What's This and How do I Use it?
Ever wander through DishFunctional, pick up a little dish and wonder, “Okay… but what did people actually use this for?”
We get that question all the time!
Today, most of us can get through dinner with a plate, a bowl, a glass and maybe a serving dish or two. But vintage tables were a different story. There were dishes and serving pieces for things we don’t even think about serving separately anymore.
Times Change, But It’s Still About the Little Things
And sometimes those little things can be downright mysterious.
So let's take a look at a few of the tiny pieces that once had very specific jobs at the table.
🧂 SALTY
Salt Cellars & Salt Spoons
Here's one that can leave people scratching their heads.
Before salt shakers became commonplace, individual salt cellars were placed around the table so diners could take a little salt with a tiny spoon- or, depending on the time period and setting, simply use their fingers.
And yes, there were special little spoons just for salt!
They're tiny, often beautifully made, and easy to mistake for miniature serving spoons. But they had a very specific job: scooping salt from the salt cellar.
Some were simple. Others were made from beautiful glass, china, silver or silverplate.
A tiny dish. A tiny spoon. And a very specific job.
🍬 SWEET
Sugar Cube Tongs
Before sugar packets and little bowls with spoons became the norm, there were special little utensils for picking up sugar cubes.
Sugar tongs made it easy to grab a cube and add it to your tea or coffee without reaching in with your fingers.
And some of these little utensils are surprisingly pretty—made from silver, silverplate and other decorative materials.
Another tiny utensil with a very specific job.
Muffineers
And then there are the muffineers.
Despite the name, they weren't necessarily just for muffins. These small shakers were often used for powdered sugar, which could be sprinkled over muffins, toast, pancakes and other goodies.
It's one of those tiny vintage pieces that makes you wonder how many things we once had a special little gadget or dish for.
🧈 BUTTERY
Butter Chips
Those tiny little dishes really were made for butter!
Butter chips, also known as butter pats, held individual portions of butter and were often placed right alongside each person's place setting. And because they were part of the table setting, they could be surprisingly decorative.
Of course, today you don't have to use one for butter. A little butter pat makes a great jewelry dish, trinket dish or catch-all.
Domed Butter & Cheese Dishes
You know those round dishes with the little domed covers?
We have quite a few of them at DishFunctional, and they're another piece that can make you stop and wonder, “What exactly was this for?”
Some were made to hold butter or cheese, while others have an insert designed to hold ice and keep food chilled.
A small dish, a little cover, and a very specific purpose.
And today? They're still useful, even if you're not serving butter or cheese. They're pretty enough to leave out and useful enough to actually use.
Butter-Serving Utensils
And yes, even butter could have its own serving utensil!
Vintage butter knives and small butter servers were designed for moving butter from the serving dish to your plate.
It's another little reminder that the details really mattered.
🤔 WHAT THE HECK ARE THESE?
Okay, now let's see if we can stump you!
Think you know? Make your guess… then scroll to reveal the answer!
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WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?
Make your guess…
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ANSWER: Grape Sheers!
You may have guessed it by the design, but these are scissors used to cut grapes off the vine
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WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?
Make your guess…
⬇️ SCROLL TO REVEAL ⬇️
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ANSWER: A SILENT BUTLER!
A small lidded container with a handle used for collecting table crumbs, ash and small debris.
AND THAT'S THE FUN OF VINTAGE TABLEWARE…
There was a time when the table had a special piece for almost everything.
Salt had its own little dish and spoon. Sugar had its own little tongs. Butter had its own dishes- and sometimes even its own serving utensils.
Today, we're a little more creative.
And we love that.
A butter chip can become a dip dish or a coaster. A little covered dish can hold a candle or jewelry.
You don't always have to use an old piece the way it was originally intended.
Sometimes, the best use for a vintage piece is the one you come up with yourself.
And the next time you see something at DishFunctional that makes you ask,
“What the heck is this?”
Come find us.
Chances are, we can help you solve a little mystery.