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The Kitchen Table

Anniversary dinner and surprise gift from MIL

17 years ago

Sunday was our 17th anniversary. DH's mother sent us a long, heavy box. What could this be?

Inside was the sterling flatware ("Madeira" by Towle) she received as wedding gifts in 1952. She was from the time and place where newly engaged women "registered" for sterling and china patterns.

She gave us her six place settings, each consisting of dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, round soup spoon, and teaspoon.

She also sent the serving accessories she received...pickle fork, serving spoon, sugar spoon, master butter knife, and a sauce ladle. I know me; I'll be looking for a few pieces to "fill in." Perhaps long-handled ice tea spoons, steak knives, and desert forks.

We've been so busy working on the yard and house that we stayed in this year. I made a "special dinner" for us, twice-baked potato, green salad, grilled steak, and a hot roll. I had a small carrot cake for desert, but we were too full to eat any. I think "my" steak dinners are as good as any restaurant's, and much cheaper!

It's hard to find a good photo of the pattern, since the company is defunct, and the pattern discontinued. It's very simple, tiny 5-petaled flowers.

The MIL is a source of constant confusion. She can be so vinegary and mean...and then turn around and so something this generous and loving.

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Comments (10)

shellm
17 years ago
Your food looks great and the silverware is very pretty.Congrats on your anniversary.

Shelley
nodakgal
17 years ago
Happy Anniversary Carol and Wes!

Love the silverware, but boy right now that steak looks better! LOL
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lilliepad
17 years ago
MMMM Caroline,that's a mighty good looking steak dinner!
That was sweet of your MIL.She sounds kind of like my MIL.She is gone now but could be hard to get along with at times. Love that silver pattern.It's so delicate looking
Have you checked E-bay for that pattern?
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
patti43
17 years ago
Very nice of MIL. I love the pattern. If you need a starting point for more pieces, they have that pattern at Replacement. I'll warn you, they ain't cheap!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Replacements, LTD
jannie
17 years ago
That dinner looks delicious. My last anniversary (#29) I made Surf and Turf. That was nice of your MIL, they can drive you crazy,right? Mean one time, then nice.
carol_in_california
17 years ago
What a wonderful surprise and a great gift.
glenda_al
17 years ago
What a nice surprise! And something to keep in the family.

I registered my sterling when I was in middle school. Back then it was "the" thing to do :o)

Love to get mine out and use.

Happy Anniversary!
hayjud_mn
17 years ago
That silver pattern is beauitful. What a nice surprise.
I agree, your steak looks every bit as good as a restaurant. I can almost taste it.
Congratulations!
lydia1959
17 years ago
Happy anniversary! The silverware is lovely and that steak looks wonderful. Yumm...
mcmann
17 years ago
That steak looks yummy! What a wonderful gift from your mother in law. I hope enjoy your silver for many more years.

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