Topic: individual dessert vases

[ju1i3]

I went to a National Trust property recently that had the dining room table laid with period settings including small vases at each place. I didn't think that looked very authentic so I asked the attendant who told me they were put at each place when dessert was served. I have never seen such a thing and especially have never seen small vases like this for sale (some must still be around if it was common practice). Has anyone heard of this or seen the small vases? They were clear glass about 5 to 6 cm tall.

[ahremck]

Do you have a photo Julie?  It sounds like you are talkng about small dessert comports perhaps with liners so crushed ice coukld be put under the dessert to keep it cool.

Ross

[ju1i3]

No, I don't have a photo. Photography wasn't permitted. It was definitely a flower vase with a narrow neck. They were put out with the dessert but not a part of the dessert.

[ahremck]

Maybe it was just a smart(as in cunning) method by the caterers so the waiters knew who to give dessert to and who not to?

Ross

[wolkenreb]

Why not email the National Trust - someone there might have more info?  It's interesting!

[Paul S.]

o.k. found it Julie           You don't mention the particular 'period setting' that these 'vases' were associated with i.e.  Georgian/Regency or perhaps Victorian/Edwardian  -  it might possibly help (which Trust property was this??)       I've looked throught the books and am unable to suggest what these pieces might have been  -  in my opinion they are too small for custards and jellies (my shortest custard is something like 2.13/16" - 72mm) - and you were told anyway that they were not part of the dessert food.   Epergnes were common during the C19 - particularly as table centre piece arrangements - and they came in multiple branch versions as well as single stem options, and whilst your 'vases' are obviously not epergnes (yours are way too small), it is possible they were intended for small posies.        Did the attendant describe them as flower vases, or is this only your interpretation??         If you tell us which property, I think we'll get you the answer, eventually      

[jonchellycain]

Hi all
my mum works at the national trust Oxburgh Hall (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-oxburghhall.htm)
So may be able to get an answer reasonably quickly from the national trust. Let me know which property and i will see if she can get the answer
michelle

[Paul S.]

now we know the source of all your recent old drinking glasses Michelle  -  may I have some too :24: :24:

[jonchellycain]

shhhh Paul dont want everybody knowing  :thup:

[ju1i3]

It was at Uppark. I called them. Still awaiting a call back.

The table was laid and at each place was a little clear glass vase (posy vase? - I don't know what makes something a posy rather than just a vase) with flowers in it. I asked the attendant and she said they were put at each place with the dessert. I must admit I was a little skeptical as I'd never seen anything like it. She assured me they consulted historical sources. Hmm.

I don't know what time period the table setting was based on. The house was built in 1690 but as with many of these houses it went through lots of changes and fashions and residents.