5 Personalized Gift Ideas for a Bridal Shower

Posted: May 25, 2023 in Drinkware, Engraving, Gifts, Mint Julep Cups, Sterling Silver, Wedding
Tagged: bridal shower, bridal shower gift, engraved gift, wedding gift

Wedding season has just begun, and aside from the actual weddings themselves, you’ll likely be attending some other related events like bridal showers over the coming months. If you’re stuck searching for a meaningful gift for the couple that is personalized yet sophisticated, getting an engraved silver gift from Silver Superstore is a wonderful idea. Here are five great options to consider as gifts for the next bridal shower you’re invited to.

1. Michelangelo 2pc Cake Server Set

Any sterling silver cake set will make a great gift for the bride-to-be. But, specifically, the Michelangelo 2pc Cake Server Set by Oneida should be one of the top considerations for a personalized bridal shower gift. This ornate, Victorian-style flatware pattern makes it a regal gift set for any couple who loves the traditional style.

You can engrave the cake server set with the couple’s initials, their wedding date, and more by choosing from over a dozen different font styles.

2. Pantheon 2pc Wedding Cake Set

The Pantheon 2pc Wedding Cake Set is a more understated and sleek option for engravable silver cake sets, but just as elegant and charming. The classic architectural detailing of this set features an egg-and-dart pattern on the tip, subtle lines throughout that replicate dentil molding, and an acanthus leaf on the neck giving this piece a stately aesthetic.

Again, you can personalize this cake set to make it custom for the bride and groom with their names or initials, plus the date of their wedding. Among the numerous font styles to choose from, options like Roman Block or BodoniXT would look fabulous and complement the masculine look of the set.

3. Plain Palacios Frame

You may also consider gifting engraved picture frames at the next bridal shower you attend. If so, check out the Plain Palacios Frame. This meaningful gift gives the bride a place to display a cherished photo from their wedding day, and you can also personalize it in a ton of different ways.

The plain design of the frame gives you a clean slate to customize it with any font style or messaging that you choose. This includes the date of their wedding, the location, their names, and more.

4. Devotion Toasting Flutes

The romantic and delicate details of these flutes offer a timeless yet modern elegance that any couple would love to include on their special day. The Devotion toasting flute pair is a perfect choice for an engagement, wedding or anniversary gift. Make your gift complete by also giving the matching Devotion cake set.

Personalizing the flutes with the couple’s initials and wedding date in a romantic font like Comscript or Upright Script would be the perfect pairing for a touching bridal shower gift.

5. Beaded Mint Julep Cup

Lastly, consider gifting the bride a pair of Beaded Mint Julep Cups at her bridal shower. This nickel plate mint julep cup from Elegance Silver has a classic design, but isn’t completely bare of any details, either.

Even if the bride doesn’t drink mint juleps, these cups are extremely versatile and can be used as a cup for any other beverage, as a vase for small floral arrangements, and more. Thus, there are tons of possibilities for how you can engrave this item given the large surface space available and the simplicity of the design.

The History of the Champagne Wedding Toast

Posted: May 15, 2023 in Drinkware, Engraving, Traditions, Wedding, Wedding Traditions
Tagged: champagne toast, Wedding Traditions

Weddings are packed full of traditions. But, you may not fully know what the reasoning is behind each of the common wedding activities. More specifically, the champagne toast has long been associated with weddings. But, where did this tradition of raising a glass of bubbly to honor the newlyweds originate?

Continue reading below as we cover the history and cultural significance behind the champagne wedding toast, and how to incorporate this meaningful tradition into your own wedding.

Where Did the Champagne Wedding Toast Originate?

To talk about where the champagne wedding toast originates from, we need to go back to 6th-century Greece.

Just as wine is a very popular alcoholic beverage today, it also was at this time. But, to the Greeks during this era, drinking wine signified an appreciation to the gods for good health and well-being. Thus, it became commonplace in jovial times of celebrations like weddings.

But, the word ‘toast’ wasn’t tacked onto this tradition until Shakespearean times hundreds of years later. During this time, people would put stale toast in the wine to eliminate some of the acidity and make it easier to drink. Champagne became the drink of choice for wedding toasts in the late 19th century as it became more affordable and accessible to the masses.

As the years have passed, placing toast in the drink is no longer a common or necessary practice. However, the word ‘toast’ has inherently become a part of the tradition of raising a glass to the happy couple. Plus, people have used other beverage options besides champagne for this tradition, like Prosecco, or whatever drink the wedding guests are already imbibing in.

