Silver for the bath

Southern Living, Aug 1997 by Lynn, Sandra A

Everyone enjoys creating a beautiful table setting for a special occasion, but after the party the cherished silver is stored away. Why keep such treasures hidden? Use your silver as accessories in other rooms of your home. The bath is the perfect place to pamper yourself with these wonderful pieces.

Indulge yourself at bathtime. At the edge of the tub shown below, cut flowers fill a water pitcher. A large silver basket serves fresh linens and soap. And for soothing aroma, small bowls offer bath salts and a small spoon for scooping.

Lavish your guests. Beside the sink (bottom, right), a bread tray is filled with neatly rolled linens awaiting freshly washed hands. A candle sits in a small dish, and a delicate fern pops out from a biscuit warmer.

Add elegance to a dressing area. Picture frames and perfume rest on a tray (bottom, left). Cups become vases, and a lacy dish is ideal for keeping jewelry.

The bath isn't the only room to display your silver. Consider using a dish on a table in the foyer to deposit mail or offer candy. Show off ornate pieces on a bookshelf. Silver candleholders or candelabra are always beautiful on a mantel. Or group a variety of pieces on top of a chest for an elegant display. Sandra A. Lynn

TAKING CARE OF YOUR SILVER

Not all silver polish is recommended for silverplate. Be sure to check the manufacturer's label.

After cleaning always rinse with warm soapy water, then rinse again with fresh water and dry thoroughly with a cloth.

Use only silver polish. Do not try metal polish as a substitute.

You can have your silver sealed with an acrylic lacquer by a reputable silversmith. This prevents tarnishing for an extended period of time.

Recommended polishing products are Wright's Silver Cream Cleaner, Tarni-Shield Silver Cleaner, and Hagerty Silversmiths' Spray Polish.

Polishing cloths are help ful to have for quick touch-up cleanings.