Decorating with Vintage Silver Punch Bowls ~

One of the most versatile accessories in my home is a LARGE silver punch bowl. I actually own two vintage punch bowls and I am out looking for more!

Back in the day, every bride must have received a punch bowl for a wedding gift. I see the crystal versions everywhere.  However, today I want to talk about SILVER punch bowls and how pretty they are to decorate with!

If you have read my blog for some time, you know I find my tarnished silver at Thrift Stores and Flea Markets.  Be on the lookout at garage sales too! When you come across a large silver bowl, and the price is right, don't pass it up! What's a good price? I own two LARGE silver punch bowls and I have never paid more than $25. I think my first one set me back about $10.. maybe it was $20.

Over the summer, there was an estate/garage sale in my neighborhood. I wasn't early so I debated whether or not it was worth my time to park and go in. I had no cash on me and figured I would just look around. There was nothing left at the sale, and I mean nothing! Just as I was about to leave I saw a silver punch bowl on the counter. It was lonely and neglected as it sat next to unmatched Tupperware and old glass vases. Nobody wanted it? Tarnished but quite large it was marked $40... too much!  I offered $20 and we settled on $25. A bit more than I wanted to spend but I'm glad I took it home! Being local, they even took my check :)

Here's my most recent find...

This one came with a ladle...

Sometimes I debate whether or not to polish my vintage silver. If the patina is dark and time worn, I usually leave the finish alone. This bowl didn't have a great patina to it... it had lots of smudges and fingerprints and it just looked dirty. So I decided to clean it up...

I use Wright's Silver polish...easy to use and doesn't smell too bad. No hard rubbing and I usually forget to put gloves on. You can find this at the grocery store or click on the Amazon link:

So, 
what can you do with a punch bowl 

and why do you need one??

I'll show you 

the most versatile item 

in my decor!

This past 

SUMMER, 

I used the estate sale bowl 

to display my collected beach shells...

These sea shells have have all been purchased second hand at flea markets... We don't have shells like this on the beach here in California. I bought the green glass float this summer in Hawaii as a vacation reminder. Not sure if it's old or a reproduction. The small glass float with string on it was part of a vase filler set from Pottery Barn.

In 

AUTUMN,

you can display your collection of deer sheds...

Or how about dried hydrangeas...

Don't have dried hydrangeas?

You could also display mini white pumpkins 

from the grocery store in a silver punch bowl~

In 

WINTER,

you can display your beaded fruit collection...

If you want to read more about beaded fruit, 

check out my older post HERE

Don't have a beaded fruit collection (yet)?

How about displaying pine cones and greenery 

for the holidays....

I also like the idea of displaying 

{a collection} 

of old black and white photos 

piled high in a punch bowl..

or 

a small book collection

or pocket bibles...

In 

SPRING,

you can display a collection 

of vintage millinery flowers...

The possibilities are endless!

So, when you are out and about looking for treasures, don't pass up that old silver punch bowl. Don't worry if you don't have room to store it ... use it as your centerpiece and change out your displays with the seasons!

Better yet, call your grandma, your sister or your aunt... I bet they have a punch bowl and they would love to get it out of storage for you!

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