Happy 2012!
While I was preparing our New Year's Day dinner, I thought I would share some helpful tips on caring for your china, crystal and silver. If you follow some of these simple tips, you can enjoy your items daily and for years to come.
Crystal and China:
Washing
It is best to not use the dishwasher, but if you must, avoid soaps and detergents with lemon or bleach additives (they can ruin the surface on the dishes.) Don't use the heat cycle on the dishwasher, hand dry. When hand washing, use lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Place a rubber mat or towel in the bottom of your sink to avoid breaks and chips. Avoid too much suds - this can leave a residue that is difficult to remove. Dry with a lint-free cloth before storing. Be gentle and don't twist glasses from the base.
Storage
To store you china and crystal, avoid areas that get too hot such as the attic. Never stack more than two cups and store your crystal right side up.
Enjoy using your china and crystal often!
Silver:
Frequently used silver requires the least amount of care an attention. Silver's finish actually improves with daily use, so enjoy using it regularly!
Washing
Washing silver immediately after use helps prevent tarnish. Tarnish is caused by sulfides from food, contact with rubber or smoke and gas in the air. If food is left on silver for periods as short as one hour, it can stain sterling. Be especially wary of foods such as mayonnaise, vinegar, and eggs. If you cannot wash it immediately, rinse thoroughly, but do not leave to soak. Most sterling flatware, except for knives, may be placed in the dishwasher, remove before the drying cycle begins and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. When you use the dishwasher for cleaning, use gentle, lemon and bleach free detergent. Don't place sterling in direct contact with stainless steel as this causes a chemical reaction that can damage your silver. If washing by hand, put a rubber mat or dishtowel in the bottom of the sink to prevent contact between the silver and any metals that are a part of the sink. Use a soft cloth, mild detergent, and hot water to clean silver. Avoid citrus and bleach detergents as they can cause rust spots on silver handles and blades. Never use abrasive pads or steel wool to remove debris. To prevent water spots, dry silver immediately after washing with a soft cloth.
Polishing
Apply silver polish in a gentle, circular motion, using a soft cloth or sponge. I prefer Hagerty's Silver Foam or Wenol Silver Polish. Wash and dry each piece thoroughly to remove any access polish.
Storage
Sterling, when not being used for extended periods, should be stored in a silver chest or drawer liner that has a tarnish resistant lining, or in felt bags. Do not wrap silver in plastic food wrap or use rubber bands to secure the silver as plastic wrap and rubber bands can permanently bond to and discolor sterling silver.
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"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton
I prefer to use tapers from 7 inches to 12 inches in height, depending on the candlestick height. It is interesting to use an eclectic grouping of candlesticks and tapers of varying heights.
Always use good quality candles that are both drip less and smokeless. Don't wait for a special occasion or party to burn candles, enjoy them for an ordinary weeknight meal. You will feel relaxed and pampered at the end of your day.
