Thanksgiving is upon us, and you know what that means: time to polish up the silver (and brass!) for a stylish season of holiday entertaining. But despite even the best intentions, antique serving pieces, whether found at a flea market or inherited from family, deteriorate with time. Silver can dull and surfaces pit, often leaving heirloom quality pieces bound for scrap. Sometimes, all they need is a good cleaning, but for items with more extensive damage, skilled craftspeople, trained in the art of restoration, can preserve cherished pieces and the memories they bring. This month, for my column in Southern Living magazine, I traveled to the Scott Antique Market in Atlanta (one of my favorites!), where I found a collection of serving pieces with plenty of potential but too pitted or tarnished to use. A coin silver ladle was wafer thin at the bowl with parts of it missing altogether. But thanks to the help of two restoration companies, my serving pieces have never looked better! For the full story, read on. And while you're there, don't forget to like the column, everyone!
Eddie,
How much did the work on the pieces come to? I like this piece. It was a unique twist of before/after.
Posted by: chad | November 28, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Wow! What a wonderful resource Dan, Beth, and Jim are; I am totally filing that info away!
Posted by: traci zeller designs | November 24, 2011 at 08:34 PM
Oh, how I love great serving pieces! I must get to Atlanta one of these days. Everyone always finds the best things there! I wish you both a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with much laughter and joy! xo
Posted by: Marianne {Style For Living} | November 23, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Love the combination of that robins egg blue with the aged gold mirror.
Posted by: Kate {domestikatedlife} | November 23, 2011 at 09:40 AM
To me, there is nothing
like rescuing and then using-
often- a piece with history.
Yours is perfec as a cheese
platter and I'm certain you
have rescued many more
pieces with interesting
backgrounds! Happiest
of Thanksgivings, E&J!
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne | November 23, 2011 at 08:00 AM
What a wonderful article but I didn't know you could take pieces in for restoration. I brought out my great grandparents silverware for the holiday but a few of the pieces need restoration so great to know for next year.
Happy Thanksgiving Jaithan and Eddie!
Hugs Debra!
Posted by: Acquired Objects | November 23, 2011 at 07:21 AM
Eddie-
Just yesterday, I was polishing a piece my Mother gave me and I had to google EPNS which means Eletro-plated-nickel-silver and I think it might be time to have it restored as it is pocked and the silver has worn....but I love the patina, the shape and that it serves side dishes.
Happy Thanksgiving and as always - for all you inspire.
pve
Posted by: pve | November 23, 2011 at 05:54 AM
Call me silly, but reading this article warms my heart. Just how you revitalized the silver laddle, the copper pan ... And the artisans are happy, too, because they got work to do. Bravo Eddie!
Posted by: Paula | November 23, 2011 at 05:03 AM
E+J- Nice column! So good to see the serving pieces get a new lease on life. (And metal work is dear to my heart and hands.)
Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!
Loretta
Posted by: Loretta Fontaine (APPLESandRUBIES) | November 22, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Thanks for the sources, I have several silver items that need some repair.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Sandra Jonas | November 22, 2011 at 10:32 PM
LOVE! I have a couple of vintage copper Mauviel pots that need retinning...you've inspired me! umhm.
Posted by: Linda @ Lime in the Coconut | November 22, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Eddie, I am going to not only "Like" your column, I will also buy the magazine! That's because I see at least 2 items that's been in my husband's family and which we recently inherited. One is the pair of wheat sconces. The other is the gold goblets - but ours are blue. My sister in-law has the red ones. We also inherited a lot of silver (trays, platters, bowls, coffee pots, tea sets, etc.). I need to find the time to polish them though!
Posted by: Bebett | November 22, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Got my issue and just saw you in it! Loved the article! xo grace
Posted by: Grace Happens | November 22, 2011 at 08:50 PM
I love the copper pot. It's wonderful to find a diamond in the rough.
Posted by: Tonia | November 22, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Eddie I just read the article. That is amazing how beautifully these pieces turned out. The horn handled pieces are my fav!! Beautiful buffet table Mr. Ross!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and Jaithan!! Mom is here baking pies and my house smells so yummy!! xo Kathysue
Posted by: kathysue | November 22, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Looks great. Hope you all have a fab holiday!!!
Posted by: Ragland Hill Social by Gwen Driscoll | November 22, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Eddie, I agree with you about the Scott Antique Market! it is wonderful. thanks for all of the info about the old silver and other metals. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Pam Kelley
Posted by: Pkadallas@aol.com | November 22, 2011 at 07:28 PM
So fab! Thanks for the tip about the silversmith- I recently destroyed not one but TWO pieces of silver flatware in my kitchen sink disposal... My jeweler said he couldn't fix, but maybe your guy can do it. I hate to throw them away. btw you inspired my Thanksgiving table on Matters of Style today... xoxo
Posted by: Sarah (Matters of Style) | November 22, 2011 at 07:25 PM
It is amazing what silver restorers can do. I had a gorgeous silver basket that my husband had inherited that needed work from pitting and some filigree work and it was unbelievable the result. I never thought of buying pieces that needed work...thrilled to see your results, and loved reading every word when I received the magazine!!
Posted by: designchic | November 22, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Just the best!! Especially since you are in Southern Living,(speaking as a southerner)haven't been to that market in Atlanta. Thanks for the tip. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: Peggy Braswell | November 22, 2011 at 07:22 PM