Antique silver is always in style | Classic & Christofle silverware for everyday use

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Silverware carries a kind of quiet luxury — cool, polished, reflective, with a depth and history that few materials match. Silver’s reflective surface brightens rooms and adds a luminous accent that complements wood, stone, crystal, ceramic, and fabric. It also adds sophistication, richness and a sense of ritual, complementing all design styles: traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. 

 

The biggest impact is often made when silver collectables are grouped en masse to accentuate the ambience of any space, bringing visual surprise, an elegant touch, and a touch of glamour to every room and everyday life.

At The Crown Collection, our silver pieces aren’t just functional, they’re décor statements; perfect for use and for showing off.

At The Crown Collection, our silver pieces aren’t just functional; they’re décor statements, perfect for both use and display.

Why Christofle matters | A legacy of silver excellence

Founded in Paris in 1830 by Charles Christofle, Christofle has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious silverware houses in the world.

  • Craftsmanship & heritage. Christofle pioneered the use of electroplating in France in 1842 — a technique that enabled high-quality silver plating, making beautiful silverware more accessible while retaining a luxurious feel.
  • Design meets art. Over nearly two centuries, Christofle has collaborated with renowned artists and designers — from the 19th-century sculptors to modern creatives — blending fine craftsmanship with artistic vision. 
  • From royal tables to your home. Once gracing the tables of emperors, kings and aristocrats, Christofle today brings that legacy of elegance into modern homes around the world — transforming meals into refined experiences.

Founded in Paris in 1830 by Charles Christofle, Christofle has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious silverware houses in the world.

Due to this past and ongoing commitment, Christofle silverware is a testament to both investment and lifestyle.

Everyday rituals | Silver tea & coffee sets

There’s something special about serving tea or coffee from a gleaming silver set — it transforms a simple moment into a memorable occasion. 

At The Crown Collection, our classic 19th-century John Turton Victorian Silver-Plated Tea/Coffee Set brings vintage grandeur to the table — perfect for long, lingering breakfasts or formal high-tea afternoons.

If you prefer a slightly more contemporary feel, our Silver Plated Five‑Piece Tea/Coffee Set and Tray With Wooden Handles is ideal: sleek, elegant and functional — great for everyday use or special guest occasions.

When not in use, silver tea and coffee sets make beautiful display pieces.

When not in use, tea and coffee sets make beautiful display pieces.

Placed on a sideboard, open shelf or glass-fronted cabinet – or perhaps against a backdrop of other silver trays – they become a nod to a traditional showcasing of fine tableware

Standing tall | Candelabras & candlesticks 

Candlesticks and candelabras, carved in silver — whether ornate or minimalist — are among the most dramatic ways to add vertical interest and ambience to a home. Silver catches candlelight and magnifies it, projecting warmth and glow.

Arranged on a dining table, mantlepiece, or console in an entryway, silver candelabras announce elegance and heritage. And when paired with tall taper candles — white for a classic look, or coloured for a seasonal mood — they instantly transform even a casual dinner into something special. (Read this blog if you want more inspiration on setting the scene with silver candelabras.) 

Arranged on a dining table, mantlepiece, or console in an entryway, silver candelabras announce elegance and heritage

Browse our beautiful collection.

Tablescaping flair | Trays, cutlery sets & food domes 

Mixing function with display is where antique silver really ‘steps up to the plate’ as a versatile decor item and accessory. 

Silver Trays | The Silent Anchor

A silver tray does more than hold objects — it frames them, transforming loose items on a coffee table, sideboard or drinks cart into a unified, curated vignette. 

A rectangular or oval tray can be used to anchor a coffee table, sideboard or vanity display: perhaps a small vase with seasonal flowers, a scented candle or two, and a stack of books. Or in a kitchen, it could gather oils, salt & pepper, a salt cellar, and maybe a small bowl of fresh herbs — beautiful and useful.

A rectangular or oval tray can be used to anchor a coffee-table, sideboard or vanity display: perhaps a small vase with seasonal flowers, a scented candle or two, and a stack of books.

Our canteen cutlery sets make an ideal base for dinner parties — and for everyday meals that you want to feel a bit elevated.

 (Visit this blog to read more about how to make your silver cutlery ‘shine’ at your next dinner party. )

Food Domes & serving pieces | Drama at the table

There’s something old-worldly and dramatic about serving dishes under silver domes — the little moment of revealing what lies underneath adds ceremony. Silver food domes and cloches, once reserved for aristocratic dining rooms, now bring theatrical flair to modern tables. 

Silver food domes and cloches, once reserved for aristocratic dining rooms, now bring theatrical flair to modern tables.

By pairing silver trays, serving dishes and cloches with polished silver cutlery, you create a completely coordinated, luxurious dining tableau — whether for holiday meals, dinner parties, or intimate dinners.

Large serving pieces, ornate platters, and domes become functional art.

When not in use, many of these also shine as décor: hung on a dining-room wall, displayed on a sideboard, or arranged on an open shelf or cabinet.

Large serving pieces, ornate platters, and domes become functional art.

Maintaining the lustre | ‘Spit & polish’

Silverware looks its best when properly cared for. Because silver is softer than stainless steel, avoid washing the two metals together; the stainless steel can scratch or damage the silver. 

When polishing, rub lengthwise (not in circular motion) to avoid scratches. For intricately detailed items — candlesticks, ornate trays — use a soft brush (e.g. an old toothbrush) to reach crevices.

Over time, the pieces develop patina, and with regular gentle polishing, they retain their glow and integrity.

Avoid letting candle wax drip directly onto silver candlesticks — let the wax cool and harden, then gently remove. For storage: flatware should lie flat and separated (not stacked) to avoid scratches and warping. 