Still ringing true to its Greek roots, the champagne wedding toast is a symbol for wishing the newly married couple a long lifetime of health and happiness.

How to Nail This Centuries-Old Tradition at Your Wedding

If you decide to pop the bubbly following your wedding ceremony, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this beloved tradition into your reception. Again, you don’t necessarily need to toast with champagne to still get the same sentiment, and you can personalize this activity to make it meaningful for you and your guests.

Select your drink of choice and decide whether you’re going to pass out flutes of the drink to your guests, or have everyone toast with their own beverages. Have someone in your family or wedding party be the toastmaster to initiate the toast and lead the rest of the guests in a “cheers” to the happy couple. It’s really that simple!

To make this special tradition even more impactful, consider doing so with your own Engraved Toasting Flutes from Silver Superstore. You’ll find a number of great options on our site, each of which can be engraved to add a personalized touch with the bride and groom’s names, the wedding date, or both. The With Love Gold Toasting Flute Pair is a great option for 2023 summer weddings. Inspired by Vera Wang’s jewelry collection and featuring a stunning gold stem, these flutes are a true show-stopper and a wonderful choice for any couple.

Whether you’re buying the engraved toasting flutes for yourself, or as a touching wedding gift for the newlyweds, these items will act as a continued reminder of the warmth and support the couple received from all of their guests on the happiest day of their lives. With a better idea of the history behind the champagne wedding toast, you can now see why couples continue to incorporate this into their weddings to this day.

5 Silver Essentials for Wedding Season

Posted: June 14, 2022 in Wedding, Gifts, Wedding Traditions
Tagged: cake knife set, Picture Frames, silverware, toasting flutes

Touches of silver details are a way to bring an extra hint of glamour and beauty to any gathering, especially weddings. Ordinary wedding items like candlestick holders or knives can be transformed into iconic pieces that all your guests will be touched by.

Cake Knife Set

One of the biggest memorable scenes of most weddings is the cutting of the first piece of cake. An ornate silver cake knife set is a special way to commemorate the moment and to have a gorgeous souvenir to always remember the joy shared that day. The metallic sheen of silver cake knives can create contrast against muted hues and potentially help make your cake stand out even further.

Quality knife sets can be reused for the next important events for years to come, such as housewarming events, anniversaries, or baby showers. Pieces engraved with dates or initials bring an even more personalized touch.

Floral Silverware

For anyone who enjoys the old-fashioned and historical aesthetic, floral silverware can help create this look for any occasion. Choose from a wide range of stunning artistic designs like Lenox Opal Innocence, Mikasa Cocoa Blossom, or Oneida Chateau Stainless.

The carved edges with romantic patterns and the high-quality silver material will impress your guests, both in the interior decor and while eating.

Toasting Flutes

Toasts are a central part of most weddings. Loved ones will congratulate the couple and share affectionate words and stories that the whole room will cherish. Silver-plated toasting flutes can memorialize the moment for the wedding couple and other special members of the wedding party.

Each time they see and use the special wedding flutes at home, they will be able to remember all the wonderful things that had been said on that special day. Each silver plate can be engraved as desired.

Candlestick Holders

Excellent quality silver candlestick holders give a completely different effect than run-of-the-mill ones. They bring a refined aesthetic to any room and create an old-world atmosphere for weddings.

Pass down as a family heirloom after the event and reuse for further special occasions or even as beautiful home decor that will bring back treasured wedding memories.

Picture Frames

Weddings are designed to be remembered for a lifetime. That’s one reason why choosing an excellent photographer is one of the biggest purchases for many weddings. However, how you store the photos is just as important!

A silver picture frame can show off the greatest shot of the bride and groom with a luxurious feel. Silver will last a lifetime and can be a truly timeless add-on to any special event.

Silver Superstore conveniently allows couples to create a registry for their desired purchases so guests can easily purchase online. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Guests will appreciate knowing which items capture your eye and seeing them on display at the wedding or in your home. Your registration can even be used again for big events in the future because silver items never go out of style.

Sterling Silver’s Long Lasting Beauty

Posted: February 27, 2020 in Gifts, Lifestyle, Sterling Silver, Traditions, Wedding
Tagged: 925, 99.9% Pure Silver, Sterling Silver

As you pick that perfect pendant or those gorgeous silver earrings that sparkle as they catch the light, know that you are part of a special tradition. Silver has been the metal of choice for jewelry and tableware for, well, thousands of years. In fact, a recent archaeological dig in Israel uncovered a 3,200-year-old cache of silver that included 5 hoop earrings.

