When I was a young bride, this is something I could only have dreamed of…a silver coffee and tea service of my own! So, pewter was a much more practical and stylish alternative for me at the time. Now as I am…er….more mature, I have been so happy to finally have this! How? Why…Goodwill hunting, of course! lol It has taken me several months to find pieces that I love, but here it is! And for only about $40 total…including that wonderfully heavy footed tray!
I am thrilled by the lines of the mismatched pieces! And I love its patina! Someone else did all the work of aging it and I get the result!
I think the tray is my favorite...with its border of grapes entwined among the vines. There is an O engraved in the middle of it…mysterious! Did it belong to Jackie Onasis? Or maybe Oprah? lol I don’t care! It’s mine now!
I am not sure what is going on in the thrift stores, but everyone seems to be getting rid of grandma’s silver. Maybe they don’t want to polish it. Or maybe it’s not quite perfect. That’s OK. I’ll take it and turn it into…
…this! A little silver cream and some elbow grease will do the trick!
Or maybe I’ll leave it tarnished, like this coffee butler, and add a vintage-looking tag! (Instructions for making tag here)
Or perhaps I'll find some more flatware and store it in my kitty cat pitcher….which also came from Goodwill. So did its big brother filled with Goodwill candles!
Hmmmmm… I think I’ll leave this chaffing dish tarnished and add a blue pottery bowl and a few little pumpkins.
Here’s my latest acquisition. I haven’t decided whether or not to polish it yet. Wouldn’t it be lovely with some fresh flowers and white candles? I just hope that whoever is getting rid of their old silver doesn’t stop. I’m just getting started!!
Thanks so much for stopping by! I am excited to be joining three Monday parties today! Please be sure to head on over to visit our gracious hosts and hostesses and find out who else will be playing along!
First, I am joining Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday!
Then, I will be participating in Metamorphosis Monday with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch!
And finally, I am excited to be joining the newest party in blogland, I Am a Fleamarketeer at Flea Market Style!
See you next time! A la prochaine!
89 comments:
This really so fun to read. Wow! We have a Salvation Army not too far from me. I only stop to donate but maybe I better do a little shopping next time.
Karen
Ladybug Creek
Oh Debbie, your silver is all stunning. I have a few pieces that I need to polish and get out and use. Yours are stunning. I love the coffee and tea service and you are so right. That tray is just fabulous. I also love the petty flowers in the smaller piece. Your last piece that you show for the flowers and the candles is so unique. What a fantastic find. Love it all. Hugs, Marty
Debbie, Since I have an addiction of silver, your post is causing me to hang my jaw open and say, aaahhh.....
It is all beautiful- the mis-matched coffee/tea set is fantastic. I had a silver tray post for Flea Marketeer earlier today, but accidentally deleted it, so I'll have to post next week. AAARRRGGGHHH...
:-) Sue
Debbie, I love your silver! And I can't believe you got that service for $40!!! I hate to think of what it's really worth. GREAT deal on that, friend.
And I love all the other pieces, too. Some of my silver looks BAD because I've been lazy with the polish, but I adore it. There is something so wonderful about silver.
I thought of you today. I put "La Mer" on my player to feature my cousin's nautical house. It's Kevin Kline singing it, and I adored him in "French Kiss." I adore him period!
And I loved spying one of the Aristocats near that silver service. He knows a good deal when he sees one! ;-)
XO,
Sheila :-)
Debbie, je suis de retour! Tu m'as inspirée à travailler dur pour polir mes pièces d'argent. Et les petit citrouilles (sp?) sont adorables! à la prochaine, Linda
What a wonderful bargain you found! Thought I'd wish Senator a happy birthday. Today would have been my brothers 75th birthday ;--)
Hugs and blessings,
Debbie, that coffee/tea service is beautiful...but the little candle holder is what really caught my eye. I had never seen one quite like it. You must have better Goodwill hunting than around this part of the country! It amazes me what some of you bloggers are finding in thrift stores around the country, especially in the southern states. I do have a few nice pieces from my husband's family including a huge footed tray, but I wouldn't mind a few more....greedy, aren't I?
