Even though I got married at the age of 21 in a white, full-length gown with flowers and family nearby, I’m not a very traditional type of wife, especially when it comes to matters of the household. My husband and I both work, and despite outcries from everyone we know, have yet to reproduce after nearly 5 years of marriage. I happen to believe there is a lot more to being a woman than doing housework in pearls and lipstick, and that we are more than “our husband’s assistant” and “trophy wives.” I cook because I like to cook, and also because I like to eat. I hate cleaning my house and the moment I make enough money to hire a housekeeper, it’s happening. In summary, I’m a far cry from “domestic.”
So imagine my surprise when I found this article and realized I own 8 out of 10 of these housewares that are supposedly “going extinct.” I was also horrified to think that they might one day actually go extinct and began thinking to myself, But how will people [insert purpose of houseware here]? I guess the Southern woman/housewife roots in me are a lot deeper than I thought.
1. Champagne Flutes
“Of course it is always fun to celebrate good news with a glass of bubbly, but do we really need an entire set of stemware solely for champagne? We have no problem sipping this out of a wine glass…or a tumbler for that matter!”
Excuse me. Drink champagne out of a wine glass? Now, bear in mind I will drink champagne no matter how it comes. It’s one of my favorite indulgences. However, it tastes best when sipped out of a long, slender flute. And when mixed with orange juice, but that’s another story. Anyway, I can’t imagine ever not having at least a few champagne flutes floating around my house. How am I supposed to toast events (small and otherwise) without them?!
2. Serving Tray
“These pretty platters are often popular wedding gifts, but how many times are you going to pile refreshments on top and carry them to your guests? Casual buffets are much more common.”
True…but when you pile refreshments, you need something to pile them ON, and sometimes a plate is too small. What is wrong with having a couple of platters around? Also, how will you serve (or be served) breakfast in bed without a decent serving tray?! This paisley tray was a wedding gift and is one of my favorite dishes.
3. Coasters
“Some may disagree, but do we really need to have stacks of these on hand for parties? A lot of modern furniture isn’t even made of real wood, and wet rings can be wiped away without a trace.”
Okay, WHAT?! I will die if someone comes over to my house and doesn’t use a coaster. I have two sets that I use religiously, plus I keep a vintage tray on my coffee table for us to set our drinks/other items on. Rings are for fingers, not furniture. It horrifies me to think of a world without coasters. (Skip to 3:20 of this video if you’re curious as to what it might look like if someone puts down a drink on my coffee table sans coaster). Use it or lose it.
4. Punch Bowl
“This serving piece was a party staple at one time, but the idea of everyone dipping into the same bowl to refresh their cocktail just seems… a little unsanitary!”
So I’ve used this punch bowl maybe 4 times in my married life, but it’s one of my favorite wedding gifts, since it doubles as a cake saver. I mostly use it for display, but it’s nice to know that if I throw a luncheon or party, or maybe have a baking marathon, that I have a punch bowl/cake saver/pretty piece of glassware to showcase.
5. Chip N’ Dip
“Yes, Pete from ‘Mad Men’ received one as a wedding gift… but don’t we have other stylish containers to serve up party snacks than this tiered dish that only serves one purpose?”
You got me with this one. I don’t have one…but now maybe I’ll buy one, just to spite whoever wrote this article.
6. Placemats
“Traditionally these accessories were used to add a little color to a set of white china, but why not chose to bring in flair with a fun set of everyday dishes or glasses instead?”
Person who wrote this article. Are you living in a shack in the middle of nowhere? A college student, perhaps? A MAN?! Because while placemats do add a pop of color, they also anchor each place setting at the table and PROTECT THE TABLE (see #3) from scratches and mess. Plus they’re lovely. I will have placemats on my dining room table until the day I die. Amen.
7. Pitcher
“Let’s face it, most people don’t have the time to mix fresh drinks, and end up serving guests right out of the bottle anyway!”
I feel like the author is grasping at straws at this point. Pitchers are great for making iced tea or flavored water. I especially love using my retro orange juice carafe when I have company for breakfast. If you don’t have a pitcher, I’m not really sure what you’re supposed to use when you want to mix up some lemonade or other tasty beverage. A 5 gallon bucket? Because Lord knows you don’t have a punch bowl.
