The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Perfect Anniversary Gift

Posted March 21 2024 in Anniversary, Dining, Engraving, Gifts, Traditions, Wedding Traditions
Tagged: Anniversary, cheese sets, dinnerware, flatware, gift ideas, Gifts, gifts for her, gifts for him, sculpture, Silver Trays, silverware

Anniversaries are symbolic milestones in any couple’s life, marking another year of shared commitment, love, and growth. Selecting an anniversary gift is not simply an act of kindness; it’s a tangible expression of the value and meaning you place on the relationship. However, with the vast array of gift options available, the process can feel daunting. Here is the ultimate guide to navigating the art of selecting the perfect anniversary present that resonates with your partner’s heart and the nature of your bond.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Anniversary Gift

Selecting the right anniversary gift involves more than just browsing through items. Here are the key factors to bear in mind:

Personalization

A personalized gift conveys a sense of exclusivity and thoughtfulness. Engraving your partner’s initials or the date of your wedding on an item can add a personal touch that elevates its value sentimentally.

Sentimental Value

The worth of a gift is not measured by its price but by the emotions it stirs. A gift that holds a special memory, unique to your relationship, will always be cherished.

Practicality

While the thought behind a gift is paramount, practicality cannot be overlooked. A present that serves a useful purpose has the advantage of being enjoyed on a daily basis, acting as a constant reminder of your love.

Top Anniversary Gift Ideas

To aid in your decision-making, here are five handpicked anniversary gift ideas that embody the essence of meaningful and memorable gifting:

Belle Mont Handled Tray by Wilton Armatale

Give a gift that blends elegance and practicality— introducing the Belle Mont Handled Tray by Wilton Armatal. This beautifully crafted tray is the epitome of sophistication, making it an ideal choice for any celebratory occasion. Its intricate decorative motif adds a touch of style to your table setting, while its high-grade construction ensures durability, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1000 degrees F to keep your meals perfectly warm. Handmade to last a lifetime, this aluminum tray features an easy-to-grip handle, merging convenience with luxury. Measuring 18 inches long by 12 1/4 inches wide, it’s not just a serving piece but a lasting investment for those special shared moments. Perfect for those seeking to commemorate their love with a blend of beauty and functionality.

Versa Cheese Set w/Box Mary Jurek Versa Collection

For an anniversary gift that marries simplicity with sophistication, consider the Versa Cheese Set from the Mary Jurek Versa Collection. This essential serving set is the epitome of practical elegance, designed to gracefully handle any cheese, from the softest brie to the hardest cheddar. It ensures your guests have the perfect tool at their fingertips during gatherings. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans, promising a lifetime of use without the need for polishing. Perfect for couples who love to entertain, this cheese set stands as a testament to enduring quality and style. Elevate their next party with a gift that’s as timeless as their love. 

Angel of Grace, 6.5 Crystal Religious Gifts by Waterford

Elevate your anniversary gift-giving with the Angel of Grace, a 6.5-inch crystal sculpture from Waterford’s exquisite Religious Gifts collection. This divine piece exudes elegance and serenity, making it a perfect addition to a desk, display cabinet, nightstand, or any space in your home seeking a touch of inspiration. Crafted with Waterford’s renowned craftsmanship, this heavenly sculpture is not only a work of art but also a meaningful keepsake for life’s most sacred moments, including baptisms, communions, confirmations, and weddings. Its graceful presence serves as a lasting symbol of faith and love, making it an ideal anniversary gift.

Grande Baroque 20-piece Starter Set, Dinner Size by Wallace

Celebrate your anniversary in grand style with the Grande Baroque 20-piece Starter Set, Dinner Size by Wallace. This luxurious silverware collection is the epitome of elegance and tradition, perfect for couples who appreciate the finer things in life. The set includes four dinner forks, four salad forks, four dinner knives, four oval soup spoons, and four teaspoons, complemented by essential serving pieces: a serving spoon, serving fork, butter serving knife, and sugar spoon. Each piece showcases the intricate Grande Baroque design, making every meal a sophisticated affair. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a special family gathering, this starter set transforms your dining experience into an opulent feast. This is a timeless gift that symbolizes the beauty of shared moments and meals.

Crestwood Gold 20pc Set, Service for 4 Noritake Crestwood Gold China

For an anniversary gift that combines elegance with timeless appeal, consider the Noritake Crestwood Gold 20-piece Set, Service for 4. Renowned for its widespread popularity, this exquisite dinnerware pattern is accented with luxurious gold trim, making it a top choice among Noritake’s designs. Also available in a platinum trim version, Crestwood Platinum, it offers versatility to match any decor. Elevate the dining experience by pairing this set with the complementary Crestwood Gold stainless steel flatware by Yamazaki, ensuring a cohesive and sophisticated table setting. As a clearance item, this set offers exceptional value but is only available while supplies last, making it a unique and thoughtful anniversary gift. 

Each of these gifts is not just an item but a vessel for celebrating and nurturing the love you share with your partner. It is through the thoughtful selection of anniversary gifts that we can tangibly express the depth of our feelings and the importance of the bond we cherish. Don’t just give a gift; give a piece of your heart.

Ready to Make a Meaningful Gesture?

Discover a world of gifts that embody love, unity, and enduring affection at Silver Superstore. Mark your celebrations with grace through elegant, bespoke pieces designed to make every day as memorable as your anniversary. By selecting gifts that resonate on a personal and emotional level, while also considering their everyday utility, you ensure that your choice becomes a meaningful homage to your own love story or that of others. Keep in mind, the true value of an anniversary gift isn’t found in its cost but in the invaluable message it conveys. This year, make your anniversary gift truly significant.

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.

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.

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.