1. Collect interesting silver.
Take your table setting to the next level with antique flatware. The Victorians had silver for everything, and a collection of cutlery is a fun way to add intrigue to the table. Mix and match coin silver with sterling and a silver plate—it’s great fun to use some pieces that will leave everyone guessing as to the original use. It’s a great conversation starter!
Don’t limit yourself to the intended purpose. I’ve used gravy ladles to serve fruit sauce and a marrow scoop to serve cheese spread for appetizers. At a recent dinner, I added antique silver serving forks and spoons of the more unusual kind to the center of the table. I gave each guest a set of small tags and asked them to write on the tag what they thought each serving piece was used for and tie it on the piece. It was delightful!
