One thing I love about entertaining is I get to use my favorite thrift finds, case in point, this stunning Federal Punch Bowl. The bowl sits on a stand or I can choose to not use use the stand and flip it over to use it as a spare serving bowl. It’s like two bowls in one, but either way it looks good. This lovely set was manufactured in the 1960’s by the Federal Glass Company. The pattern is a very thin vertical ribbed design called the Norse pattern. It reflects an iridescence gold tone, which adds to the beauty. The mod sleek look has all the “grooviness” of the ’60’s. I snagged mine from an estate sale a couple years ago and love using it. Lately, I’ve been seeing punch bowls at almost every thrift store I shop. That’s when I wondered – “how come people aren’t using their punch bowls..?” Hmmmmm…did this once beloved component of our party couture lose it’s status in the entertaining world.. Geeeee I hope not. They’re simply too beautiful and functional to be disgarded or cast astray. In my mind, when the punch bowl makes its appearance that means a party is about to start!
The punch bowl made it’s debut as early as 1694 and was considered an indispensible vessel in every house above the humblest class. There were many recollections who connected it as being very frequently given as a present. In fact, no young married couple ever thought of buying a punch-bowl because it was always presented to them by a near-relative. They generally come with matching glasses and a ladle, but this particular style has a gold cradle to hang your glasses. Pretty cool right??
There are so many different styles, shapes, and colors that would add the elegant touch to your party’s repertoire. I can’t imaging hosting a party and not having punch. While I was out thrifting, I came across these punch bowl sets: All ranging from $8.99 to $13.00
Mind you, they’re all pretty nice and for the price – it’s excellent. Even though they’re not on stands you can easily create one by using a cake plate stand or find a bowl to support it and flip it upside down to create the pedestal effect. Each one had its matching cups, hooks and ladles. I was so smitten with all the bowls, wanting to buy another and was determined not to, but .. then I came across this one… (I went bonkers – punch bowl overload -lol)
Yes, I gave in.. it was $13.00 fully equipped (just without the punch)
My aunt came across this beauty at one of my favorite “go to-because you never know” flea markets and found this fanciful depression glass punch bowl set along with the complete serving bowls and glasses. It’s exquisitely showcased in her dining room hutch (which the tour is coming soon).
Every time I visit her it makes me want to find a nice table to display mine instead of storing it away (only if I entertained more often), but you never know – right? When I think of punch bowls, I think of fun gatherings, good times, friends, family and good old fashion home-style elegance. With all these punch bowls floating out here, I’m considering to host a Punch Bowl Social snippet on the blog.. how’s that sound?? It would feature different punches to make at your next social gatherings. If any of you have punch bowls and love using them, by all means let me know so I can feature it on my blog for the Punch Bowl Social. I hope this post sparked your interest in getting a punch bowl, do some entertaining, and have some good ole fashion fun with friends. A little slogan to think about:
But I’ll have mine in a punch! To join the pinning party you can follow my Punch Bowl Social pinterest board and pin a few of your favorites. As always- Happy Hunting while you thrift your house into a home! Until next time –
Smooches!!
Love your punch bowls. I agree, I don’t blame you for wanting to keep it out. Too pretty to have it stored away. They are beautiful. Your Aunt’s is gorgeous. Great post!
Thanks Linda!!
I think the footed one you found is the best. Great shape. Well, personally I don’t drink (much) but I can remember (vaguely) what a Cosmopolitan could do to a girl and I say that anything really could happen if the punch bowl held Cosmos. Now, that is an option.
Lol.. Ok Ginene, I promise not to put Cosmos in the punch if you come (I wouldn’t want you on the table dancing with a lampshade on your head chuckles).. Joking aside, I’m glad you like the ones I chose.. I’ve been seeing so many out there and they were all quite lovely. I had to force myself not to get more.
Your first one is so beautiful if I were a guest, I would be afraid to touch it. LOL
Your second one; I got two as wedding gifts back in 1972 and might still have one buried deep in the basement. Thanks for the memory.
LOL! Thanks CJ, glad you like them.. Well since you’ve got two stashed, it may be time to unleash it and let the dipping begin! Besides, how about sharing a favorite punch recipe with us?
Hi there! You BET punch bowls are hot! I remember when those bland dispensers started flooding the market and I wondered why on earth anyone would want those instead of a punch bowl! Maybe I’m just old-fashioned, but so be it! The possibilities for punch bowls are endless beyond the serving of delicious sweet (and sometimes “high octane”!!!) concoctions!!! I have several and use them often. In fact, I have a gorgeous crystal one that I have filled with pine cones and Christmas orbs in our library this year! So, yes…bring on the punch bowls! You are smart to snatch them up because they will see a great resurgence I’m sure! Seriously…why would a person want to stand there waiting for punch to drip out of a spigot when they could ladle up a monster serving with the mere flick of a wrist??! Besides, there’s just something so refined about pouring punch from a ladle into a beautiful drinking vessel! Merry Christmas, and enjoy your beautiful new punch bowl sets!
Oh My Gooooodness!! Well hello kitty!!Alycia it’s so good to see you back in cyberland..(you’ve been missed) – You always did (and will) have the keen eye for table beauty – aka Tablescape Queen). You’re so so right about something more elegant in flicking the wrist to cop squirt..lol! so bring on the charm and cheers!!! Leave the gossip for the water cooler (dispenser style) and party around the punch bowl! Merry Christmas to you as well and enjoy your holiday! Great to see you back 🙂
I agree, Alica and Jamala, things happen around a punch bowl. Nothing exciting happens around a SPIGOT.
So right!!!
Those are some gorgeous punch bowls! I really love the one you aunt found. You got me wanting to run out to the thrift store now!
Girl – get going!!! And I knooooow with your culinary greatness – you’ll definitely have a punch recipe to share…So come on – hit me up with your punch bowl social!
I think a punch bowl social is a smashing idea! This retro one is gorgeous! I have only one but it’s a show stopper! Vintage with a patina!
Alright! Marsha thanks for the thumbs up! I would definitely love to see yours and how about hooking us up with one of your entertaining southern punch delights.. Texas style- baby!