I’ve written before about how much I love tiny treasures. And one group of small treasures will captivate me every time I spot a grouping, or just a lonely set of two on a shelf.
There is just something about vintage and antique glassware that speaks to me. “Come over here and pick me up!” “Can’t you just imagine what kind of cocktail you might serve in me?” “Oh, think about how I will feel in your hand!”
Depending on the shape and size of the glass, I use these for cocktails, sherry or after dinner liqueurs.
So yes, I’m a sucker for old, beautiful glasses. It’s another one of those “They just don’t make them like they used to” moments for me. I’m always fascinated that something so fragile has survived for so many years and then finds their way to someone else’s home. Wouldn’t you love to eavesdrop on the conversations that took place when another’s hand held these at a cocktail party or an elegant dinner?
These gold-banded glasses are part of a set of six that were a gift to me from an elderly couple when I moved to a new town over 30 years ago. They are a true treasure and amazingly, have survived six moves since then.
On some the narrow gold band is almost worn away, which to me is a sign that they were used and loved. Faded and still glorious.
I love finding beautiful old glassware at estate sales, flea markets and the brocantes to create the perfect gift for someone. This past Christmas I found two gorgeous sets, one for my daughter and one for a dear friend, and I knew they would make the perfect gifts.
I found this set for a dear friend who loves a good cocktail as well as champagne. They are from the 1920s or 30s.
These beautifully monogrammed glasses were a gift for my daughter Morgan at Christmas. The boyfriend-in-law’s last name is McCallum, so I figured I won on both fronts.
Vintage glasses are harbingers of many stories and testament to good times in the past. For me it’s one of the best ways to recycle or repurpose and give a gift that’s truly unique. And beautiful, old things like these still have a lot of life left in them. Kinda like me. (Smile)
Do you have a favorite vintage or antique item that you seek out for gifts? Share with Chez Suzette readers!
I’m with you on the vintage glass – It draws me in as well. There really is a different feel to using the glasses as compared with the more modern variety you can get at Crate and Barrel. I feel graceful and sophisticated when I use my special vintage crystal given to me by my mother. It brings back wonderful childhood memories of me peaking into the living room of our family home where my parents gave cocktail parties using their fine crystal glasses. Great memories and good wine and other delightful drinks – Now there’s a wonderful combination!
Such treasured memories you have. Let’s bring back the art of getting dressed up for a cocktail party!
Oh! These pictures are so lovely and I totally agree with your remarks Suzette! Just during the last few days while visiting my daughter in her new home, she opened boxes filled with my mom’s crystal, and some from my grandmother. I had forgotten about the shrimp cocktail containers, complete with the glass cups that fit inside. She unpacked some iced tea and water “stems”, as well as ice cream/sherbet “stems” and in they went into her china cabinet. All of these pieces are so very special to us both, and hopefully she will enjoy as I have over the years.
How wonderful for her to have so many pieces of her grandmother’s crystal! Nothing honors special pieces of a past life like these than to use them. Here’s wishing they see many dinners and parties in the future!