Rings for the table
In my parent's home, we used rings to identify the family's napkins. (Paper napkins were an extravagance, only used for really messy or 'casual' dinners like burgers.) I had a bird, my brother a manly wood ring he made at camp, my sister a rabbit, my mother a green bakelite circle, and Dad's was silver with the four suits of playing cards on it.
When my mother died, fifteen years after Dad, I found both their rings in her apartment, nestled together with her linens.
When my sons were small, we also used napkin rings: animal clips for each boy, antique silver rings for us. Sometime in their teens, we stopped using them- maybe they found them juvenile. When I saw these pewter rings from Beehive Kitchen, I was reminded of their charm and utility. ($62 for a set of four.)
But it's lovely to use antique silver rings, many of which are monogrammed or engraved with a name. This art noveau beauty, from eBay seller artpottery is starting at $65.
The ro
mantic Victorian piece at left, engraved "Mira", is from a Philadelphia estate; starting bid $39 from eBay seller turquoise.
My current favourite from eBay is this French deco hallmarked sterling piece, starting bid $150 from seller jakob-source.
An easy way to enjoy old silver: minimal polishing, lovely patina and a mysterious bit of history on the table.
When my mother died, fifteen years after Dad, I found both their rings in her apartment, nestled together with her linens.
When my sons were small, we also used napkin rings: animal clips for each boy, antique silver rings for us. Sometime in their teens, we stopped using them- maybe they found them juvenile. When I saw these pewter rings from Beehive Kitchen, I was reminded of their charm and utility. ($62 for a set of four.) 
But it's lovely to use antique silver rings, many of which are monogrammed or engraved with a name. This art noveau beauty, from eBay seller artpottery is starting at $65.
The ro
mantic Victorian piece at left, engraved "Mira", is from a Philadelphia estate; starting bid $39 from eBay seller turquoise.
My current favourite from eBay is this French deco hallmarked sterling piece, starting bid $150 from seller jakob-source.
An easy way to enjoy old silver: minimal polishing, lovely patina and a mysterious bit of history on the table.
Comments
sjcyogi
Cloth napkins are such a great way to add a little class to a meal.
It's funny that Patricia's boys don't take the rings off. !!