Debbie, you made some fantastic finds! I love that tray, it's gorgeous. And I really love the coffee/tea pot with the sunflowers - just beautiful. And I don't think I've seen the kitty pitchers before, they are wonderful. I'm going to have to keep my eyes peeled. I've not really looked for silver before, but I'm going to start! Hugs, Kat
Hey Debbie,
That first pic is just stunning! Looks like the queen should be coming to visit! I love how you have arranged everything so beautifully and I must say I think you have a better goodwill than I do. When Dan and I travel I am always looking to find the local GW or some other thrift shop! Have you gone on your beach trip yet? Hugs, Cindy
Thanks for the inspiration! You won't believe this; but 51 years ago when we got married, we received a ton of silver pieces similar to yours. We have never used it except for a few trays for our daughter's wedding. It has all been stored under the guest bed for years and years. I need to get it out to display, don't you think? Sally
Beautiful! And you're right -- I've added lot's of silver this past year -- people are getting rid of it right and left -- and I'm scooping it right up!
What beautiful finds Debbie! I put my silver away years ago because I didn't want to polish it, but I don't mind it now... guess that comes with "maturity"! ♥ Diane
Whatever that last thingy is called...it is great! I think that would make the prettiest centerpiece....great find!
Debbie, these are so pretty! Fabulous find!
Oooo, I love it, Debbie! I happen to like tarnished silver, and I'm always on the lookout for silver plated sauce boats and cups and pitchers and flatware... etc. lol Thanks so much for sharing at MM. :)
Wowowee! Great find and they are gorgeous! I love your description...goodwill hunting!
Good luck to your next hunting!
Ebie's Mosaic.
Wow, you are so great at finding such gorgeous pieces, and putting them together so beautifully!
Oh great photo's! I love the tray too!!!! Sharon
What beautiful pieces and what fun to go on a treasure hunt like this. Love the story you can imagine behind each.
Great pieces and I really like the displays you created using the silver pieces...lovely.
Just gorgeous!
m ^..^
Fabulous silver pieces and the prices even more fabulous.
I, too am starting to purchase old tarnished silver pieces from flea markets and will soon be going "thrifting" for more.
I've been on such a silver kick lately, I really enjoyed this post. My vote is always not to polish but that's just me. I love the worn patina! Thanks for your sweet comment about Tucker, he's quite the cutie when he's cuddled up and sleeping. He had himself so smooshed in between the pillows and he fell right to sleep.
~Michelle
$40??? What a wonderful find! My first set was pewter too :)
So pretty ! I have only a creamer and sugar....got to get some more pieces like you :o)
Kammy
Simply gorgeous!
*hugs*deb
Your silver tray is really gorgeous. I'm like you. How in the world could someone give this up!! Just beautiful and your photos are gorgeous too.
Wow! It is surprising that folks get rid of all these wonderful pieces! But they are finding a home with someone who really appreciates them! I love how you are using them throughout your home! Those coffee butlers are quite expensive...what a find! Now you know we were having a great time when we antiqued in the rain and cold and had a fantastic time! :-) I can't wait until our next outing!
Susan
You have GOT to be kidding me!!! This is gorgeous! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that tray too! I love Silver pieces, but trust me, our SA or GW does NOT have anhything like this!!
Lucky you!!
Lou Cinda :)
Great finds and I really liked how you used each piece.
Sandy
Debbie-I am sorry to report that Grandma's silver is safe in my neck of the woods. Our GW never has anything--but I am SO happy for your fabulous finds! They are gorgeous!
What beautiful old silver. I love it too - I just don't have the room to haul in much more of anything! Have a beautiful new week...Kathy
This was beautiful.
If I broke out my silver I would be cleaning for days... its been that long...but you have inspired me.
If you have a moment — I would love you to stop by and say hi!
TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥
Oh how I love old silver. I have been so wanting to find a large footed rectangle handled tray-
Went to an estate sale this weekend with lots of silver and lots of silver tray and lots of money wanted for them! Came away with a small round handled tray-not footed but only paid $8- the others were all over $100 each!
blessings
mary
I love the way the silver pieces are used as vases, great idea and it is nice to use them...
Hello Debbie, so long... the way you talk about this silver ware and the wonderful images makes me want to take mine and displayed them the way you do, they are all forgotten some place in my home... thanks for the inspiration, they look so lovely with flowers!!
Come and see my garden now that we are in springtime, it´s so pretty!!
Muchos cariños
maría cecilia, from Chile
Wow! Debbie, you always make me so envious of your GW store! I can't believe those pieces are not a set. Their lines and the handles all look so similar. You have created a beautiful set, and for so little cash! All of your silver looks so pretty. The centerpiece thingy with the candle holders will be gorgeous for a tablescape. You have an incredible eye, and I always enjoy seeing what you've done with your finds. laurie
Oh Debbie. I just love silver... I even enjoy polishing it. The pieces you bought are just beautiful. You have a "good eye"!