A Brief History in Silver

Silver was first unearthed in Greece and Turkey in 3,000 B.C., and, even then, its discoverers worked to refine it to a purer form through a process called cupellation where they heated the raw metal and blew air over it. Modern popularity began in 1492 when Spanish Conquistadors found rich lodes of silver in South America. Between 1500 and 1800, most silver came from Mexico, Bolivia, and Peru. The first major silver strike in the United States came in 1857 when miners struck the Comstock Lode in Nevada.

Today, silver is found in a number of surprising uses. In the form of silver nitrate, silver has long been used for photography. Because it is the best conductor of heat and electricity, you will find it in electronics, and, because it’s also one of the best conductors of light, you’ll see it frequently used in mirror manufacturing. Silver’s antimicrobial properties have created uses in medicine as antibiotic creams and in infused dressings for wounds. There are even clothing manufacturers who have incorporated the metal into their products to ward off bacteria produced by bodily oils and sweat.

Sterling is the Choice

That refinement process has become an important measure of silver today. New processes have been developed to purify silver to what is known as “three nines fine,” which means that it is 99.9% pure. Pure silver is too soft for most industrial uses or for the wear and tear of jewelry or dinnerware, so it’s only common use today is as an investment product. Silver bullion, as it’s known to traders, is shaped into ingots and coins to be sold on the market and is thought to be preferred over other precious metals because of its demand in industrial use.

The silver you see every day in brooches and rings, in spoons and forks is sterling silver or 925 silver. These terms denote the percentage of silver. To be labeled “sterling” a product must contain at least 92.5% silver (hence 925). Sterling is made by creating an alloy out of silver and other metals, often copper, nickel, and zinc. The alloy creates durability and adds luster to the metal.

To recognize sterling silver, look for the hallmark stamped into its surface. Common hallmarks include “sterling,” “925,” “STG,” Ster,” and “SS.” It’s important to recognize the difference because products without these designations are usually silver plated, which, while beautiful, will eventually lose the coating of silver that gives it luster.

It may sound strange, but silver is produced by stars. When a star explodes creating a supernova, silver is made. Maybe that’s what draws us to it, that ethereal sparkle, that little piece of the cosmos.

History & Care: The Guide to Vintage Silverware

Posted: February 13, 2020 in Cutlery, Flatware, How-to Guides, Lifestyle, Sterling Silver, Traditions, Wedding Traditions
Tagged: Silver Care, silverware, silverware care, vintage flatware, vintage silver, vintage silveware

Flatware has become such an everyday feature of our lives that we rarely stop to consider its origins and history. Today, you can go to any department store and find a set of stainless steel silverware, but that wasn’t always the case.

In fact, the cutlery that you see today was predated by vintage silverware. Interested? Here’s a deep dive into the history of vintage silverware.

History of Vintage Silver Flatware

The existence of flatware dates back to ancient times. However, the more refined flatware made of metal materials has only been commonly used in the last 4 centuries. England has been long renowned as the best producer of flatware since the 1600s.

The following century saw the rise of silversmiths who specialized in turning silver coins into top-quality cutlery. These silversmiths would later be known as cutlers or those who make and sell cutlery. This silverware was typically carried around by their owners and was deemed as very personal items. Silverware wasn’t globally popular until the 18th century when the price of silver was afforable enough to appeal to middle-class families.

Sterling silver flatware saw a decline in popularity after the invention of stainless steel flatware fabled to have been invented by Harry Brearley in 1916.

Vintage Silverware Today

Vintage silverware is still very much in vogue. The skillful craftsmanship utilized to create the ornate filigree and lasting-designs of vintage silverware make it a well-sought after collector’s item within the antiquing community. Vintage silverware can also be found in ‘living museums” which aim to recreate specific time periods.

Some top-tier venues may offer vintage silverware for special events including weddings and dinners. However, this isn’t common practice as vintage silverware is typically held as a part of a collection and not used for eating.

How to Care for Vintage Silverware

Vintage silverware requires very delicate handling and specific care. Their ornate patterns can cause dust and debris to settle in hard-to-reach places. Additionally, collectors must take care to prevent rust which naturally occurs due to oxidation. Vintage silverware may need polishing alongside a strict cleaning regime.

