Words by Ron Pringle
October arrives like a soft embrace, inviting us to slow down and savour the season. The air sharpens with a crisp edge, leaves rustle underfoot, and the evenings stretch a little longer with each passing day. It’s the time of year when warmth becomes a luxury we seek out in simple, everyday pleasures — a steaming cup of tea beside a favourite book, a candlelit dinner that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable, or a well-earned pint, warm or cold, to mark the start of a night of conversation.
We also feel the shift in how we gather and what we enjoy together. The days of sizzling barbecues in the garden give way to the slow, fragrant comfort of beef bourguignon simmering on the stove. We move from sitting outdoors under the late summer sun to hunkering down indoors, cocooned in candlelight and warmth. This change of season brings with it a theme of cosiness, reminding us that home can be our most inviting retreat.
Few things embody that feeling better than silver at the table. Beyond its timeless elegance, silver has wonderful practical qualities. It is neutral, never altering the taste of what it holds, and its conductivity means it keeps warm drinks warm and chilled drinks refreshingly cool. From cups and cutlery to trays and serving dishes, silver adds both function and grace to daily rituals.
And then there’s the glow. Silver candlesticks, reflecting the flicker of a flame, add a sparkle that transforms the mood of a room. The combination of candlelight and polished silver creates a cozy atmosphere that feels indulgent without any need for an occasion.
That is the heart of October’s message: don’t wait. Don’t tuck silver away for the holidays or rare gatherings. Every evening can be made special with just a few thoughtful touches. Light a candle, pour tea from a silver teapot, let a heavy red wine flow slowly through a silver funnel into a waiting decanter. These small acts elevate the everyday and remind us that joy is found not only in the extraordinary, but in the gentle rhythms.
Beau Nash Antiques
Antique Shop in Bath
28 and 31 Brock St, BA1 2
beaunashbath.com; info@beaunashbath.com; www.antiquesilver.shop
07535137808 @beaunashbath