I am sure you will use them in both traditional and creative ways.
Thanks for sharing (even if it did make me just a tiny bit green with envy).
Yvonne
Oh Debbie! I will call you the Flea Market Queen. You find thenicest pieces with the best prices. Great find on these. I really like the tray too!....Christine
Not sure if my last attempt to comment took...love all your silver pieces. I've been polishing mine getting ready for the holiday season.
Debbie, these pictures are positively perfect! I walk by siler all the time, afraid that if I pick up one piece I'll start a collection I have no room for! :( But it's so gorgeous - and I think you're showcasing it beautifully against all that blue and white! My dream ...
Debbie, your thrft store must be in a wonderful neighbourhood. Fancy people throwing away all their old silver. Can't believe it. :))) But good for you. Great mosaic today again.
Have a nice day
Wow! What awesome finds! Very nice!
Wonderful pieces -good find! I haven't started anything much in my house, but am learning from a lot of blogging friends! Your pieces are so fine! I have to agree on the tray and it's details -beautiful. I am delighted by your pieces and the story that goes with it!
What wonderful finds! I am rethinking silver as well.
Carol
The silver collections are so precious! I should keep my eyes out for this at our second-hand stores..Love your photos!
Oh my, I just donated mine....what a mistake after seeing all your beautiful displays.
Gail
What a beautiful collection of silver pieces you have! I love that you shine some up and leave other pieces au naturel. I am suddenly thinking I need to keep my eye out for more silver...!
Thanks for joining the party!
Linda
http://fleamarketstylemag.blogspot.com
GM My Dear friend...how beautiful is that silver and all your photos are so prettyy girl..I have silver and never use it I do hate to clean it I tell people it's pewter ha ha!! Love that tray...but really girl what reall caught my eye was those cot pithcher's how sweet those are...I still find a ton of silver at the swap meet...and people are giving it away right now...hope all is well on your side of the mountain my friend...Hey I'm a year ago today...and they said I would't last ha ha!! Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
what great finds! that silver is stunning, especially the tray. silver is my favorite, especially the monogrammed stuff. i just love yours!
My weakness is sterling jewelry. I find it all the time in thrift stores by looking for the tarnish. You've put together an amazing collection.
I love all your silver - shiny and tarnished! I don't have much silver here, so it is fun to see yours and how you use it in your home!
Love you great silver finds! Everything looks so pretty.
Hi Debbie
I just read your comment at the back porch and told J about it. He asked me where you live, then suggested you come up to Missouri and dig a little bit of hedge and take it back to GA, then you would have the only hedge apples there! Actually hedge is used or used to be used for fence posts, because it is as hard as concrete! The "apples"(non edible) are beautiful, but are very sticky. Many years ago I sliced them and dried them in a slow oven, for use in dried flower arrangements. You need a saw to slice the apples!:-)
Hi Debbie,
I am laughing as you could have shopped for some of those pieces in my china closet! I have that coffee butler, or did I donate it to Good Will? :) I have the candle holder /frog piece too, brings back fond memories of dinner parties in the 70's as a young bride!
I live what you have done with your vintage pieces...
To polish or not, that is the question???
Beautiful images and I'm like you, I don't understand people getting rid of this lovely silver. I sure am glad they have because I've got some beautiful pieces also...
Pretty, pretty, pretty pieces ... love the silver flatware peeking out of the pitcher ... lovely display!
Thank you for sharing!
xo
Jill
Gorgeous arrangements! And I especially love the tag with the key!! You have beautiful silver too.
Happy Met Monday!
http://www.mooreminutes.com/2009/10/walls-wrapped-in-charm.html
SOOO jealous!LOVE all your finds!:)
Super finds! I love the idea of using the pitcher as a vase. I haven't seen any silver like this at my Goodwill, but they are very active with the online Goodwill auctions so I bet they go through that. I'll keep my eyes open though!
Great finds. I like the idea of putting silver in a pitcher or a vase (which I have). I needed that for my hotel silver. $20 for an entire box with tons and tons.
How great is that silver! My mom always had a silver service and I always figured I would...now I'm not sure what I'd do with one...
I have a linky party and a plea for help @ my place: http://theshadesofpink.blogspot.com/2009/10/room-month-bedroom-conundrum.html Want to check it out? (I apologize if you already linked, 1/2 asleep. LOL)
Funny how we always use to want everything to match. And now I never want it to! You've got some beautiful heirlooms there!
