Spooners
This is such a great time of year to pull out the stops on holiday entertaining and decorating. I love using spooners in different ways. So what is a spooner?
A popular collectible today, the spooner or spoonholder, provided as much symbolic value as function for Victorian society. The prominently displayed spoons were a clear sign of ready hospitality, as well as a status symbol for the increased affluence among the expanding middle class who could now afford silver spoons, or at least a good facsimile. Spooners are narrower and more cylindrical than sugar bottoms or open sugars – perfect for holding flatware (they don’t tip over).
Along with the majority of other Victorian conventions, interest in spoonholders had almost vanished by the 1930s. They are fun to find and collect. Spooners come in a variety of designs and colors. Some spooners are ornate, and others are simple. This one has simple lines with a footed stem and a scalloped rim.
Here is another with much more details in the glass and the unique handles.
This spooner is beautifully etched with a wheat and barley pattern. The lovely details are also on the handles.
What I love about spooners is that generally no two are alike. They can be useful in so many different ways and lend an elegance to any display or table.
If you are considering collecting spooners, it’s important to differentiate spooners from open sugars, sugar bottoms, goblets and tumblers. Spooners usually range in height from 4″ for those with a flat base to 6″ for those with stems.
We will have a few spooners for sale on our online store. They are an affordable way to return to a graciousness of the life nearly a century ago.
Happy Saturday!
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This is a very interesting piece! I wonder, was it traditionally used for just eating spoons or can it be used for tea spoons also? I’ll have to get me one for my tea time!
Thank you for sharing the specifications of how to differentiate a spooner from just a regular goblet…this is helpful!
I have had various people comment on this. I have a friend that leaves her silverware or flatware out all the time on her counter-displayed in spooners. I use them for when I entertain in a buffet style as it just seems easy to grab a fork or spoon right out of the glass. I think they would be wonder for your tea spoons! As you can see by the photos, they can be used numerous ways. I didn’t know much about them until I purchased a few and did some research. I love recycling old things and spooners are just a gracious way to do so.