I have used a kit from Gateros Plating with excellent results. They sell directly or on ebay.
The basic Watts bath gives a very matt grey finish; by adding the 'brightener' to the bath a fully bright shiny surface is achieved.
Polish and clean the work scrupulously before plating. It may be helpful to use solvents, then electrolytic cleaning – anodic cleaning is the most vigorous but not suitable for all metals as it can cause oxidisation of the surface (e.g. 'anodised aluminium' in the extreme case). Otherwise cathodic cleaning is good but slower.
Titanium wire (or mesh) is used to suspend the anodes; it does not matter too much what you suspend the work with as it will quickly get nickel plated!
Martin