While cleaning vintage silverware isn’t particularly difficult, it’s best to let a professional take care of these duties. If your collection is particularly valuable or features precious stones, hiring someone to pay special attention to detail might be your best bet.

That said, if you have a collection that you would prefer to clean at home, there are plenty of DIY methods that will help to extend your silverware’s life and protect its shine. Here’s how to clean vintage silverware at home.

1. Place a dinner knife closest to the charger, then the salad knife, teaspoon, and soup spoon following
2. Place a butter knife on top of the bread plate
3. Place a dessert spoon directly above the charger
4. Place a water glass above the dinner knife, with your red and white wine glasses following
5. If you’re using individual salt and pepper shakers, place them above the dessert spoon
6. Place the place card above the dessert spoon

Final Thoughts

Whether you are in the market for vintage silverware or simply want to keep your great grandmother’s collection as flawless as possible, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the care that comes with owning vintage silverware. Without proper care, the silverware will tarnish and gradually lose its value. Take pride in caring for your silverware!

Crystal Stemware: A Toast to Love & Life

Posted: January 10, 2020 in Cocktails, Drinkware, Gifts, Lifestyle, Summer, Traditions, Wedding, Wedding Traditions
Tagged: champagne, stemware, toasting flutes

Some customs have clear logic behind them, while others are more obscure. Waving hello makes sense as a way of getting someone’s attention, but why, for instance, do we shake hands as a greeting? With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching and millions of romantic dinners to be had in its name, many may be wondering why do we toast drinks at special occasions.

History of Toasting

Simply put, the act of toasting is calling for a drink in honor of something, whether it’s to commemorate a special occasion or achievement, to wish someone good fortune, or to show an act of good will. Drinking together has long been seen as bonding—but where did this concept come from?

Toasting is an ancient tradition. By the time the Roman Empire took over across Europe, toasting had already been around for centuries. Romans and Saxons both inherited this ancient custom from much older peoples—the Greeks, Egyptians, Huns, and even Hebrews. You might even say that toasting is as old as civilization itself.

The original act of toasting is hard to pinpoint. However, the name “toasting” seems to have originated during the reign of the Roman Empire, when guests crumbled actual toast into their wine to soften the bitterness and perhaps add flavor.

In ancient times, being poisoned by wine was a very real concern. Whenever someone hosted an event and led a toast for his guests, drawing attention to the wine and taking the first drink was seen as a way to show that it was safe—to promote friendliness and dissolve suspicion.

Even further back in time, according to the International Handbook on Alcohol and Culture, it appears that toasting may have been used as a part of a religious ritual of sacrificing animals and wine to deities. Clinking glasses was an effort to drive away evil spirits—so the ancient belief that sacrificing the fruit of their labor in the form of a drink in exchange for health and good fortune may have morphed into the toasts of today.

Valentine’s Day: Toasting to Love and Life

When it comes to a romantic dinner though, a toast becomes a very intimate thing. At a wedding, a toast is a performance—you’re taking part in a group ritual of celebration. At a Valentine’s Day dinner, on the other hand, you’re offering up a drink for the health, love, and life of your partner.

Clink your crystal flutes of champagne to ward off negativity, drink to each other’s health, and celebrate each other and your relationship. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to use this ancient tradition to signify good wishes, positivity, and good luck for the future. When you give a toast for your partner, remember that you’re adding your drink to a long history of toasting—an ancient traditions that represents faith, positivity, and good fortune.

Silver Serving Trays: A Centerpiece for Every Table

Posted: October 16, 2019 in Cocktails, Decorations, Dinnerware, Gifts, Holidays, Lifestyle, Traditions, Wedding, Wedding Traditions
Tagged: Serving Tray, Silver Platter, Silver Trays

Silver Serving Trays

Hosting a holiday meal, a gala for clients, or a summer brunch on the deck of a lakeside home can be made all the more sublime with accouterments that highlight your own style. Your personal refinement will be revealed to your guests when you gracefully wand gravy across rich meats with an embossed silver ladle, deftly pour Lady Grey tea into the delicate cups of an ornate tea set, or carry in afternoon mimosas in crystal flutes on a silver serving tray. The serving pieces that make a party or event feel special have never gone out of style.

Versatility

One of the most versatile pieces of a serving set is the silver serving tray. When serving drinks, a serving tray is perfect for bringing guests beverages, allowing you to visit with each guest individually. It can then be run back to the kitchen to be refilled with a second round of beverages. Hors d’oeuvres can also be a perfect use of a serving tray.

