Silver trays: Do you prefer polished or tarnished?

[aimeedyan]

My mom gifted me her silver tray and silver punch bowl set before we moved and instead of putting them away for the rare silver-worthy occasion, I want to use them as decor instead.

I put the tray on a console table and it's currently holding our XMas cards. It's slightly tarnished and I'm sorta digging the look... but wonder if it makes me look lazy to not have polished silver sitting out

What's your preference?

[pamela]

Sitting out, tarnished is okay. For actual service I polish them up.

[Deleted]

I don't like the look of tarnished sliver, I prefer it polished. This is probably the reason why I don't display my silver because I'm lazy about polishing it!

[peach]

If you have a cottage/country/vintage/shabby chic style where things are often rustic and worn, yes. If your home's style is more contemporary/modern...no.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Mild-to-Moderate tarnish or polished. When they get to almost-black it's time to bust out the silver polish.

[auntie]

If I'm using them for food service- like flatware, sugar bowl, creamer- they have to be pristine and polished. If they're repurposed as a decor item and you're going for less formal and lived in look, a little tarnish adds character.

DH just did my sterling flatware and a few serving pieces I recently inherited, but my plate champagne bucket is looking a little more lived in.