8. Sugar Bowl
“These little canisters can be cute, but many people regularly dispense sugar straight out of the box or from little paper packets before setting this out.”
Dispense sugar…straight out of the box? What are we, barbarians? Everyone should have a sugar bowl. OR FIVE. (This vintage beauty was a birthday gift from my mom.)
9. Tablecloth
“Once upon a time, one wouldn’t think of eating at the dinner table without a covering, but now lots of tabletops are designed to be exposed and easily wiped down afterward.”
Okay, you’ve also got me here. I hate laundry, so I’m going to avoid having another thing to wash. They are pretty though.
10. Teaspoons
“This mini utensil often comes standard in a flatware set, but is it really necessary? Many prefer its slightly larger mate for eating soup or desserts, and can easily stir hot beverages with it too.”
I’m running out of things to say, but writer, stop talking crazy. Everyone knows you need two sizes of forks and two sizes of spoons. The tiny ones are for if you want to take delicate bites, and the larger ones are if you really want to dig in. I mean, honestly. It’s like you’ve never eaten a meal before.
What are your must-have
1950′s housewife items?
[img via]
Ashley says:
Whoever wrote that list is DUMB. I also nearly everything on that list and use them often except the champaign flutes I’ve only used them twice. Also I have the same cake/punch thing. Love it!
Katie says:
I think who ever wrote that article must be a yankee. I honestly can’t think of why you wouldn’t have that stuff. And to me it’s fun :)
Jill says:
I was thinking the person who wrote this article must be a MAN! What the heck? I have serving platters but guess what, they are ALWAYS laid out buffet style. I’ve never “presented them” to someone (eye roll). I also might launch into a schpiel about respecting things that belong to others if I catch some jerk not using a coaster. And lastly, actually thought to myself recently…”I need a glass pitcher. Wonder where I can find one?” Apparently I shouldn’t ask this author…and here I didn’t consider myself real traditional either.
Jen says:
Okay, that writer is a crazy person. Or a man. I have at least one of each … Except coasters, of which I only have a Monogrammed Christmas set. I’ll be making a purchase soon.
Amy says:
We have all those things except a sugar bowl and a punch bowl. My most housewife-ish item? I”m guessing that would be my full set of Christmas dishes. Yeah, they only get used about two weeks out of the year but there they are, taking up an entire cabinet. And I love them.
Julie H. says:
*sigh* This post brings up sad feelings. Like the fact that my husband does not drink champagne b/c it is too bubbly and the fact that he would not let me register for a cake dome/punch bowl on account that it would take up too much space in our little one bedroom apt. Coasters? We don’t even have a coffee table. We are currently using a massive blue storage container as our coffee table. It’s been like that since we moved in a YEAR ago b/c we can’t seem to find a table we like.
We were given a table cloth for our wedding that I LOVE. When we have guests over we pull it out b/c it makes our dining area look like it has some character and color.
Contrary to the article, both Ryan and I prefer the smaller spoon and the smaller fork to their larger counterparts. The larger ones only get used when the smaller ones are all dirty and we have no other choice.
Fun post!
skye @ neathering our fest says:
I have and use nearly everything on this list – except for the tablecloth. Some of my most treasured possessions are my grandmother’s milk glass dishes which include a pitcher, sugar bowl, and serving tray, and i use them ALL the time. They make things a little more fun and fancy. :)
Beth Anne says:
zomg. I read that article & needed my smelling salts because YES YES YES to everything you wrote.
Even down to not having a chip n’ dip thing, but how do people function without a punch bowl or pitcher? Or placemats? Or champagne flutes?
I have to say that my entire house is packed & last Sunday for our anniversary, Doug & I had to drink our champagne out of solo cups. IT IS NOT THE SAME.
