Being from the South, Silver is a very big part of my life. It doesn't have anything to do with wealth. Although those with more money - old money, tend to have more of it. New money tend not to spend their money on Silver. They do not have the appreciation for the warmth of the metal, the beauty of the patina, the story it tells of the generations past who have used it. A true southern girl comes of age when she chooses her silver pattern, long before she chooses her mate. If she is smart, she chooses that of her mother, grandmother, or favorite great aunt who in their benevolence will pass their silver on to her. It is the pieces in those sets, the pieces on our tables, along with the pieces we find in the corners of the displays in antique stores that prompted me to start this blog. They are beautiful, they are odd, but what are they, and what in the hell do you do with them?
Friday, January 8, 2010
Terrapin Place Fork
Edwardian and Victorian menus often included terrapin dishes, which were seen as delacies. And, of course one needs special utensils to enjoy the meal.
We always seemed to have lots of silver and servants but not a great quantity of liquid assets (ready cash). In retrospect, I suppose we were a bit threadbare, but I still have several generations' silver and can set a more interesting table than most.
I think there were a lot of families like that down south. My Daddy used to say we were too poor to paint and too proud to white wash, but we ate every meal on sterling silver.
Another great blog! Love the topic...as I am silver obsessed but cash repressed! LOL
ReplyDeleteWe always seemed to have lots of silver and servants but not a great quantity of liquid assets (ready cash). In retrospect, I suppose we were a bit threadbare, but I still have several generations' silver and can set a more interesting table than most.
ReplyDeleteI think there were a lot of families like that down south. My Daddy used to say we were too poor to paint and too proud to white wash, but we ate every meal on sterling silver.
ReplyDelete