Delightfully displayed in the center of the table, no guest will be able to resist taking a nibble of an anchovy crostini, a prosciutto and ricotta roll, or a cucumber sandwich. Of course, the traditional use of the serving tray – to bring in the Thanksgiving turkey or the Christmas ham with great fanfare – makes the serving tray a must-have piece for any serving set.

Diverse Style

When planning your table, a diversity of styles for serving trays is currently available. Your choice of silver serving tray will immediately set the tone, be it classical elegance or modern vibrancy. Silver Superstore provides the range of styles you need for a perfect event.

Chippendale Trays by Salisbury convey the classic appeal of the family heirloom, while the Vertigo Large Round Serving Tray by Christofle exudes the modern curves and neat lines popular today in homes and restaurants alike.

Perfect Gifts

Silver serving trays can also be lovely gifts for noteworthy anniversaries, weddings, or successfully closing on a client contract. Engraving the piece for the occasion will make it an item to be treasured for years to come. Serving pieces such as these are more than just useful, they are an expression of yourself.

6 Reasons Framed Gifts are a Great Idea

Posted: April 8, 2019 in Engraving, Gifts, Holidays, Mother's Day, Traditions, Valentine's Day, Wedding
Tagged: Mother's Day Gifts, Personalized Mother's Day Gifts, Picture Frames, wedding gifts

There is someone special to you, and you want to let them know how much you care. But, maybe, you aren’t sure how. With Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day right around the corner, how do you express your fondness?

The answer might be in a picture frame. Framed gives are ideal for many reasons. For starters, the possibilities of what can be framed are endless — much like the frames themselves. Before brushing aside this idea or deeming it unoriginal, you may want to consider the countless number of things you can frame as a gift.

• Tickets to an event you attended together (i.e. movie, concert, musical)
• Cross-stitched or other handmade gifts
• Their favorite CD or vinyl album
• A page or passage from their favorite book
• A pressed version of their favorite flower
• And, of course, photos of the two of you

Framed gifts have many advantages over regular gifts too. They’re multi-faceted, and lauded for their thoughtfulness as much as their appearance. Here are some benefits to giving a framed gift.

Preserves Memories

Whatever you frame is saved forever. Photos won’t yellow, pressed flower won’t crumble, and edges won’t bend. They’ll be able to look back on that photo or ticket stub for decades to come.

Doubles as a Decoration

If you invest in a stunning silver frame, like the ones in our picture frame collection, it serves as décor too. Sure, you can find frames for a couple of bucks, but the gift will mean so much more with a beautiful and intricately-detailed frame that they can use as decoration.

Easy

Framed gifts are practically effortless. The most work goes into determining what exactly you’re going to frame. Once that’s done, you simply print (or collect) what you’re going to frame, find the right frame for the recipient, and pop the two together.

Personal

Framed gifts are more personal when you take the time to carefully pick which item to frame. It’s a gift that automatically shows it was a labor of love, and not a labor of money.

Up to You

The design and layout of the gift are entirely up to you. You can buy a collage picture frame to highlight many events and artifacts, or just a simple single picture frame to commemorate one experience. The gift is timeless so you won’t have to worry about the next trend or them outgrowing it throughout the next phase of their lives.

Inexpensive

Even the most elegant picture frames can be inexpensive. For example, our silver-plated picture frames start as low as $34.95, and their elegant finish is sure to keep its vitality. As for the cost of the item you’re framing? Most of the time, it’s priceless – literally and figuratively.

Personalized gifts showcase your thoughtfulness and deep caring for the recipient. The ability to express yourself is something that you should take advantage of when it comes to gift-giving, and nothing gives you a better opportunity for self-expression than a picture frame.

A Closer Look At Mepra Flatware

Posted: May 28, 2018 in Gifts, Lifestyle, Flatware, Flatware Reviews, Traditions, Wedding
Tagged: Bronze, Dolce Vita, Mepra Flatware, Pewter Flatware, Rustic, Vintage

The Long, Colorful History of Mepra

The designers and craftsmen at Mepra go to impossible lengths to turn out deceptively simple-looking designs. Handling a piece of Mepra flatware is akin to admiring the work of a skilled, studied architect.

The brand name alludes to the company’s commitment to quality and tradition. Mepra is shorthand for Metallurgica Prandelli. Metallurgy is a branch of science and engineering concerned with the study of metallic elements. Prandelli is the family name, and that’s far more interesting to most people.

