What are edwardian table decorations?

These items are the decorative and functional accessories used to dress dining tables and rooms during the early twentieth century. They include silver menu holders, napkin rings, and glass epergnes. They reflect the formal dining customs of the period, where presentation and novelty played a central role in entertaining guests.

How were silver menu holders used?

Silver menu holders were placed at intervals along the dining table to display the courses for the meal. Guests could easily read what dishes were to be served. They often took whimsical forms, such as game birds or literary characters, serving as conversation pieces during dinner.

How do I care for silver table accessories?

Sterling silver and 800 silver items require gentle cleaning with a specialised silver cloth to remove tarnish without harming the metal. Avoid abrasive polishes that can wear away embossed or chased details. Store them away from direct moisture and humidity to maintain their finish over time.

Can I use an epergne for flowers?

Epergnes are designed with multiple trumpets or baskets intended to hold cut flowers, fruit, or sweetmeats. Their tiered structure makes them natural centrepieces for a dining table. Care should be taken when filling glass epergnes to protect the delicate material from sudden temperature changes.

How do I identify Edwardian silver?

Edwardian silver can be identified by hallmarks stamped onto the metal, which indicate the assay office, the standard of silver, and the date letter for the year of manufacture. The Edwardian period spans from nineteen hundred to nineteen ten. Stylistic elements like floral chasing and novelty figures also point towards the aesthetic of this era.