Vintage Summertime Entertaining

Entertaining with vintage glassware and pottery is always in style. But, how fun to pull out those pieces that especially lend themselves to “summer” entertaining and show them off!

Shawnee Pottery produced this King Corn Oval Plate with the darker yellow corn and lighter green shuck. Pile it high with baby ears of corn for your next BBQ, and you’ll have some vintage charm for sure!

Shawnee Pottery History: The corn style dinnerware line was originally started by Martha Holmes Breithaupt around 1940 but was in the white and green glaze. It was Robert Heckman who took the original design in 1946 using yellow and green glaze and named it King Corn. This line continued until 1954 and included sets like Polly Anne’s Popcorn set and the Town and Country snack set. After this the color changed again to a darker green and light yellow glaze and became the Queen Corn line. King Corn was phased out at that time.

The Rosemeade miniature cream and sugar set in corn pattern can add interest as well in summertime decor. 

Vintage Red, White and Blue

Let’s talk about the WHITE! White as in Milk Glass!

“Milk Glass is the current collector’s name for milk-white opaque glass. the early glass maker’s term was Opal Ware. Originally attempted in England in the eighteenth century with the intention of imitating china, milk glass was not commercially successful until the mid-1800′s. Pieces produced in the USA, England and France during the 1870-1900 period are highly prized for their intricate detail and fiery, opalescent edges.” states Schroder’s Antiques Price Guide, 19th Edition, copyright 2001.

Fenton Story: The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by Frank L. Fenton and his brother John W. Fenton in an old glass factory building in Martins Ferry, Ohio. They began by painting decorations on glass blanks made by other glass manufacturers. Soon, being unable to get the glass they needed, they decided to produce their own glass. The first glass from the new Fenton factory in Williamstown, West Virginia, was made on January 2, 1907.

Frank L. Fenton’s desire to develop new and unusual colors helped to keep Fenton in the forefront of the handmade art glass industry. During the years from 1905 to the 1920′s, Fenton design was influenced by the artists at Tiffany and Steuben. In late 1907, Fenton introduced “Iridescent” glass. This glass, now known as “Carnival” glass, is a popular collectible today. During the 1930′s and 1940′s, Fenton produced practical items, such as mixing bowls and tableware to get through the depression and WWII shortages.

In 1986, the leadership of the company passed on to the third generation, with George W. Fenton, Frank M’s son, taking over as President. Today eight Fenton family members work together along with over 100 employees to create handmade glass artistry that is loved by collectors around the world. Fenton is known for its beautiful colors and patterns. Each piece of glass is an artistic creation by skilled glassworkers and decorators.” [From Fenton/Handcrafted American Glass Aristry web page.]

Red Retro Amberina Compote, White Hobnail Milk Glass Cake Plate and

Blue “Big Trout” Pattern Glass Child’s Punch Set

Living a Piece of History

Last night, I joined my Ladies Social Club for an overnight at our local historical Meeker Hotel and Cafe right here in northwestern Colorado. The Meeker Hotel opened in 1886 in an old Army barracks. By 1896 the new center portion of the hotel was erected and the structure standing today was finished in 1904.

Surrounded by quaint charm, antiques and primarily Victorian decor, we had the privilege of living a piece of history!

It was the perfect setting for a mystery dinner, ‘ghost’ stories, chick flicks and nurturing conversation. This morning before we gathered back in the dining room for a delicious homemade breakfast, I toured around and captured photos of days gone by. These were taken right in my own charming room!

For more photos down memory lane, go to Grandmas Treasures Online Face Book Album.