Summer (and my imaginary summer house) is a good excuse to collect some tableware I normally would pass by. A little bit of red goes a long way in my house, but red is just about the best color there is for vintage tableware -- so, if it's red and vintage and inexpensive, I buy it and save it for the picnic table. The red Pyrex refrigerator dish belonged to my mom; the pitcher, the salt and pepper shakers and the tablecloth all were yard sale finds. If I find one more Jadeite plate this summer, I'll have enough for everybody at dinner - a prospect that I'm sure will thrill me more than anybody else at the table.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who believe corn on the cob requires extra utensils, and those who don't. You know which side I'm coming down on. My pal Lillian has the best idea for corn on the cob - she puts melted butter in a pitcher and uses a (presumably) unused paint brush to brush it on the ears. This works so well you wonder why everyone doesn't do it. I'm looking for the perfect butter pitcher. It's not like I don't own a pitcher or two, but I like having something to hunt for.
The red Pyrex bowl on the left is the one that I got for 50 cents at a sale a few weeks ago. If you find one of those low, square Pyrex bowls, buy it, even if it's more than 50 cents. There's something about its size and shape that just makes me want to use it every day. I found the glasses at a thrift store a couple of months ago, and I swear they're the last decent thing I've found thrifting. I might give up thrift stores during the yard sale season. There's only so much looking at really awful stuff my eyes can take.
It might seem a little frivolous to buy tableware just for the picnic table, but I figure I've spent about as much on my little finds as I would have on a couple of packages of paper plates. If I have to choose, I''ll happily live without paper plates. I'd rather wash dishes. Especially pretty ones.
I've also heard of those who dip the entire cob into the butter pitcher. Sounds delicious. Much more buttery surface to make the salt stick to.
Posted by: Susie | July 08, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Great picnic wear - my mouth is watering thinking about that corn on the cob - YUM!
Posted by: Leisa | July 08, 2008 at 02:11 AM
What a pretty collection, perfect for your imaginary summer house!
Posted by: Pauline | July 08, 2008 at 02:34 AM
Barbra your pics and crafts amazing!!!
Posted by: craftwoman | July 08, 2008 at 08:20 AM
I'm with you as to corn-on-the-cob utensils! I have a couple of sweet vintage cut-glass syrup jars! Keep your eyes peeled for them! Again, you have to hand-wash them, but it's worth it!
Posted by: vintagesue of VRS | July 08, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Oh I love red and green together! My great grandmother's kitchen was painted a jadeite green color with red gingham curtains. She taught me so much in that little kitchen. The combo truly warms my heart. Thanks for the memories this morning.
Posted by: Gail | July 08, 2008 at 08:57 AM
I love the glasses.
The thrift store during the summer is always a bit of a catch 22 for me. In theory, there should be plenty of stuff, right? It's where the yard sale leftovers go. But somehow it just never works that way.
(Of course thrifting is just the pits right now period I think.)
Posted by: Sarah | July 08, 2008 at 09:04 AM
I love your summer tableware. Nothing says vintage like apple red! I am SO a corn holder person, grew up always eating it that way. I think I have about 3 different sets of them. xo, suzy
Posted by: suzy | July 08, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Love, love, love the glass corn dishes. I have the vintage green and yellow ones and my family thinks I'm nuts when I use them. In their eyes, you're supposed to use just your fingers to eat corn on the cob.
Love the glasses too!!!
Michele
Posted by: Michele | July 08, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Hi, Barbara -- If you find yourself thrifting near the hamlet of Pompey Hill, check out Char's Shop. It's in a very cool old stone building (1827) on Rte. 91 and keeps erratic hours. Prices are reasonable, selection is nice and nicely arranged and I even saw a few 50-cent and $1-items! Plus, the shop owner is really sweet. C-ya!
Posted by: Margaret McCormick | July 08, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I love that pitcher! Maybe I will get lucky enough to find some Jadeite one day!
Posted by: Wendy | July 08, 2008 at 08:44 PM
oh i too hope that your friend uses an unused paint brush for her butter. i think the fairs use the same idea with the big cans of "butter" to dip in. i think the reason most people would do it, is the sheer amount of melted butter you would have to use. then what to do with it if there are any leftovers?? that is assuming you dont eat corn every day in the summer. adore the tablecloth. i am loving strawberries lately. great finds too of course
Posted by: susan | July 08, 2008 at 09:54 PM
It makes me happy just to look at your cheery table. I'd love to have a picnic there. Anybody can throw some paper plates on the table.
Your imaginary summer house is a great idea. What fun!!
Posted by: kim | July 08, 2008 at 10:08 PM
What awesome finds. I think the glasses are probably my fav. They are so bright & colorful. :) xoxo, Joanna
Posted by: Joanna {sweet finds} | July 09, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Oh lovely tableware.
Posted by: Joan | July 09, 2008 at 05:22 AM
I am swooning over your tableware, especially the glasses. It is all so inviting, and just makes me smile. Susan
Posted by: susans at black eyed susans kitchen | July 09, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I have been searching for corn dishes with no luck thus far. Still kicking myself for passing some up at the Salvation Army because I didn't want to ask whether the single price tag meant for the set of 4 or each. Their prices are usually ridiculous so I feared the worst. You photos and your summer tableware are all GORGEOUS!!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | July 09, 2008 at 01:54 PM
YOur dinner ware just says "summertime"!
Posted by: karla nathan | July 09, 2008 at 11:08 PM
I love your tableware. How very pretty! Twyla
Posted by: two crazy crafters | July 11, 2008 at 04:34 PM