Even if the Queen Mother isn't in your supper club, a few pieces of silver on the table enhance the feel of Southern hospitality. And let's face it, the stainless serving spoon that's seen the inside of your disposal is just no match for your grandmother's favorite silver one.

Yet polishing silver probably ranks right next to cleaning gutters on the list of boring chores. However, it doesn't have to be that bad; a little maintenance goes a long way.

Here are some tips, courtesy of Isaacs & Isaacs, a Louisville antique silver and furniture shop.

• Stay one step ahead of tarnish. Wash your silver immediately after use in hot, soapy water. Rinse with hot water, and dry thoroughly with a soft flannel or cotton cloth. Or you may want to dry pieces with a Silver Butler cloth, which has a cleaning agent built in. Do not let your silver air dry, because water left standing can cause spotting. (Sorry, no matter how tired you are, your dishwasher is not an option. It will eventually add a white buildup and a dull finish. Antique pieces are especially vulnerable to dishwashing, because glued items, such as knife blades or pot legs, may fall apart.)