Kathleen says:
I have 8 out of 10 as well – I don’t have champagne flutes because we don’t drink, and I don’t have a tablecloth because I like the way my table looks. I wouldn’t be opposed to one, though.
lauryn says:
I have most of those items as well, and those I don’t have I’m pretty sure I registered for! I think the person who wrote this article was lacking inspiration and just started wandering around his or her kitchen looking for things to write about :)
Valeie says:
Katie, Not sure why you would equate the author of this outlandish article as a “Yankee” but I can assure you this born & bred New Yorker has all of these items. I wouldn’t DREAM of drinking champagne out of anything but a crystal flute, I use coasters in my everyday life and have my grandmother’s punchbowl. I have 2 matching sugar bowl and creamer sets, too (1 for “everyday” and 1 of my family’s heirloom china pattern)! There are seasonal placemats on both my dining room and kitchen table. Platters? Yes, we have those in New York, too. However, I’ve never “presented” one to a guest. My chip & dip is usually reserved for less formal occassions but my cheese board looks wonderful in any setting.
Jenn says:
I agree so much! Especially with 2, 3, 7 and 10. Come on! I have a small mouth, giant spoons and forks just lead to injuries.
Brittney says:
I totally am Howard Hughes and cannot drink from the same punch bowl as other people – but again, I also don’t drink punch.. so there you go. And as much as I like place mats, they were reserved for “holidays only” growing up, so I think we own some we got as a gift from Pottery Barn…. that we never use. Because it’s one more thing to take out just to eat, and we can’t leave them on the table because with three cats, they’re on the floor and covered in fur within minutes LOL.
Brittney says:
ON THIS SAME NOTE, I own coasters. Granted, I also own a glass table and a non-wood table so neither are at risk – and I also own a husband who can’t use a coaster at home but can ANYWHERE ELSE EVER…. but no one who has ever visited… has ever used my coasters. They see them, they ignore them. I thought it was a weird Southern thing LOL
Kara says:
What? Who doesn’t use teaspoons? That’s crazy talk right there.
I must say that I’m a fan of our butter dish. I don’t know if it counts as a 50′s housewife item, but it sure is handy. Who likes to scrape butter off of foil?? Not me!
Heahther says:
I have all those items and the EXACT same cake platter/punch bowl that you have!! I’ve used mine a TON esp at parties as a punch bowl. I feel like I need more “useless” items like some kind of divided appetizer tray, and more serving platters, a cupcake stand, and maybe even one of those huge water cooler glass thingies they sell at Pottery Barn. Not for water but for sangria of course! ;-)
Victoria says:
Wow!!! I cannot believe this writer!!! I use serving trays all the time, and I want to buy more. I don’t drink champagne, but I still have some of the flutes, that were handed down to me.
Coasters…really??? I have a marble top coffee table and I ALWAYS use a coaster! I do not have a punch bowl, but I have plenty of lovely pitchers. I recently acquired these beautiful glass water bottles from Crate & Barrel (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/airtight-glass-bottle/s216669). I was at a restaurant in San Antonio, Dough, and the waiter brought these full of water and left it on the table for you to fill up. That to me is so much better if you are having a dinner party to have the pitcher already on the table, so you, or your guests don’t have to leave during the conversation. And if you have a larger pitcher you can mix drinks in those.
I can’t believe this person is saying that about place mats and table cloths. I have cute place mats for the kitchen table, and for my formal dining room I have several tablecloths. It makes it easier to clean off any crumbs, and they have made table cloths and place mats water resistant so they bubble up instead of soak in.
I like to use teaspoons because they are small and tiny, just like me. I despise using regular spoons, they are way to large for me.
The person who wrote this must have a very small place and not enough storage spaces. Many new homes are lacking in storage space, and these are probably the first things that go when people need the space. That is why I will need a separate room JUST for my “kitchenware/serve-ware”.
Kaci Johanna says:
No pitchers? What the heck. I can’t even comprehend that.
Tabaitha says:
I own all 10, and use 9 out of 10. We have a tablecloth, but only use it on the folding table when, we need an extra table to display food during get togethers.
