When does a meal become more than just a meal? The occasion has a lot to do with it, but we would like to suggest that an antique silver-plated (or gold-plated) cutlery set not only sets the scene but is the secret to making your next dinner party shine. Traditionally known as a canteen of cutlery, carefully chosen flatware becomes the bespoke tablescaping decor complement to enhance the ambience and atmosphere of any dining experience. 

Know your fish knife from your table knife? A full set of antique silver cutlery is often quite extensive; typically including table knives, table forks, soup spoons, fish knives, fish forks, English teaspoons, dessert spoons, dessert forks, cake forks and serving spoons.

‘Finishing school’ or an aristocratic upbringing may make flatware etiquette second nature, but if you weren’t born with a silver spoon in your mouth you can still experience the exquisite dining pleasure of setting your table with antique cutlery. 

An antique canteen of cutlery that has been properly looked after – despite missing a few pieces – is much sought after by collectors, wedding planners, restaurateurs and homeowners. (Full sets are a rare find and worth their weight in gold or silver).

Forget the flowers

If you really want to make a tablescaping first impression, then, before you pick your flower decor, antique silver cutlery needs to make it to your table. (An Edinburgh hotel restaurant experiment concluded that customers were willing to pay 15% more for a meal using higher quality cutlery compared to people eating the same meal with lower quality utensils). 

Flowers, tablecloths and dinnerware may create an overall ‘ooh and aah’ moment, but antique decorative gold- or silver-plated cutlery makes each individual dinner guest feel special (as if they had received a formal invite to a royal banquet). Fancy flatware apparently also makes food taste better. (Who are we to argue?).

Embrace silver-plated

There is no debate as to the value of sterling silver cutlery. But authentic silverware, although incredibly beautiful, will, over time, succumb to a little wear and tear and inevitable markings. (This doesn’t, however, detract from its intrinsic worth). If you own a set, treasure it and show it off at your next soirée.

Antique silver-plated flatware will rarely show scratches and, to the naked eye, looks just as gorgeous as the genuine article. Silver-plated cutlery is manufactured using a variety of metals with a thin layer of silver on top. This makes these pieces more resilient and less expensive. They are also much easier to clean. 

How do you know the difference? Authentic silver cutlery will have an imprint of the number 92.5 or ‘sterling.’ (This is the official indicator that it is made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals and will also justify the higher price tag). 

Go mix and match

If you’re a lover of antique stores, you’ll quickly realise that in scouting for vintage or antique cutlery, it is rare to find a full canteen. (And if you do, the prices are dear). But that shouldn’t deter you from your search. 

The timeless trend of mixing and matching special pieces creates a curated and relaxed elegance and gives a nod to the environmentally-friendly philosophy of sustainable recycling. 

If done carefully, the artistic mixing and matching of individually beautiful and decorative antique cutlery items only make a table setting even more beautiful. (This really works well with alternate settings and will immediately capture your guest’s attention with an eclectic wow factor). 

If you adore a table setting with personality and patina (that will have your guests reaching for their phones to capture the moment), then ‘mismatched’ sets of antique silver-plated (or gold-plated) cutlery will always be a showstopper and a  timeless investment. 

Pop in at The Crown Collection 

The delight of popping in at The Crown Collection includes browsing all our collections, but especially our prized selection of antique silver- and gold-plated or bone-handled cutlery canteens. The cherished charm and historical designs give each canteen its own story; the perfect accompaniment to your next dinner party.

Visit us online or in-studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.