Because of its slender size, the English silver syphon (siphon in America) c. 1880 works well on a side table in Palm Beach. I use it to chill a bottle of wine or sparkling water.
Mummy taught me how to repurpose silver pieces, which she did brilliantly out of necessity. My parents moved 33 times during my father’s career. I hope to inspire you to think outside of the box!
The English silver syphon (above with a wine bottle) doubles here as a flower vase. The English biscuit box, c. 1975, is filled with ice on our drinks table. It can also hold cookies for my grandchildren or dog biscuits. The Sheffield basket holds chocolates here, but I also use the basket to serve my biscuits at dinner.
Here are 14 of my secrets to “repurposing silver pieces” in a diverse, unique manner:
A silver champagne cooler can be transformed brilliantly into a stunning flower vase or a plant cachepot.
A silver baby cup can be a hors d’oeuvres toothpick holder and also a small flower vase.
A small silver cream pitcher is perfect for bedside flowers and also to serve warm syrup for pancakes.
A silver canister can hold spices, pepper, and powdered sugar.
A silver tray can “frame and enhance” the flowers and catch pollen or falling blossoms when placed under a floral arrangement.
Silver chargers are a splendid size to pass hors d’oeuvres on.
Silver napkin rings can be filled with greenery to garnish a serving platter of prepared food.
A silver cigarette holder can serve candies, nuts, or toothpicks/skewers.
A silver punchbowl can be used to serve biscuits for a large party.
A silver mint julep cup can hold make-up brushes, toothbrushes, Q-tips, or flowers.
A silver coaster is the perfect size to place chocolates at your guest’s bedside.
A silver baby rattle works brilliantly as a carving knife rest.
A silver basket can hold biscuits, chocolates, cookies, bread, crackers, nuts, and petit fours.
A silver picture frame can be transformed into a standing mirror by inserting a piece of “mirrored glass” in place of a photograph.
Mummy’s silver umbrella was a chic cigarette holder for her bridge parties in the 60s. I transformed it into a toothpick holder to go alongside hors d'oeuvres… much more chic than smoking!
I hope you will look at your silver pieces and be inspired to use them differently!
I adore receiving your entertaining and interior design questions— aka lovely living! You inspired me to host an intimate luncheon at Fox Hall, allowing me to share more of my secrets and answer your questions. An invitation will be emailed to you. I do hope you can attend on September 20th. Please keep a lookout for it…what fun we will have!
Xx
Holly