My Everyday Silverware
I shocked a lot of people when I stated that I use my sterling silver flatware every day. But that wasn’t the most shocking part. Guess how I clean it every day?
A few years ago I shared this photo of my sterling silver flatware on my blog. I casually mentioned how often I use my sterling silver flatware, along with my silverplate flatware. Apparently, I shocked a lot of people when I admitted that I use my sterling silver flatware all of the time. Contrary to most, I use my silver every single day.
This is my silverware drawer. It has a combination of sterling silver and silverplate.
This drawer holds my sterling silver (Wallace Rose Point) and my Vintage silver plate (Rogers Bros. Vintage). It also has some of my mom’s sterling silver flatware. If any of you recognize the silver pattern, please let me know. I love all three of these patterns so much that I cannot imagine only using them for special occasions. That is why I use them every day.
And the most shocking part? I put the sterling silver flatware in the dishwasher. All of the time.
I know, right now some of you are following me. But wait! Read a bit more.
My grandmother would be shocked and for sure take back all of the silver I own. Some may call me foolish but I think it’s too pretty not to enjoy all of the time. And even though I put it in the dishwasher, it still looks as good as the day I got it. Of course, this does not mean that I can guarantee the dishwasher won’t harm your silver. But for me, after thirty years, it still looks perfect.
For the engagement party, we hosted almost two years ago summer, I had enough silver and silverplate flatware to serve 65 people.
I love nice flatware. I also combine all of the patterns I own when I set a table. I never even try to make it match!
And sometimes, it accidentally matches.
And yes, I even use my sterling silver at breakfast and in my coffee every morning.
Some may call me foolish but I think sterling silver too pretty not to enjoy all of the time. And even though I put it in the dishwasher, it still looks as good as the day I got it. Of course, this does not mean that I can guarantee the dishwasher won’t harm your silver. But for me, after thirty years, it still looks perfect.
My friends at Today.com said, “Surprisingly, silver and silver-plated flatware can be washed in the dishwasher, with a few caveats. Make sure to use a detergent that does NOT contain lemon or other citric acids, or it could damage the metal.”
The most important message you should take from this blog post is that you should take your silver out of the lined wooden chest and use it! You can still hand wash it but use it. It’s too beautiful no to use it more often.
So what happened when I posted this idea last time?
Lots of people pulled out their silver and started using it again! And that makes me very happy.
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I have decided to so this with my mother’s silver. To test it out I just washed a few pieces in the dishwasher. It came out beautifully, BUT the smell of musty silver is still there so none of us can eat with it. Before I give up, is there something I can do to get rid of the smell so I can use these???!!!
I use my sterling silver everyday as well. It has been through 3 generations. I too have put them on the dishwasher for yrs and so did my mother-in-law. Sure Nana did not, doubt she had a dishwasher. Not sure the heat from the drying is the best option so have been hand washing , and my husband dries. We also use our china for dinner and even tho it is dishwasher safe I hand wash as well. I recently purchased Rose Point silver on ebay (new unused) the couple had it for 28 yrs and said never had an occasion to use it. Why have it if you don’t use it. So currently have Steiff Rose (family silver both sides) Reed and Barton 18th Century and latest addition Wallace Rose Point. Dining should be about the experience not just eating. Enjoy what you have, can’t take it with us.
I totally agree with everything!
I just moved our silver flatware out of storage into the regular dining room drawers. Wife is sure she wants to use it (feels weird to her) but I convinced to try using the silver for a month. We have pattern Carillon by Lunt silver. We didn’t inherit it but it is the same pattern my parents had and Iove.
I meant to say the wife isn’t sure.
Using sterling and silverplate silverware every day is a pleasure, and I never tire of seeing the unique luster and beautiful patterns which are not available available in stainless steel. I do have it professionally polished a couple of times available year, but it is well worth it!
I’ve read not to put silver plated in dishwasher with stainless steel. Have you could d this to be true?
What do u do with German silver plated cutlery which has hardly been used n has no lustre.. can it be polished or plated.. I live in Mumbai..
I Love that you are using your silver! I think it’s silly to store up stuff!
Your forks are
Silverplate, 1847 Rogers, Grapes
Pattern: Vintage (Silverplate, 1904) by International Silver
Best regards
I was told years ago not to put silver or silverplate in the dishwasher. My sister-in-law has said that she lost the finish off her silverplate by washing it every day in the dishwasher. Also heard it was true if have fine china with gold or silver on it. I wouldn’t do it on vintage china either. If you want to identify pattern use Google by taking a picture with the camera icon on the google bottom and it will bring up all patterns listed on google that look like it. If that doesn’t work turn your silverware over and take a picture of the icons on the back of the silverware or use the microphone icon on the google button and read the information in. Google will give you examples that way. Hope this helps.
I’ve recently got into making traditional chai tea which I love. I’ve now had my eye on an antique sterling silver creamer and sugar bowl set that would go very well with my ritual. I would love to use it regularly and wonder if I can do this without having to empty the creamer and sugar bowl every single time as this would get tedious as I drink it several times a day some days and would kinda of like making it my go to…Visual presentation for oneself is just as important and enjoyable.
I would love to use my silver everyday, and wash it in the dishwasher. I can’t find detergent that does not contain lemon or citric acids. Can you make any suggestions?
Try Cascade Complete!
Always loved all kind of silver
We use our sterling everyday. I have Kirk Steiff, Williamsburg Shell, vintage french silver plate set and english sterling silver fish set. I agree it is all too beautiful not to use. I hand wash
I love hearing that!
Your mother’s silver pattern is Milburn Rose by Westmorland.
I have my grandmothers Rogers Brothers Sterling I have an a little allergic reaction to stainless steel on my hands therefore I decided to get nannies sterling silver for every day use problem solved Love it loved her ❤️I’m 70 years old—- you do the math 😁
Oh well that’s lovely that you use it so often!
It’s good silver ideas.
I know this is an older post but I want to let you know that it helped me FINALLY go ahead and indulge myself with a long-held bucket list – investing in a full 8-place set of genuine Gorham silver flatware (Chantilly from 1895!). Being able to use it every day (whether I dishwash or handwash) is a liberating feeling, thank you!!
Oh I love that Michaela! A great set of silverware is just the best.