The brand has officially been around since 1947, but the three Prandelli brothers, Bortolo, Giovanbattista and Francesco, started the family business in Lumezzane, Italy, in 1898. They built their first metalworks factory in 1901. After World War II, Giovanbattista gave his three sons control of a new company called Mepra.

Pietro, Giacomo and Felice built a modern plant and took advantage of the raw aluminum and brass that were in abundance after the war. Three years later, they decided to switch to stainless steel. That decision has been paying off ever since.

As the company grew, the brothers branched into hollowware, kitchenware and silver plate production. Pietro’s son Gianno joined the business in 1972 and eventually served as both CEO and president. Luigi, Felice’s son, took over marketing and accounting in 1985. He later became CEO as well.

The company thrived through the 1980s. Luigi is credited with launching a number of versatile products and collections. The family started incorporating wood, glass, porcelain and other materials into their designs. The result was a diverse, innovative assortment of products that are still popular today. A plant dedicated solely to plastic goods opened in 1992.

To cater to the tastes of increasingly refined customers, Mepra began collaborating with well-known, cutting-edge designers like Angelo Mangiarotti, an award-winning architect and urban planner. Many of those talented newcomers still create designs for Mepra.

The family’s integrity is reflected in its elegant flatware and smart cookware, which are used in fine hotels, restaurants and private homes. The third generation of Prandellis is highly admired for its efforts to improve the environment, keep workers safe and healthy, use sustainable resources, and fight child labor around the globe.

Make Mepra a Part of Your Lifestyle

Mepra is best known for fine Italian flatware. Its patterns, which are uniquely beautiful in their simplicity, range in price from $70 to $180 per setting. All are crafted from 18/10-gauge stainless steel for durability and balance, but the striking finishes vary. Since the designs have classic, understated appeal, they are equally at home in rustic and formal settings.

Choose from these timeless patterns:

Michelangelo Vintage Bronzo – The broad, unadorned, rounded handle and bronze finish hark back to a simpler time and more leisurely dining.

Dolce Vita Pewter – There is the merest suggestion of a scallop design on this pattern finished in pewter.

Fantasia – Add a slight touch of color with this slender design in red, blue, or china — a neutral beige that will enhance any table.

Epoque Oro Nero – This design is similar to the Vintage Bronzo, but the hammered finish makes it distinctive.

Caring for Your Mepra Silverware

The place settings come with a salad or dessert fork, a dinner fork, a table knife, a dessert spoon, and a tea or coffee spoon.

Mepra flatware is dishwasher-safe, but the manufacturer suggests giving special attention to the knives during the first few washings.

To ensure that the blades retain their sharpness over time — just one example of Mepra’s attention to detail — they’re made with a different gauge of stainless steel that has a higher carbon content. They will build up an invisible layer of protection from rust after several washings, but until then, they are vulnerable.

Don’t soak the knives for extended periods of time. Dry them with a soft cloth after the first 10 or 15 runs through the dishwasher.

Otherwise, caring for your Mepra flatware couldn’t be easier. The pieces should endure for generations just like the Prandelli family that made them.

The Last Of The American Flatware

Posted: May 18, 2018 in Flatware, Flatware Reviews, Gifts, Lifestyle, Traditions, Wedding
Tagged: flatware, Liberty Tabletop, made in america, Sherrill Manufacturing

Liberty Tabletop Profile

Sherrill Manufacturing, known for Liberty Tabletop products, has an admirable and increasingly unique claim to fame: it is the only remaining flatware manufacturer in the U.S.

Even the quality stainless steel it uses is made right here in America. Sherrill tests for lead and other toxic trace elements. There are no shortcuts in the making of safe, durable products. Not only that, but high-grade stainless steel retains its appealing luster and resists staining for generations.

Sherrill Manufacturing has been at this for more than 100 years and is frequently lauded by the media. The New York Times, ABC, and NBC are just a few outlets that have featured the company. Since other American industries are disappearing in droves — according to The Times, there’s only one whistle maker, one barber pole manufacturer and a handful of sneaker factories left — Sherrill’s longevity is impressive.

New Beginnings

There were some close calls. Sherrill was initially an exclusive manufacturer for Oneida. Like many companies, Oneida found it impossible to compete with brands that were using inferior materials and outsourcing labor to keep costs down. It went bankrupt in 2006 before merging with other brands. Meanwhile, Sherrill had to come up with solutions.

