Seven vintage glassware sets to shop for at Vintage Plus The Mercantile in Waupaca!
Lately I have been noticing how unique and festive the little glassware sets of yore and yonder seem to be. From the box of examples packed up from my grandmother’s curio cabinet to the array of sipping glasses we used when we visited with a friend’s family in Italy, I always knew these were rooted in tradition and times of entertainment. Not being much of a drinker myself, I guess my new found fascination with the variety and beauty of these smaller shot style glasses is surprising. And I suddenly find myself wanting an excuse to have a set in my house.
But tiny goblets, etched cordial glasses and fluted mini shot glasses weren’t the only glass-wares catching my eye. The selection at “Vintage Plus the Mercantile” located in King (Waupaca-area) inspired me to try to inspire you to adorn your kitchen, dining or favorite sipping spot to shop for a unique and previously loved set of glassware. With so many to pick from throughout their quirky store I’ve narrowed it down to my 7 favorite recommendations!
#7 Frosty and whimsical
This is a Mid Century set of frosted glasses that is bright and fun and would be great for brunch or lemonade on the veranda all summer long. A common theme among the glassware from these eras are the gold rings that they include along the top of the glasses and even repeated as an accent on the pitcher. That pitcher, by the way, is impressively tall! It shares a beautiful proportion with the water glasses, which in turn share a great proportion to the smaller juice tumblers.
#6 Pink and Flirty
Unlike the previous example, I don’t think this pitcher and these glasses are meant to be a set, but they would still be fun as a collected mismatched set just the same. The caddy for the glasses were obviously made with the intent for the glasses to be on the go. Whether that be an outside picnic venue or a room in the house for informal gatherings, the fact that they are fun and swirly and pink opens up the options to entertain around them!
#5 The Crowd Pleaser
Now here we have a more universal and traditional set. Good for any gathering and any occasion. Simple gold stripes but an elegantly designed pitcher shape. That long glass stir rod has me thinking how easily you would just make whatever you are mixing right inside of there! Whatever color concoction you were serving would be prominently on display, making this a must have for a stunning drink station at any theme party.
#4 The Gold Standard
These remind me of the glasses I kept from my grandmother’s collection. They weren’t well cared for or saved for special occasions prior to me taking them so I definitely get them out and use them during the holidays without hesitation. This example would be beautiful in a den or study to serve finer drinks.
(My formal glasses used in a very informal setting at a previous Easter celebration below)
#3 Take your Shot
This picture doesn’t do this set justice- the bottom is a honeycomb crystal texture in a tinted grey glass. The sliver tray around the spout is to hold the shot glasses and the pump fills them. Ingenious if you ask me. Practical and classy and a fun addition to a gathering if you have a small batch of something to serve. I will include the picture I took of the relish tray next to it. Besides the styling that went into this small glassware piece- the corrugated outer shell and the swirls that look like bubbles and pinwheels and cogs all at the same time-the little glass that comes with it sits in a groove made to hold it in place. More practical and thought out dishware design!
#2 For The Sportsman
You may recognize these. They are very similar to the set in the Duck, Duck…Swan post from Hart Mercantile in Ripon. So maybe I am more prone to recognizing something that was previously hiding in plain sight now that my attention has been drawn but I really respond to the images and names of this nature glassware. The set reflects a variety of sizes and styles of glassware for each type of drink you may serve.
#1 The Glamour-Decanter
And we end this antique glassware hunt with the very elegant decanter and matching cups. While I was never that fond of gold, my grandmother’s glasses were a game changer for me. In glass ware the gold looks good with any color scheme or table setting and it does add a touch of drama and sparkle to the glass. This set is no exception. The deep ruby-brown color is an elegant mix to the gold stripes and delicate floral etching.
“Vintage Plus the Mercantile” has more than just glassware. They sell all sorts of local antique memorabilia, old records, vintage clothing, beautiful old cameras, coin collections, stain glass lamps, unique gas cans and so much more. If you love quirky antique stores you will want to make a stop in here. The entire King shopping area is a fun destination, especially in the summer when the lakeside tourists flood the area. I have a few new shops on my radar I hope to feature during the Small Business Summer Series including: European Delights Bakery, which we fell in love with last Christmas when we made an impromptu stop for some treats. Until then, catch-up on some of my other favorite shopping spots!
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