Even casual summer events like barbecues can benefit from little accents of silver. Here’s how to incorporate its distinguished charm.
Summer barbecues are a time for family, friends, and good food. They’re for making memories and nurturing traditions. With the backdrop of sizzling grills, the clink of cool summer drinks, and kids playing in the backyard, a touch of silver can add timeless elegance to an otherwise simple get-together.
Silver doesn’t just add sophistication— it also offers some practical benefits, too. Here’s how you can highlight silver pieces at your summer barbeques and care for it during the summer season.
Crafting the Perfect Table Setting with Silver
Incorporating silver in your table setting doesn’t require you to go all out. Even the most subtle silver accents can elevate your party. Event coordinators and designers recommend treating your outdoor table like you would your regular dining table when choosing pieces to set the scene.
Start by picking a flatware pattern and tablecloth/table runner that complement your overall decor. Mixing indoor and outdoor pieces can give your table an elegant look without feeling overly formal.
For example, pairing silver flatware with linen napkins, a parchment paper table runner and watering cans as vases, creates an elevated casual look that is sure to make an impression on all your guests.
Silver chargers placed over white plates — surrounded by minimal floral arrangements and tall candles can play into the silent luxury trend for your next barbecue.
If you’re hosting a special event, such as a birthday or anniversary, consider using a silver centerpiece like a candelabra. Adding any statement piece with great sentimental value and heritage would also be an excellent choice for a special occasion like this.
Silver Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve chosen your theme, you can also incorporate some other metal items if you would like. Silver serving dishes or trays are perfect for showcasing the delicious food you’ll be barbecuing and add to the look of your table — enhancing the visual appeal of your dishes from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to fresh salads.
Using a silver serving tray as a charcuterie board allows your guests to graze and socialize with style. It will also help you keep your meats and cheeses cool in the summer heat due to the metal’s thermal conductivity.
Including large silver spoons, forks, tongs, and specialized items like fish spatulas to accommodate different foods serves a sensible purpose and complements your overall table setting.
Layering bright, fresh ingredients in a large silver salad bowl can create a focal point on your table and give your setting a vibrant feel without having to do much in the way of decoration.
All good barbecues end with delicious desserts. Using silver trays to display desserts like cupcakes, cookies, or brownies adds a touch of sophistication and engages guests, young and old.
Silver Service Meets Summer Flavors
As you prepare to dazzle your friends and family with your beautiful tablescapes, it’s time to think about what to put on them. Here are a few recipes that pair perfectly with the elegance of silver serving pieces.
Honey-Lime Watermelon and Fennel Salad:
Ingredients:
1 small watermelon cut up into chunks
1 bulb fennel, finely shaved
1 bunch mint, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dill
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Zest and juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup feta cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cube watermelon and shave one fennel bulb (cut off the leaves beforehand). Whisk lime juice, lime zest, honey, and olive oil in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the watermelon, fennel, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Mix in mint and dill. Add dressing over salad and toss.
Red Curry Paste Salmon:
Ingredients:
4 – 6 Salmon filets
Two jars thai red curry paste
1 cup coconut milk
Instructions:
Marinate salmon in coconut milk for 20 – 30 minutes. Remove it from the marinade and use a silicone spatula to spread a layer of Thai Thai red curry paste over the top of the salmon.
Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Cook for 6 – 8 minutes.
Easy Blueberry Galette:
Ingredients
1 ready made pie crust
5 cups blueberries
⅓ cup sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch or tapioca flour
pinch of salt
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Lemon zest
1 egg
Coarse-grained sugar (optional)
Instructions:
Mix the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, zest, pinch of salt, and cornstarch (or tapioca flour) in a bowl.
Take the pie crust out of the package and lay it flat on a lined baking sheet. Spoon the blueberry mixture onto the crust, making sure not to overfill it.
Lift the edges of the pie dough toward the center so that it covers the blueberries a little on the sides.
Beat 1 egg in a small bowl and lightly brush the crust with a little egg wash. Sprinkle crust with coarse-grained sugar (optional).
Bake in the oven for 30 – 40 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool and serve.
Caring for Your Silver After the Party
When your guests leave and you start cleaning up, make sure to take extra care of your silver.
Whether you have items passed down through generations or newly acquired ones, they remind us of how special these summers together are. But, the summer, with its heat and humidity, can pose challenges for silver, and it is crucial to adopt a care regimen tailored to the season.
Avoid direct sunlight with your silver. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can accelerate tarnishing, and try to keep your silverware shaded during outdoor events.
Regular cleaning is a must. Although it may seem like a chore, gently cleaning your silver pieces with a soft cloth and mild soap can prevent tarnish. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. Rinse under warm water and dry immediately with a clean cloth, and do not air dry your silver due to the water droplets causing stains.
Proper storage is a necessity. When not in use, store your silver in tarnish-resistant bags, lined chests, or a cool, dry place. To protect it from the elements, use anti-tarnish strips, cloths, or a few pieces of white chalk.
Remember, the key to its beauty lies in the attention and care you give to your silver items between uses.
Biro & Sons: Your Partner In Summer Celebrations
Let Biro & Sons help you create a truly unforgettable summer barbecue. Our expert restoration services can bring new life to your cherished silver pieces, allowing you to use them for summer celebrations for years to come.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.