General Care Tips for Antique Entertaining Pieces

There is something rather special about entertaining with antiques. A beautifully polished silver serving piece, the delicate ring of crystal glasses raised in celebration, or the soft glow of candlelight reflected in an antique champagne bucket all bring a sense of occasion that modern tableware simply cannot replicate.

Unlike contemporary pieces, antiques carry stories with them. They have been used, admired and cared for over decades—and sometimes centuries—and with thoughtful handling, they can continue to create memorable moments for generations to come.

One of the most common misconceptions about antiques is that they are too delicate to use. In reality, many antique entertaining pieces were designed for exactly that purpose. Silverware was intended to grace dining tables, crystal decanters were made to be filled and shared, and fine linens were woven to be enjoyed during life's celebrations. Regular, gentle use is often better than leaving treasured pieces untouched for years at a time.

The secret to preserving antiques lies not in avoiding their use, but in caring for them thoughtfully.

Handle with Care

When using antique pieces, take a moment to consider the materials from which they are made. Silver plate requires gentler polishing than solid silver, delicate stemware benefits from careful handling, and fine linens deserve protection from harsh detergents and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Whenever possible:

• Wash items by hand using mild cleaning products.
• Dry pieces thoroughly after use to prevent moisture-related damage.
• Avoid abrasive cloths, harsh chemicals and excessive polishing.
• Handle delicate items over soft or stable surfaces to minimise the risk of accidental damage.

Gentle, regular care will always be preferable to infrequent, vigorous cleaning.

Proper Storage Makes a Difference

How antiques are stored is often just as important as how they are cleaned. Moisture, humidity and improper storage conditions can contribute to tarnishing, fading and unnecessary wear over time.

Fine linens benefit from being stored in breathable fabrics or acid-free tissue paper, whilst silver and plated pieces should be kept in cool, dry environments away from excessive humidity. Glassware is best stored with adequate space between pieces to prevent chipping, and delicate stoppers should be removed or carefully protected when storing decanters for extended periods.

Allowing your antiques to breathe and protecting them from unnecessary contact will significantly extend their longevity.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Many instances of accidental damage occur through modern conveniences rather than everyday use. Dishwashers, harsh chemical cleaners and prolonged soaking are among the most common causes of unnecessary wear to antique pieces.

As a general rule, antiques should never be:

• Placed in a dishwasher.
• Cleaned with abrasive pads or harsh chemical products.
• Left sitting in water or damp conditions for extended periods.
• Exposed to sudden or extreme temperature changes.
• Stored whilst still damp or without adequate protection.

Taking a little extra time when cleaning and storing treasured pieces is invariably worthwhile.

Embrace the Character of Age

Part of the beauty of antiques lies in their individuality. A soft silver patina, the gentle wear of a well-loved serving piece or the subtle variations found in hand-crafted glass are often characteristics to be celebrated rather than removed.

Not every mark needs to be polished away, and not every antique should appear as though it were newly made. Signs of careful use and the passage of time are often what make these pieces so charming and distinctive.

The goal of antique care is preservation rather than perfection.

Pieces Made to Be Enjoyed

Perhaps the most important piece of advice we can offer is simply this: use your antiques. Fill the decanter at Sunday lunch, light the candles for an evening gathering and lay the table with beautiful linens whenever the occasion calls for it.

Antiques become part of our own stories when they are used and enjoyed. With thoughtful care and gentle handling, these timeless entertaining pieces will continue to bring beauty, character and elegance to your table for many years to come.