Christine Hackney says:
I pride myself on being very “wifey.” I love to cook, and I love to sew, and even do dishes. Jordan vacuums and cleans the bathrooms. I could take or leave ironing & dusting, (J thinks they are more necessary than I do) but there are far worse chores, like pulling weeds. I have a fully stocked China cabinet with china, crystal, and silver and a very formal dining room table. I own and use every item in that list often. Jordan gave me a tablecloth for our second anniversary to follow the traditional “2 year cotton” gift; My mom would be horrified if I didn’t have appropriate table linens. When I host a party, I try to use as many wedding gifts in the display as possible. “Cocktail forks, sure, why not?” I will inherit my Grandma’s Sterling Silver Tea Service, and I’m dying to have girls over just to have a tea party! I love all things ettiquette, and I do believe that it is a dying art form. I also realize that not everyone is as interested as me; therefore, I don’t hold others to the standard of Emily Post. :) Champagne flutes are a must, even if you only own two. You must always be prepared for an opportunity to celebrate!
J says:
I know I’m not the only one who scoffed at everything this person (I”m assuming it was a dude) had to say! Maybe it’s a southern thing, maybe not, but I have every item listed. Granted, we don’t use our tablecloth since we got our pretty new dining room table, but I still have one! And I’m sure I’ll use it at some point. And seriously, who serves beverages straight from the bottle instead of a pitcher!? Cavemen, that’s who.
kathleen @ the lushers says:
Serve sugar directly out of the box? WHO IS THIS PERSON?!?!
We own every one of those items, except the punch bowl, & I want one of those. I would have to be committed if I had drink rings on my tables, able to wipe them off or not.
Kaitlyn says:
LOL, your commentary was SO funny!!!! And I agree with you on every count. And I don’t have a sugar bowl but I do put sugar and flour in airtight jars for easy access. Besides, the original packaging (mine comes in bags) leaks sugar everywhere!
Jess M. says:
Love the Scrubs clip- I miss that show. I think the most ridiculous part of that was not having platters…I have a ton of them for parties. Even if used 2-3 times a year, I love them. (And I’m from the North!)
Kayleigh says:
I think the writer really set you (of all people) up to be irritated by opening with a strong royal “we”. Tone, author, tone!
sarah says:
HOW WOULD YOU SET A TABLE WITHOUT LIKE HALF OF THESES THINGS?!??!?
Sorry. This post made me shout-y. I would feel like a barbarian if I didn’t own these things (I’m only lacking a proper punch bowl but I have lots of pitchers so i have never really needed one) and I would be totally judgey if I came to your house and you had none of them.
Delia says:
I’m with you on all of this! Only I don’t own a punch bowl but do have several table cloths. And teaspoons!?! Who doesn’t use a teaspoon? Eating cereal with a tablespoon is barbaric.
Stephany says:
This post is hilarious to me because… I own one of these things. Teaspoons. That’s it. No champagne flutes, no coasters, no punch bowls… Am I a barbarian? lol.
Whenever we have company over, we usually serve buffet-style and it suits us. And we’re really not sticklers for having rings on tables (they really do wipe off!) and I’ve never gotten a scratch on a table from plates or silverware or glasses…
Soooo… yeah. I think I agree with this person? Or maybe I’m just so minimalistic that those things don’t really matter to me.
Victoria says:
I was thinking about it and punch bowls are kind of going away because of drink dispensers. I do not own a punch bowl, but I do own a super cute drink dispenser that comes in handy.
And why would you serve sugar out of a box, dumb. They have sugar canisters for that.
laura says:
Whoever wrote this list is crazy! I have and use everything on this list except for the cake platter/punch bowl, chip and dip, and a tablecloth! (And I HAVE a cake platter, I just had to leave it America. Oh and a tablecloth! But I only use it at Christmas.) As for the teaspoons, I always use the small forks and spoons. My big forks/spoons make me feel like I’m eating with serving utensils!
Chelsea says:
This persom SUCKS.
I have every single one of these thing. I even have a tablecloth and sugar bowl even though I never use them. But WHAT IF?
Pitchers?? She is ridiculous.
Nichole L. says:
I have 8 out of 10 of those things. I think it’d be hard to entertain without them. I have the exact same cake plate and had no idea that it doubles as a punch bowl. Is it weird to be so excited to learn that I have a punch bowl?!?! :o)
Sensibly Sassy says:
I own and USE all of these items.