Fabulous Friday: Puttin' on The Glitz with Simply Silver & Annie

The small business owners who strive to not only bring quality products to their customers, but quality service as well are a major part of the backbone of America. One such business, owned by a Florida family, is called Simply Silver. It is one of my favorite shops in Florida and even has a twin sister up the road in Savannah for those of you who are planning to visit that fair city. The Florida location is in Jacksonville.

I like to visit Simply Silver because it’s a Christmas tradition for me to give some special little ones in my life treasures that are more enduring than the average Christmas gift. One little girl who happens to be my namesake (we share the same middle name) gets a Reed and Barton Christmas cross every year, and she will receive them as long as I’m alive to give her one. When she’s twenty-one and leaves her mother’s nest, she will have a wonderful start on some beautiful Christmas ornaments which you can also wear if you are so inclined. I started doing this the year she was born, so her cross collection will grow along with her.

Another precious little girl whom I love dearly gets a salt spoon from us each year. We’ve added to this, and she also receives a five-o’clock teaspoon. Both items vary in pattern, making the collection more fun to give and receive. She’s already developed an appreciation for antique silver, keeping her little treasures in her own private display case. And she's not even ten yet! So young girls, as well as big girls, appreciate quality! :-)

The owners of Simply Silver, have graciously allowed me to photograph inside their Jacksonville shop, and I wanted to share that with you here. I am awed looking at the beauty of these pieces which come in all price ranges. The craftsmanship and sheer artistry, though, are breathtaking. This special duo specialize in antique and estate silver and have new as well. They are extremely knowledgeable, and in addition to keeping their two shops, they make appearances at antiques shows. With that being said, let's shop!

Let's look in this case first. Soooooo many beautiful sterling patterns from which to choose...



One of my personal favorites are these coin silver spoons from the 1800's...


And these coin silver tongs are from the 1800's and before. I found a tiny mustard ladle for my MIL that dates to 1798. Just think of how much history you are holding in your hand!



How about some of these babies to sift your powdered sugar on your strawberries? Well, a Magpie can dream, can't she??? ;-)


Or a Cartier bowl or sterling gravy boat for you table...

Or some other silver loveliness. On this shelf was the most wonderful coin silver cup from around the time of the American Civil War...



And this fabulous kettle...


And lots of shiny master salts and other goodies...


Pitchers or trays, anyone? Or how about that silver service on the second shelf?



They had lots of pretty serving pieces...

And this lovely silver service...

My Magpie eye landed on those shells...

And this silver epergne caught my eye as well (it's very shiny!), and it figures into a Magpie's dream wish-list. To which Mr. Magpie replies, "Dream on, Dreamer!"...

How about this lovely?

Or these gorgeous candlesticks...

For the Gators, they have these stirrup cups in pewter and that little set of place card holders (which Santa sacked away for some special Gators I know)...


They have some bulldogs, too! You can see one on the top shelf to the left, happily sitting next to a Gator. That's about the only place they peacefully coexist! ;-)


From the looks of it, I think this little reindeer got into some spiked eggnog, or is it that he simply loves silver? ;-)



And speaking of those who simply love silver, here are our gracious hosts for today Pat and his lovely wife. We thank you kindly for showing us through your showroom and for your patience with letting me snap all of these pictures!



Annie couldn't go with us because she had misbehaved so badly in the Dollar Tree that she was in Time Out. But when we got home with the goodies (wedding gifts, birthday and Christmas), Annie made herself right at home on top of the shiny boxes. She's a quick study! :-)



One shiny box in particular caught her eye while she was sittin' on the glitz..



Uh-oh! Something tells me we are going to have a time getting it away from her!



Yoohoo! Annie?



Yeah, you...



You know that box?



Yep, that one. Well, if you show us that box, Annie, and start to ease out of your death grip on it, I promise to let you set the table with your very own place setting!



Worked like a true magpie charm! ;-)

That concludes our shopping spree. I will try to get pictures of what was IN the boxes on Christmas! Dont' want to ruin the surprise in case there are certain birds lurking.

Here's hoping all your dreams are shiny, silvery ones!


Quintessentially,


Mrs. Magpie (Sheila) and her little helper, Annie