Caprese Prosciutto Skewers: A Simple Appetizer with a Retro Charm

There is something about a beautiful appetizer that feels a little nostalgic. These Caprese Prosciutto Skewers remind me of the effortless charm of old-fashioned entertaining — the kind where people gathered around a table, passed around small bites, and enjoyed good food without everything needing to be complicated.

I especially love the retro feel of these. The little skewers, the bright pops of tomato, the creamy white mozzarella, and the fresh basil almost feel like something you would see at a classic dinner party from another era — simple, colorful, and inviting. They have that “made with love” look without requiring hours in the kitchen.

The magic is in how uncomplicated they are. A few fresh ingredients come together to create a bite that is full of flavor: sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, salty prosciutto, fragrant basil, and a rich drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, savory, and slightly sweet.

These are the kind of appetizers I love serving because they make guests feel special, but they don’t keep me stuck in the kitchen. They can be prepared ahead of time, arranged on a pretty platter, and brought out when it’s time to gather.

Caprese Prosciutto Skewers

Makes: 12 skewers

Ingredients

  • 24 cherry or grape tomatoes (a mix of colors adds a beautiful touch)

  • 12 mini fresh mozzarella balls

  • Fresh basil leaves

  • 6 slices prosciutto, cut in half

  • Balsamic glaze

  • Extra virgin olive oil (optional)

  • Fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Thread each skewer with a tomato, basil leaf, folded prosciutto, and mozzarella ball. Repeat or arrange however you like.

  2. Place on a serving platter.

  3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a little olive oil.

  4. Finish with fresh cracked pepper.

Tip: Assemble these a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Add the balsamic glaze right before serving for the prettiest presentation.

Simple ingredients, beautiful presentation, and a little vintage charm — proof that sometimes the easiest recipes make the biggest impression.

The Renaissance of Silver: The Enduring Appeal of Vintage and Antique Silver

 
 

There is something about silver that feels like it has a story.

Lately, I’ve noticed silver — especially antique silver and silver-plated pieces — showing up everywhere in home decor. Trays, candlesticks, bowls, serving pieces, picture frames… those little pieces that once lived in our grandparents’ homes are finding their way back into ours.

I don’t really want to call it a trend because, to me, it feels like something much more timeless than that. There is a difference between something being popular and something having staying power. Silver has been around for generations, and maybe that is exactly why it feels so special right now.

 
 

I’ve always loved coastal style, and I think silver fits beautifully with that style. There is something about the cool tones, the aged patina, and the way light reflects off silver that feels very coastal — almost like the shimmer of the water. Paired with natural textures like linen, wood, woven pieces, and soft neutral colors, silver adds a collected elegance without feeling too formal.

On a funny side note: Every time I see beautiful silver pieces, my mind immediately goes to The Age of Innocence. The grand tables, the candlelight, the beautiful details of another era. I don’t know why that movie is always the connection I make, but silver has always felt a little romantic and nostalgic to me.

The best part? You don’t need a house full of antiques or a huge budget to bring this feeling into your home. A single vintage tray on a coffee table, a pair of candlesticks on a shelf, or a silver bowl filled with flowers can completely change the feeling of a space.

 
 

Tips for Buying Antique and Vintage Silver

If you’re new to collecting silver, it can feel a little overwhelming at first because there are so many different pieces, markings, and price points. I started collecting silver and silver-plated pieces a long time ago and then lost them during the house fire. So now that I have started re-collecting pieces, here are a few things I keep in mind:

  1. Learn the difference between sterling silver and silver plate. Sterling silver means the piece is made mostly of silver (typically 92.5% pure silver). These pieces usually have more value and often have markings like “925,” “sterling,” or maker’s marks.

    Silver-plated pieces have a thin layer of silver over another metal. They can still be absolutely beautiful and often much more affordable. Don’t overlook them — some of my favorite pieces are silver plated because they bring the same character and charm.

  2. Look for the details, not perfection. The beauty of vintage silver is often in the imperfections. Tarnish, small scratches, and signs of use tell the story. A perfectly polished piece may look beautiful, but a piece with a little age and patina often feels like it belongs in a home.

  3. Check the markings. Turn pieces over and look underneath. Makers’ marks, hallmarks, and stamps can tell you where and when something was made. Don’t worry if you don’t recognize every mark — part of the fun is researching and learning the history behind a piece.

    Note: Here is an unpopular opinion: marks are not everything. If you like it, get it.

  4. Don’t only shop antique stores. Some of the best finds can come from unexpected places: Estate sales, thrift stores, flea markets, antique malls, online marketplaces, and Instagram live sales (one of my favorite ways to source pieces).

  5. Buy pieces you’ll actually use. One of my favorite things about silver is that it doesn’t have to sit behind glass. Use the tray for coffee, put flowers in the vase, serve appetizers in the bowl. A home feels special when beautiful things are part of everyday life.

    Note: One of the top three items I always look for in silver are trophy cups and Revere bowls, ESPECIALLY if they are engraved. They are beautiful, fun and with a story. But more importantly, I use them around the house to hold coral, flowers and other small items.

  6. Don’t be afraid of silver plate. This one is worth repeating. Silver plate allows you to get the look and feeling of vintage silver without the higher cost of sterling. Look for heavier pieces with interesting shapes, beautiful handles, or unique designs. The craftsmanship can be just as lovely.

    Note: I love, love, love silver plated pieces because usually they have gorgeous designs and accents that work beautifully with silver pieces.

 
 

Bringing Silver Into a Coastal Home

For me, silver is the perfect way to marry old and new. It brings history into a space while still feeling fresh. A weathered silver tray next to a stack of coastal books. Silver candlesticks mixed with seashells. A vintage bowl holding garden clippings. These are the little details that make a home feel layered and personal.

Maybe that’s why silver is having its moment again — not because it’s new, but because it reminds us that beautiful things can be loved more than once. And honestly? I think that’s the best kind of decorating.