Production shut down for two years as the company reorganized. Before it did, however, the forward-thinking owners used all the steel they had left to create their own patterns. Those designs became the Liberty Tabletop collection. They built a website that generated $23,000 in sales in the first year. By 2015, sales were close to $1 million. The customer base expanded largely through word of mouth. The U.S. military, which orders Liberty Tabletop utensils for bases around the globe, has helped sustain Sherrill through the years.

Even in tough times, Sherrill won’t compromise. They’re looking for customers who don’t mind paying a little more for domestically made goods. Sherrill’s steel comes from Ohio. Polishing compounds hail from Detroit and Pittsburgh. A family-run paper company in Earlville, New York manufactures all of Sherrill’s boxes. The paper outfit has been in business since 1926.

Liberty Tabletop Patterns

We carry a number of Liberty Tabletop designs for a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re leaning toward something sleek or ornate, you have plenty of choices.

You’ll notice that many of the pattern names reflect the American history that the company works so hard to honor:

Betsy Ross – This has a simple, unadorned teardrop shape and a mirror-finished handle and bowl. The excellent heft and balance were created with users’ comfort in mind.

Kensington – The graceful scroll design and slightly larger sizing make these pieces distinctive.

Martha Washington – The fiddleback shape and understated floral detail are charming. Martha Washington is an updated version of the silverware that the first lady might have set her table with at Mount Vernon.

Modern America – The Modern America hollow-handled knives are designed for superior cutting performance and durability. The plain design, with slightly rounded edges and a highly polished finish, makes the pattern suitable for any decor.

Pearls – A rounded handle and delicate beading make Pearls a perennial favorite.

Prestige – The subtle scrollwork and feathering on the squared handle lend timeless elegance. Prestige can be dressed up or down according to the occasion.

Satin Richmond – The silhouette is classic colonial. Satin Richmond is destined to become a treasured family heirloom.

Dedication to Social Responsibility

Liberty Tabletop not only does its part to grow the U.S. economy (while simultaneously creating stunning silver tributes to American culture), but it also helps people find meaningful careers. The company is known for valuing its employees and treating them exceptionally well.

The owners are most passionate about preserving a craft practiced by illustrious figures in American history. Separatist Edward Winslow, who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, and American Revolutionary War hero Paul Revere were among many talented silversmiths. Liberty Tabletop sticks to time-honored methods, and customers are overwhelmingly satisfied with the exceptional quality, durability, pleasing appearance and affordable price of their flatware.

Finally, by choosing Liberty Tabletop flatware, you’ll be joining forces with the manufacturers in their fight against child labor, abuse of workers and unsafe workplaces.

An Elegant Wedding Featuring Silver Superstore

Posted: April 20, 2018 in Gifts, Lifestyle, Traditions, Wedding
Tagged: Bride, Cake Knife, groom, love, Wedding Cake, wedding gifts, Wedding Traditions

Weddings with Silver Superstore

Whether you’re engaged to be married or you know someone who is, you’ve come to the right place. We offer a diverse collection of exquisite pieces to delight couples and their guests on that special day and for years to come. Keep reading to get ideas.

Cutting the Cake

Wedding cake evolved from the ancient Roman tradition of breaking bread over the bride’s head for good luck.

Wedding dresses are traditionally white because that’s the color Queen Victoria chose when she married Prince Albert in 1840. The queen also served an all-white cake. The ingredients in white icing were so rare and costly at the time that it came to be called royal icing.

Cakes are more beautiful and expensive than ever, so the serving pieces should rise to the occasion. Personalized engraving will ensure that they become treasured family heirlooms.

We offer dozens of patterns from traditional to modern and from simple to ornate. Choose from sterling silver, stainless steel, silver plate, gold plate and even crystal. Our products are manufactured by the world’s finest silversmiths and most trusted brands.

Here is a small sampling:

- This popular classic pattern is made of sterling silver and features a graceful fleur de lis.

- This pattern was introduced in 1900. Its graceful curves and delicate beading are still appealing.

Browse our site for many more options by Wallace, Oneida, Yamakazi, Ricci, Fortessa and other fine makers.

Toasting the Happy Couple

A French soldier and literary critic named Charles de Saint-Evremond smuggled Champagne to England when he was exiled in 1661. King Charles II of England couldn’t get enough of it, and its popularity soon trickled down to the upper class.

