Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Pretty, pretty milk glass



I am crazy about milk glass. Not to the point where I have obsessively bought tons of it (not yet, lol), but I just think it's some of the prettiest glassware out there and have slowly been collecting it. I love all the different shapes and colors it comes in, and all the dainty purposes it was created for—delicate salt cellars, gorgeous vases, frilly cake stands, and everything else you can imagine.















A good source to look for milk glass kitchenware is on eBay, of course, but don't rule out going to your local antique and thrift stores. Milk glass tends to be relatively cheap, and it's often the perfect thing to display on your coffee table or in your china cabinet. And even newly-produced milk glass can be beautiful. Martha Stewart has a line of milk glass that stands up to any vintage piece.




Right now I only own about 4-5 milk glass vases, so I'd like to add more functional items to my collection, like serving pieces. I've been looking at salt cellars on eBay, which I find so appealing. I can imagine throwing my much dreamed-about tea party (with my growing collection of inexpensive vintage teacups) and having tiny little salt cellars placed here and there on the dining room table.







Another milk glass item I've been lusting for are cake plate stands. I would love to get my hands on a pretty hobnail stand or two, although there are plenty other designs and colors to choose from. I found quite a few on eBay, but shipping tends to run $10 or more, although you can find quite a few inexpensive ones that will run you under $20 total. You just have to browse a lot and see what's listed.








Since I'm headed to the Spring Outdoor Market next weekend in LaGrange, I'm going to wait to purchase any milk glass items on eBay, unless they're pretty cheap or I absolutely must have them (none meet that criteria so far). I prefer to be able to look at the item in my hands, turn it around, see how many imperfections there are, and also see how it catches the light. Milk glass seems to come in different formulations, and even among my collection the type of glass varies greatly.






If you're lucky enough to already own milk glass, congrats! And if you're newly interested in the stuff, have fun searching it out. It's a great vintage look to add to your fanciest china or everyday dishes. Happy searching!




7 comments:

avant garde design said...

oh, i love milk glass. i have 2 vases that are bumpy white, like they've been polka dotted. love them. love those cake stands you featured as well. the texture and depth of milk glass is dreamy. :)

georgia b. said...

guess what! you won the blossom print in my give-away!

we'll have to get together so i can give it to you. :)

congrats!

Chris said...

How cool! Thanks, Georgia! I'm super excited to have won. I think that's a very pretty print, and I'm already thinking of places to hang it in my house :)

Yes, let's get together soon. I hope you had a great trip.

Unknown said...

the cake trays are simply gorgeous!

i really really wish you could help me decorate...

Alyssa said...

I agree - milk glass is the stuff :) I have a small collection of the jadite milk glass baking ware, which I totally love. I just found a pie dish at an antique shop not long ago! best of luck to you...

kendalee said...

Oooo pretty!!! I don't think I've ever owned a piece of milk glass but I can understand its appeal - so lovely. I especially love the cake stands. What a gorgeous tea-party that'd be with your vintage tea-cups too!

Char said...

I love it too. all that I find though is over priced for me. hope you find some deals.