Object of the Day - Pewter Platter

This antique pewter platter I found at a thrift shop in Sag Harbor, NY with my good friend Austin. It’s fine patina caught my eye, even though it was hidden in an otherwise junky pile. Pewter is often overlooked at flea markets, as it has a reputation for feeling too colonial, but I definitely think it can inspire a beautiful and sophisticated table.

I like to use pewter during the cooler months, in fall and winter. When I'm entertaining, I think it's so perfect for heartier meals like Coq au Vin or stuffed pork tenderloin with dried apricots, figs and apples in a sweet red wine reduction. I especially love it on a fall harvest table set with an old homespun feedsack runner and paired with the earthy browns and burnt umbers of French hand thrown pottery. Bring more pewter to the table with beeswax candles in pewter candlesticks, then lay a simple bittersweet vine down the center of the table to add a little life. (Simply clip the vine if you have it, or pick one up at your local florist! It's easy, inexpensive and looks amazing.) A piece like this would also look great hung up on a wall. Unlike silver, which requires constant polishing and maintenance, you can leave pewter just as is. Its patina will only get better with age! 

Comments

[Mary Ruth]

I love pewter! We live near Williamsburg, VA and get to watch the shops make it right there! I love the soft sheen it gives!

[Garrison]

Eddie, I did my best touching up the pictures I took while on the photo shoot yesterday. Again, love, love your blog and all that you share with us. Here's a pic from my flickr page of the floral arrangement I did at the styling job I had yesterday.
http://flickr.com/photos/jagwired/2923090297/in/photostream/

[An Aesthete's Lament]

I love pewter; it adds a touch of Vermeer to one's life.

[beachbungalow8]

ok, ok. you may have me sold. because you're right, i get scared by the 'colonial' thing. It also reminds me of a woman who had a house FILLED with Quimper and pewter. overload.

I'd love to see a tablescape done by you, using pewter.

[Judyj]

You are so making me appreciate things I've overlooked. I don't know why I dont' have any pewter because I've always love it. Oh I take that back I have one piece and it lovely from France.

[DecorPad]

Such a gorgeous, classic piece!

[mary carroll]

That is a beautiful piece! Can you just imagine it piled with some of those little white pumpkins and maybe some walnuts? Then white ironstone plates on brown basketweave chargers, and some pewter cups filled with white berries... and brown oak leaves scattered down the center of the table... OK, I'm having lots of fun with this...
must find a pewter platter!

[Tamara]

I just bought a bunch of pewter serving dishes in a restaurant supply place in Mexico, of all places. We used it for serving at my little Angel's wedding and I think it added just that extra touch. I loved the rectangle platters we used for our hor deurves before dinner.....

http://thegreenhousediaries.blogspot.com/2008/09/wedding-day.html

[Joe Randazzo]

I am so glad I've found your blog. Such an inspiration!

http://eddieross.typepad.com/photos/test/work25.html

That by the way, is my dream.

Joe
joerandazzo.com

[Meridith Moore]

I LOVE pewter. One of my favorite things is the pewter cutlery I bought from Willians and Sonoma, I actually worked there one holiday season (for $7.00 an hour!) to get the 40% off discount to buy them!

[Lee Moates]

I agree, Eddie, pewter has a wonderful look on the table. I still use my pewter pieces I have had for years. And, yes, the low maintenance is what I adore about pewter!\

Great Blog, Eddie!

[Renovation Therapy]

I found a set of pewter-trimmed dishes at a fancy store in Norwalk a few weeks ago. Completely out of my price range, but heavenly...

[Carrie]

I love pewter pieces, thank you so much for the post. And on your flea market finds, I love how you can spot an ordinary piece and envision all its possibilities, truly inspirational! xoxo

[Ivy Lane]

I rec'd a beautiful pewter tea set when I got married..22 years ago!! I was told that it was not safe to use..?????? It is not an antique or anything like that... What do you advise?? I literally never have taken it out of the box... I do go and visit it in the basement now and then to look at it!!! :)

[Karena]

Yes, I do have some beautiful pewter, now where is it??!

[pigtown-design]

Eddie... i am convinced that's how i could find so many copper pieces, because they weren't bright and shiny and people overlooked them.

[Mike Davitt]

I was excited to find my pewter platter this weekend when retrieving kitchen things from the basement that were stored there during the remodel. I can't wait to use it again!

[Terry Mtz]

Eddie, I love your blog and your ideas are always spot-on for my taste!

Minor spelling quibble: it's spelled Coq au Vin.

[Alana @ Gray Matters]

Now I need to go find myself some pewter - that's what my 2 year old calls the computer!

[Cori]

I agree with Eddie; I love using pewter on a table, but avoid using antique pewter that comes in contact with food due to it's lead content.

[Cori]

I agree with Eddie; I love using pewter on a table, but I've always avoided using antique pewter that comes in contact with food because of the lead content.

[Michael]

Eddie - just found your blog and am thrilled with your posts. There is nothing more thrilling to me than a good antique market, so you can imagine my excitement reading about your adventures. I live in CA, but will be in NY this week and will be at Hell's Kitchen and the garage markets - can't wait to see what I find. Thanks for your really wonderful blog!!!