At that time, Champagne was sipped from common beer and cider glasses. The tall, thin toasting glasses known as flutes were designed later. A bead at the base helps to retain the carbonation and causes the bubbles to rise dramatically to the top of the glass. The shape keeps the wine from prematurely going flat. That comes in handy when long-winded toasters drag on and on.

We carry close to 40 different patterns in a wide range of styles. Toasting flutes remind couples of their wedding day with every use, and engraving makes them unique and meaningful.

Devotion, by Lenox

These crystal and silver plate flutes have a band accented with tiny gems between the stem and bowl. They are delicate and romantic.

This set has the pleasing weight and balance that Waterford is known for. The carving subtly suggests a pair of hearts.

If you’re a soon-to-be bride, be sure to start your registry. Our prompts make it easy. Just specify your favorite serving sets, toasting flutes, flatware and other desired gifts.

If you’re shopping for a bride or groom, don’t overlook our picture frames, decorative trays, vanity accessories and other home decor items.

Love is in the air at Silver Superstore.

The Best Silver Wedding Gifts

Posted: April 18, 2017 in Gifts, Lifestyle, Traditions, Wedding, Wedding Traditions
Tagged: cake knife set, cake sets, engraving, toasting flutes, Wedding, wedding gifts

A wedding is one of the biggest celebrations and most memorable milestones in anyone’s life, which is why marriages are commemorated with special gifts from friends and family. Silver and silver-plated items are classic choices and are often passed down to future generations as treasured heirlooms. Personalizing these gifts with elegant engraving makes them even more distinctive and precious.

If you’re looking for something special to present to loved ones on their wedding day, consider these stunning, unique items from the Silver Superstore.

Toasting Flutes

Toasting flutes can be used at the wedding when the champagne is poured and at any special occasion thereafter. Hand-washable and available in a variety of designs, these stunning flutes look beautiful on any formal table.

When choosing glassware, look for a style in line with the overall theme of the wedding. Long-stem flutes with flared bowls impart a modern feel. Rounded flutes reflect a traditional image, and flutes with flared lips add a unique look to the setup. Even the style of the foot, whether flat or curved, contributes to the beauty of the piece. Choose a combination with the right characteristics to commemorate the couple’s love.

Wedding Cake Knife Set

Ensure the cutting of the wedding cake goes smoothly by presenting the couple with a brand-new cake knife set. These sets come with a knife to slice that memorable first piece and a server to slide it effortlessly onto a plate. Each knife has a slight curve, adding elegance to functionality. Servers can be slim or wide with a rounded or pointed tip.

Choose from patterns ranging from plain sophistication to floral motifs with swirls, petals and climbing vines. A touch of color makes the beauty of the silver stand out even more. Giving a cake knife set provides the couple with a commemorative serving piece they can treasure for years and use whenever they wish to remember their special day.

Silverplate Bell

For a simple and elegant gift, you can’t go wrong with a silver-plated wedding bell. As just one of the many unique silver gifts available to choose from, a bell is an iconic image of weddings and will remind the couple of their young love as they celebrate anniversaries in the years to come.

Engraving is the perfect way to make a plain silver bell special. Have the couple’s first names or last name inscribed on the piece with the date of the wedding underneath to create a memento they’ll treasure forever. When presented with a colorful ribbon on top, this bell makes a beautiful Christmas tree ornament and can be used year after year to add a special touch to the holidays.

Candlesticks

Candlesticks make attractive, practical gifts for any couple. Whether used at the wedding or as part of a table setting at parties and on holidays, silver and silver-plated candlesticks are an eye-catching addition to any dining arrangement.

Formal candlesticks can be found in a variety of multi-tiered designs. If the couple likes a classic look, go for something tall and elegant with minimal adornment. Modern or eclectic couples may appreciate a more distinctive set with shaper lines and concentric circles around the base.

Classic Flatware

Not long ago, silver flatware was a common wedding gift. Couples used the pieces they received to set the table when entertaining or celebrating special holidays. These elegant flatware sets are still available today in a variety of designs. From simple hostess sets to full place settings for up to 12 people, silver flatware is a timeless way to commemorate a very special marriage.

Presenting one of these gifts is a great way to honor a happy couple on their wedding day. Investing in genuine silver shows how much you appreciate the loved ones in your life and gives them something to bestow to their children or grandchildren at a future wedding.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to find the right silver or silver-plated gift when you shop the Silver Superstore. Look for items with personality and flair mirroring the style of love being displayed by the couple, and you’ll find the perfect match for the people you cherish most in life.