Mix new items with old such as a modern lamp with a Victorian lady's cuspidor (spittoon) used as a planter (figure C).
- A display of trumpet vases makes a simple but elegant decorating statement. Add just a few flower buds and foliage stems for a classic look (figure D).
Guests Catherine Snow
Antics Fine and Fanciful Antiques
Email:
cwsnow@mindspring.com
URL:
www.eantics.com
Also in this Episode
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