Etiquetteer is ready to talk about a favorite summer tradition: use of obscure pieces of silver. And also strawberries. Summer is a season for berries, and one of the greatest pleasures is to be served a simple dish of them, with or without cream. And often one is invited to add sugar to them. Now that so many people are so fond of being casual, we’ve forgotten the Perfectly Proper joys of a proper silver service. So Etiquetteer is delighted to demonstrate the use of a Perfectly Proper sugar sifter so you can sugar your berries.
Sugar sifters like this one began being made in the mid-18th century, and of course the Victorians created even more elaborate ones. It’s basically a small, pierced ladle. See the pretty pattern at the bottom. The sugar shaker actually preceded it, but both are Perfectly Proper at a dining room table.
When the sugar bowl is passed to you, simply pick it up and shake gently over your berries. It's as simple as that!
Bon appétit, and enjoy your summer berries.