Care nourishes the silver. Over time, the pieces develop patina, and with regular gentle polishing, they retain their glow and integrity.

Silverware at The Crown Collection | The perfect gift

Silverware always makes a statement. That is why silver pieces have endured as timeless and beloved gifting options — for weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and holiday celebrations. 

Each silverware item carries both sentimental value and practicality, and in many homes, it becomes an heirloom, passed from one generation to the next. 

Whether you’re styling your own space or shopping for thoughtful Christmas or year-round gifts, investing in silverware from The Crown Collection offers timeless beauty, enduring value, and a touch of refined glamour.

If you’re looking to gift a silver piece from our collection, we assure you that we deliver quickly.

Antique silver food domes | A surprising contemporary décor statement

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If you don’t have an antique silver/silverplated food dome in your home, or on your décor wish list, then we have to ask, ‘Why?’  Firstly, they are stunners. Secondly, they are experiencing a renaissance as stylish and versatile décor pieces for contemporary homes. Once synonymous with grand Victorian dining rooms, these exquisite domes, with their intricate engravings and reflective patina, add a fun and unexpected elegance to modern interiors. 

 

By creatively reimagining their use, you can breathe new life into antique silver food domes and effortlessly smarten up any nook, table or shelf. 

The unexpected charm of antique silver food domes

Elaborate table settings with fine china, silver cutlery, and gleaming meat domes epitomise the sophistication of hosting. 

Silver food domes – aka meat domes or cloches – were historically crafted to preserve the warmth and presentation of food during formal meals. Today, they are cherished for their craftsmanship, decorative appeal, and ability to evoke a sense of refined luxury. 

In contemporary homes, they evoke an era of grand dining and meticulous presentation.

In contemporary homes, silver food domes evoke an era of grand dining and meticulous presentation.

Typically oval-shaped, silver or silverplated food domes were paired with matching platters to catch juices from game dishes. Their craftsmanship features ornate handles, repoussé detailing, and finishes that range from gleaming silver to the understated elegance of aged patina. 

Whether a collector or a first-time admirer, these domes are wonderful antique accessories to incorporate as functional and display pieces in your 21st-century interiors.

Styling antique silver domes in modern spaces

Here’s how you can thoughtfully incorporate these beautiful collectable accessories into your home’s living and entertaining spaces:

Centrepieces with a story

Transform your dining or coffee table by using a silver food dome as a centrepiece. Pair it with a floral arrangement, seasonal fruits or candles to create an eye-catching vignette. The reflective surface of the dome creates an eye-catching contrast with rustic wood or minimalist marble tabletops. They will always spark conversation during formal or informal gatherings. 

Transform your dining or coffee table by using a silver dome as a centrepiece. Pair it with a floral arrangement, seasonal fruits or candles to create an eye-catching vignette.

Must-have entertaining accents

Displaying antique silver domes on a modern sideboard or buffet bridges the gap between eras. Arrange them alongside crystal decanters, porcelain platters, or vintage glassware for a curated look that effortlessly bridges old-world charm with modern entertaining.

Use an antique silver dome to cover cheese platters, hors d’oeuvres, or desserts during gatherings. Not only does this elevate the presentation, but it also provides a nod to classic entertaining with a modern twist.

Use an antique silver cloches to cover cheese platters, hors d’oeuvres, or desserts during gatherings.

Artful wall displays

Indulge your eclectic side and mount a collection of silver domes of varying sizes on a feature wall to create an unconventional art installation. Their polished surfaces catch light beautifully, adding depth and texture to your decor while showcasing their historical charm.

Curated showpieces in open kitchens

Modern kitchens often showcase open shelving. Placing a silver dome on display among sleek cookware or minimalist decor can provide a striking contrast, highlighting its ornate details and historical appeal.

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Chic storage solutions

Repurpose these domes to store small items like jewellery, keys, or even gourmet chocolates in your living room or bedroom. Their domed shape adds an element of surprise and elegance, elevating mundane storage into a decorative highlight.

Surprising bathroom glamour

Add a hint of extraordinary luxury to your guest bathroom by using a silver dome as a cover for rolled-up towels or scented soaps. The juxtaposition of silver against a serene bathroom colour palette creates a spa-like ambience.

Add a hint of extraordinary luxury to your guest bathroom by using a silver dome as a cover for rolled-up towels or scented soaps. The juxtaposition of silver against a serene bathroom colour palette creates a spa-like ambience.

Balancing antique and contemporary aesthetics

The key to successfully incorporating antique silver food domes into modern spaces is balance. Combine these ornate pieces with sleek, minimalist furniture and neutral colour schemes to avoid overwhelming your space. Pair them with materials like glass, wood, or marble to enhance their appeal.

Integrating antiques like silver domes into your décor is a celebration of craftsmanship and a sustainable design choice. By repurposing and preserving these heirlooms, you are reducing the demand for mass-produced decor items and honouring the legacy of past artisans.

Caring for your antique silver dome

Antique silverware is the ideal choice to redefine and elevate any space. But regular care is essential to maintain the beauty of silver food domes. Polish them occasionally to keep their lustre intact but embrace the patina that comes with age; it adds to their authenticity and charm. Store in a dry, protected area to avoid tarnishing or damage.

The design trend of incorporating antique silver food domes into your décor narrative lies in their ability to transcend time.

Whether used as centrepieces, storage solutions, or accents for entertaining, silver domes blend history with innovation and are a creative way to express your style while still honouring the artisanal skills of the past.  

Embrace the beauty of antique silver food domes at The Crown Collection and let their charm and story inspire your 21st-century living.

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