Brenda
You set a *most* glorious table. Love it all!
So nice to meet you!
Anne
Hi Deb, Wow you really did find some treasures. You have such a discerning eye and you always use your treasures in such a wonderful way in your beautiful home.Hugs kathysue
Nice to find you, another silveraholic! I don't polish mine, but may start to.
You have so many lovely pieces! :) I love love love the first photo!!!
Salut! C'est moi....Linda
Very beautiful; I have acquired a few pieces of silver too--one from Salvation Army and one from an Antique store. Both were cheap!! And both look great now. I am keeping my eyes peeled for more--yours are wonderful!!
You can just about imagine how much I love those kitty cat pitchers!! lol
What great finds..I like the unpolished pieces just as well.
Gorgeous pieces, I just love their curves.
Hi Debbie..Oh I hate you......just kidding. I was at Goodwill yesterday and they had overpriced crap....I still think you have some secret only you and Linda know where this magical Goodwill shop is that you go to.....how you find such great stuff for such cheap prices stil amazes me....I did find the same little cat pitcher over at the location on Roswell Rd. by Whole Foods but it had a big ship in it...still cute but all the silver....Boy, the place up in Woodstock would have wanted a hundred bucks for that set....they think they are Saks Fifth Ave.....sorry I missed out on the fun on Saturday did you have a good time and didyou find any treasures....
Wow your silver pieces are beautiful. My daughter found a lovely coffee set at a yard sale for $5. I blogged about it last week. It is really heavy. This has been so fun to meet other bloggers who love the hunt for treasures as much as I do.
Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/
I love all of your silver finds, but that tray is my favorite! The planter w/ the frog is a very interesting piece too. I'm sure it has lots of possibilities!
Debbie... I've been AFMC... (away from my computer) and have missed a few of your recent posts... love this one! I have an affinity for grandma's silver too, though I usually lean toward the fork & knife kind... beautiful job of thrifting... sigh...
hugs. Dixie
hi Debbie,What beautiful pieces ...I love them all
xoxo
Julie
Hello Debbie~ after taking the summer off... It's great to be back. I'm enjoying all the inspirational fall posts.
What incredible finds, starting with the service and tray. I'm a little sad when I see these items given away, but happy to know these pieces are finding their way to a new home and some TLC . The workmanship and fine details on the coffee/tea service and tray are beautiful.
The candle flower holder is unique. I've never seen anything like this before. I look forward to your photos when it's filled.
It was so nice catching up. Stop by for a visit. The return of your company will be nice.
Sweet wishes,
Sara
I have been finding a lot of silver too, but nothing as lovely as your pieces.
So, I'm COMMENTER #79, eh? ;) I totally am in love with this SILVER post Debbie! You know I am... :) Your collection is starting off nicely...and I'm with you, I love finding them~ I have MISSED reading your witty posts, I always have a smile on my face when I'm done! You take care.....had a blast with you all last Saturday! Ciao for now...~CC Catherine
jealous! Great stuff! :)
Susan @ www.peanutpetunia.blogspot.com
I love your blog. I'm now a follower. Your staff pictures are just too funny! I have a cat too. Thanks for sharing.
Hello!
Such fun blog and believe this is my first time to visit!
Know that I'll be back to read some older posts and get "caught up".
Stop by to laugh and say "hi" if you have a chance ...
hugs!
Betty :)
Debbie, you had a blogging party without MOI... waaaah! I heard you had fun at CC's.
Now for the silver.. I hate to say it but I made wind chimes out of my silver when Julie was here. They looked like yours lol
I should show it off some day.
Happy Everything.
Love Claudie
xoxoxox
What wonderful use of all this silver! I got exactly one piece of silver when I got married--everything I have now I've collected over 24 years from antique stores, thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales. You're right--I think people just don't want to be bothered with it.
I LOVE the tray that your tea service is on. I think the O is for Outstanding!
I love your style. I am a French Country-Pierre Deux addict! I'm following you.
Please stop by when you get a chance. I'm looking for followers!
Dena
Hey, Debbie! :) So glad I wasn't the only one who was questioning her old SL subscription. I think I will really enjoy the new look!! :)
ooo so pretty..
Beautiful! I don't mind the tarnish at all. But it never gets old watching the magic happen when you get out the polish, huh!
Oh my gosh....your silver is just fabulous. Isn't the Goodwill the best place to treasure hunt? I LOVE it!
Blessings,
Spencer
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