Antique French Silver-Plated Cake Server

This antique French silver-plated cake server found its way to Chanteduc, Patricia and Walter's farmhouse in Vaison-la-Romaine, the way so many of their best pieces do — it was found at a flea market. The form is classically French: a broad, flat triangular blade tapering into a slender, gently curved handle with a fine raised border running its full length. At Chanteduc, where Patricia has long taken pleasure in a beautifully laid table, a piece like this earns its place through use. Slide it under a tarte Tatin straight from the pan, a wedge of almond cake, or a generous slice of quiche at a long lunch in the garden.