What’s in My Spoon Drawer (and Why It Matters)

Spoons

Every drawer tells a story—and in my home, that story often starts with spoons.

They’re something we all use without thinking much about them, but lately, I’ve been thinking about mine. Maybe it’s the way I instinctively reach for certain ones depending on the season or the mood. Or maybe it’s just that I recently opened a drawer and smiled at the memories tucked inside.    

Today, I want to share what’s actually in my silverware drawers—and why even the simplest things can hold a little bit of magic.

---

The Spoon Drawer: More Than Just Utensils

I have a silverware drawer that’s reserved for something a little special: a fancy-handled set that once belonged to my great-grandmother.

She collected the pieces, one at a time, through a grocery store promotion about 45 years ago—back when stores used to reward loyal shoppers with things you could actually use. She passed them on to my mom and from there to me, and I still remember how proud she was to have a complete set. I use them now and then, mostly for brunch with friends or when I want a little sentiment with my soup.

My great-grandmother, Dorothy Leona Michaud Bolduc, was born Dec. 18, 1913 and died Oct. 8, 2013, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday! Her obit can be read here: OBIT

She was a very caring, loving person to her family and close friends. She opened her home to everyone. I loved to visit her; she was proud of her jewelry, nail polish, and knick-knacks which she draped over lamps and filled side tables. She always had vegetables cooking on the stove, so often her kitchen smelled like cabbage (in a good way). She burned incense in a Buddha statue in her bathroom. I was fascinated with the powder toothpaste she had near the bathroom sink. Funny story: Memere Dot kept a few rocks that looked like baked potatoes on her kitchen sink windowsill. Every now and then she would serve them to Pepere Sam when they had company, covering the rocks with gravy from a pot roast. After the first time she fooled Pepere with the fake potatoes, she kept the rocks and he played along in front of company, pretending the potatoes were too hard to cut through! They both had a great sense of humor.

While you can’t buy my great-grandmother’s spoons, here’s a vintage-inspired silverware set that reminds me of hers—classic, a little ornate, and perfect for anyone who appreciates tradition. (affiliate link)

---

The Everyday Drawer

In a separate drawer—right near the sink—I keep my plain stainless steel set. Nothing fancy, just clean lines and good weight. This is what I use every day. They go from dishwasher to drawer and back again without fuss, and that’s how I like it.

If you’re on the hunt for a good, no-nonsense flatware set, this everyday stainless option is a reliable pick. (affiliate link)

---

The Pastel Set for Spring and Summer

Now for a little fun. During the warmer months, I pull out my pastel-handled set. It has its own hanging rack, so it’s easy to bring outdoors for patio lunches or to pack up for picnics.

These pieces aren’t expensive, but they brighten up the table and make even a simple salad feel like a celebration. If you’re in the mood for seasonal color, this pastel cutlery set would be a sweet addition. (affiliate link)

---

The Red Set That Pops

And then there’s my red-handled flatware set. I keep this one in a bamboo silverware tray tucked away in the pantry, and I usually bring it out for holidays or whenever I want something a little bold. It looks great with black-and-white dishes, and I’ve used it for everything from Valentine’s dinner to a Fourth of July barbecue.

If you like to change things up seasonally (or just want to add a little color to your drawer), this red-handled flatware set brings instant personality. It comes with its own storage box so you won’t need a separate cutlery tray. (affiliate link)

---

A Little Organization Magic

All these sets would be a tangled mess if it weren’t for a few basic organizers.

Expandable Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Organizer for Cutlery and Utensils, (Natural). Amazon creator ad llink https://amzn.to/4cs3dCt

   

I’ve tried a lot of drawer inserts over the years, but the bamboo tray in the pantry is my favorite—durable, expandable, and surprisingly pretty. I also keep an expandable silverware organizer in the everyday drawer, which helps everything stay neat and easy to grab. (affiliate link)

StorageWorks Hand-Woven Wicker Silverware Organizer. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/4081MUT

---

What’s in Dana’s Spoon Drawers?

Here’s a peek inside my kitchen drawers and pantry shelves:
✔ Fancy-handled heirloom set in the formal silverware drawer
✔ Everyday stainless in the main kitchen drawer
✔ Pastel-handled flatware in a cutlery carrier
✔ Red-handled set in a bamboo tray in the pantry
✔ Organizers to keep it all tidy and accessible

---

Tell Me: What’s in Your Spoon Drawer?

Sometimes the most ordinary things tell the best stories. Do your spoons have a story too? Do you rotate sets, or is your drawer a mix of everything from over the years?

I’d love to know what you use—and love—every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

xo, — Dana 💛

Never Miss a Post: Sign Up for Our Free Weekly Newsletter!

If you enjoy our blog, you’ll love our weekly newsletter! Each Monday, we send a short and sweet email with highlights from the blog, sneak peeks at what’s coming up, and a few of Dana’s current favorites. It’s the easiest way to stay connected — and it’s completely free!    

💌 How to Sign Up:
Just scroll down any page on LivingWithDana.com and look for the Subscribe box. It’s usually in the sidebar or at the bottom of the page. Enter your name and email, hit submit, and you’re in!

• Save my blog Living With Dana to your browser favorites for more fun finds and lifestyle tips!
• Follow me on Facebook at Living With Dana Facebook for daily updates and inspiration.