If You've Got It, Flaunt It
Let your bowls, trays, pitchers, and cups out into the air -- and use them. "People need to make silver a part of everyday life," says Cindy Smith, owner of Circa, an antiques and interiors shop in Charlotte. "Nothing tastes better than ice water in a silver goblet, even if you're just eating outside with a few friends." Smith has amassed a collection of hotel silver, which is simple in form and soft in color because it is plated over a metal. It can also withstand hot temperatures, so it can be easily taken to the table in casual settings.

Although serving cocktails or hors d'oeuvres is an obvious job for a well-polished tray, less traditional uses surface every day. "I guess I am a little sacrilegious. I like to see things in silver that you wouldn't typically see," says designer Jan Roden.

In her office, she piles trays with stationery, stacks of paper, and paper clips. In the foyer, dog leashes and collars sit in another tray, and in the bathroom, soap and thick white towels find their home in shiny bowls. Bottles of olive oil and wine stand at attention on the kitchen island, grouped on an antique platter. One of Roden's favorite inventions is a magazine stand she converted into a tray holder. "I take a tray from the stand, make my dinner, and carry it where I want to go," she says.

Houston designer Randy Powers suggests placing small collections, such as miniature boxes or picture frames, on a tray to contain them. Other objects lend themselves to complete transformation. For instance, Powers has turned silver candlesticks and vases into lamps. "I paired them with opaque shades so the light is concentrated into the silver for the most amazing reflection," he says.

Other silver pieces are tailor-made for concealing less attractive home accoutrements. Dallas decorator Paul Garzotto devised an unexpected use for a cigarette box. "It's well-sized for hiding the TV remote," he says.