Cabinet Candy
I don't collect a whole lot of things and when I do collect anything it's almost always something useful: tools, vases, fabric, silverware, dishes. Things that can be used every day around the house. I don't care to have little porcelain knick knacks or little doo dads to put in cabinets just to look at. I like using and touching things.But one thing I've coveted that I can't afford to collect is depression glass dishes. My mother bought these for her new apartment in Portland almost a year and a half ago and when she was purchasing them at a local antiques store I wondered why I don't collect such pretty things? Her choice of mixing the pink with the green is heavenly!
I love how these were the "cheap" dishes of the great depression. Pressed glass was not considered fine since they were factory made. Isn't it funny how we've come to value these pieces over time and now they can be quite costly? 
I could not have been more surprised when my mother took them out of a basket and gave them to me for my birthday! She knows how much I admire them and she doesn't use them as much as she thought she would- so I get them! Me! All to myself!!
As much as I refer to myself as an old man type person I must admit that my tastes can run surprisingly feminine at times when it comes to cabinet candy. I love roses, pastel colored glass, delicate things, and gold plate touches. I often indulge in my more masculine tastes for strong clean statements (there's nothing girly about my Pillivuyt dishes) but sometimes I wish I had prettier daintier things. I think I don't generally buy delicate things because I break stuff. I told my mom that I will use these dishes and I will (inevitably) break some. She gave her blessings.
So now I'm just plotting what kinds of foods will compliment the plates best. Oh, don't you do that? Food for me is as much about the visuals as it is about the taste and nutrition. I'm not implying that I do magical presentations (because you have all seen my sloppy work and would call me on my bold faced lie) but that I enjoy eating food off of complimentary dishware. It's a chance to experience double joy.
As much as I refer to myself as an old man type person I must admit that my tastes can run surprisingly feminine at times when it comes to cabinet candy. I love roses, pastel colored glass, delicate things, and gold plate touches. I often indulge in my more masculine tastes for strong clean statements (there's nothing girly about my Pillivuyt dishes) but sometimes I wish I had prettier daintier things. I think I don't generally buy delicate things because I break stuff. I told my mom that I will use these dishes and I will (inevitably) break some. She gave her blessings.
So now I'm just plotting what kinds of foods will compliment the plates best. Oh, don't you do that? Food for me is as much about the visuals as it is about the taste and nutrition. I'm not implying that I do magical presentations (because you have all seen my sloppy work and would call me on my bold faced lie) but that I enjoy eating food off of complimentary dishware. It's a chance to experience double joy.
Is there anyone who doesn't want to experience double joy?
Comments (4)
I think fruit tarts will look lovely on those plates.
Posted by Lisa | January 8, 2009 7:20 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 19:20
Oooh...I do love depression glass.
I'm thinking simplistic. Vanilla bean ice cream (or unfoodcoloringed mint ice cream) with a sprig of fresh mint.
(I'm all about the colors. :D)
Spinach salad with smoked salmon on the rose dish.
Various melon balls in the green dishes.
Posted by Aimee | January 8, 2009 7:42 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 19:42
Does envy come in pink *and* green? 'Cuz I'm sooooo jealous! Love those dishes. LOVE! :-) I gotta get me some of those I think. So beautiful, and beautiful photos, too!
~Angela :-)
Posted by Angela (Cottage Magpie) | January 8, 2009 8:58 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 20:58
Oooh, those are gorgeous! I have a few pieces of pink depression glass and I love it so much. My favorite pieces are my berry bowls and sherbert cups. They look so pretty with fresh strawberries or strawberry ice cream in them! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
Posted by Diane | January 9, 2009 7:09 AM
Posted on January 9, 2009 07:09