You know I am an advocate for any type of serving piece for entertaining… but the cakestand you will find is the most cherished piece in your entertaining arsenal.
Whether it comes from an antiques shop, TJ Maxx or the Salvation Army the cakestand is one of those very special tools that elevates anything placed atop it. My Step-Grandmother always presented a jewel like jello mold atop a pressed glass version. My Mother’s Mom had one with a tin dome that always held a freshly made single layer caker in an ever-changing flavor of the week. When I grew up I collected cake stands from all over and use them today for the food styling aspect of my business and of course in my new book ENTERTAINING SIMPLE which illustrates the many ways you can employ a cakestand in your life.
Today a cakestand is very easy to qcquire both old and new. The above pieces are a mix of styles and colors from retailers and antiques dealers. The top piece is called “slag glass” and I have three examples of this style. I found them all at shops (by chance) and use this style to elevate candles, floral centerpieces and pancakes for breakfast. The middle piece is Italian in origin. Its textural, graphic and so delicate. I found it while visiting Country Home offices in Iowa close to ten years ago.
The bottom stand is a reproduction from FISHS’ EDDY in New York. I love the color, the style and the size. It looks great with anything that has red berries on it.
I found a similar version to the Iowa stand at a shop in Maine. It is made of the same great, delicate material. On the left is a heavenly fruit studded angel food cake with white chocolate. On the right one of my very first collected cakestands with a piece of ricotta pie on top.
I am a bit embarresed to say how many of these stands I own… suffice to say, ”way too many”. But I use them all the time for versy special presentations and would recomend giving such a gift this holiday season or anytime of the coming year.
December 17th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I love the dark green one. So different and so lovely!
December 18th, 2008 at 1:17 am
I’m with you, Matthew. I love cake plates and use them for numerous things! I must have at least 20 of them and use them for each holiday and special occasion. I store some of them above my cupboard for display when not in use. Have you ever seen footed pie plates? I have a couple of them, too and their are also wonderful!
Lanette @ CottageElements.blogspot.com
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 am
I do cherish Cake Plates! I have kept about 6 and quickly sell all my over-flow through my antiques business. I enjoy using the dome as a cloche to “elevate” even the most ordinary to extraordinary.
Thanks for your everyday inspiration!
Kari
November 21st, 2010 at 1:26 pm
have a look on this glass one by fabrica for secondome, italian brand
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