Lifesaver

In 2006 R & I had been dating for about 1.5 years when we were invited to a wedding for a friend of R’s.  The friend & his fiance were registered at a lovely gift shop here in Charlotte.  One that I happened to love window shopping in.  So, when R mentioned he wanted me to pick out their wedding gift I jumped at the opportunity.  It was during this particular trip to the gift shop that I was introduced to “possibly the most beautiful tableware in the world”, Juliska.

I knew right then and there that THIS was the place setting that I wanted to have when I got married.  So, a year later when we were engaged I registered for the Berry & Thread pattern in white wash & pistachio.  I also registered for the Graham mouth blown stemware.

I have LOVED these pieces.  I love how simple, but beautiful they are.  I love how since each piece is handmade they are all just a tad bit different.  I love how they aren’t the run of the mill department/mall store brand.  I love that they are easy enough for everyday, but still beautiful to serve on to company.  I also love that two years later my cousin’s future wife (who has immaculate taste) unknowingly chose the same patterns.  I love the family joke that subsequently followed.

What haven’t I loved?

Well….my silverware was leaving unsightly gray markings on all my pretty Juliska.  After changing dish washing detergents, washing by hand, etc. I called Juliska to tell them about the problem.  They said that I could turn all my pieces into the store where they were bought & get new pieces (pretty awesome customer service) or I could try a product called, Bar Keepers Friend. 

Well….fast forward from 2009 to last Saturday when I finally decided to try this stuff out.  You see, I knew it would be a project & I knew I needed a time when I was alone in the house to just ‘deal’ with scrubbing all 12 of our place settings & accessories.  Then I wanted to switch out our everyday silverware with the nicer stuff that my mom got us for our wedding.   I also knew after scrubbing I’d want to run them through the dishwasher.  And…I knew R would HATE this project.  So, while he went out to dinner with a client & then to get drinks with the guys on Saturday I hunkered down & got to work.

Did it work?

YOU BET IT DID!!!  I cannot tell you how happy it made me to see my beautiful plates & bowls again.  I had seriously forgotten how pretty my Juliska really is.   

I know this stuff can be used for a whole host of other things so lovers of Bar Keepers Friend let me hear what you use it for!  I can’t wait to try it in other areas around the house.

Also, if you’re getting married in the future I would HIGHLY recommend  Juliska.  It can be found at specialty stores, high end department stores like, Neimans & Bloomingdales, and online.

 

PS – I wasn’t compensated for this post by either Juliska or Bar Keeper’s Friend…I just LOVE both brands.