Something my parents instilled in me by example, was to use our best pieces EVERY day… not just for special occasions!
So, are your finest treasures trapped behind glass? We often keep our “best” pieces tucked away, waiting for a grand occasion that feels “worthy” of them. But a true secret to lovely living is realizing that our finest possessions were made to be used, not just viewed!
Out of sight: out of mind! When we keep silver and crystal locked away for display only, we lose our memories of them. It is far more elegant to use your treasures, rather than let them sit in silence for years.
The question is often asked, “But Holly, what if it gets broken?” My answer is simple: At least you will have the memory of using it. If a silver tray gets a small dent, it isn’t “ruined”—it simply has a new story to add to its history. A scratch or a soft patina is a record of a life well-lived and a lovely gesture shared.
Years ago, I was known as the “cupcake lady” at our children’s school games because I traveled to our games with cupcakes on a silver platter. Why? Because silver doesn’t break, travels well in the trunk of the car, and as Mummy always said, “Everything tastes better when served on silver!”
Repurposing with Purpose: A few ideas to inspire you to breathe new life into your home:
A Crystal Bowl: Use it to serve popcorn for a movie night. The sparkle makes a simple snack feel like an event.
A Silver Basket: This is a classic vessel to serve warm biscuits or popovers. What about serving chocolates as another option, or as a decorative centerpiece with Easter Eggs adorning it?
A Cream Pitcher: A small silver or porcelain pitcher is quite versatile. Use it for a petite bedside flower arrangement. I use it at our dinner parties to serve Madeira wine and to pour into my lobster bisque.
A Crystal Decanter: Meant to serve wine, but also think about filling it with orange juice for breakfast, or place it in the powder room filled with mouthwash!
A Decorative Porcelain Bowl: An elegant porcelain bowl, or punch bowl, is a magnificent choice for planting orchids. I often use my Rose Medallion bowl in the front hall at Fox Hall for this very purpose.
A Silver Mint Julep Cup: A silver Kentucky Derby mint julep cup is the perfect size to hold a small bouquet of flowers by the bedside or alternatively, Q-tips in your bathroom.
A Petite Limoges Box: Use a small Limoges box by your bedside to elegantly hold your Advil or melatonin. It can also be used for the tooth fairy under a child’s pillow!
A Cachepot: If you have an oversized vase or cachepot meant for flowers, use it to disguise a roll of toilet paper in the powder room. It is a wonderful way to keep essentials handy yet hidden.
A home should be a collection of memories, not just a collection of objects. Don’t save your joy for “someday”—someday is today! So, go open those cabinets and pull out something you haven’t used in a while and think of a way to use it today. Let your treasures tell a story!
Xx
Holly
PS I am so excited! What a pleasure it is to introduce my new sponsor, The House of Pratesi. Take a peek below!