Object of the Day: An Antique Cake Stand

With the introduction of pressed glass in 1825, working class families could enjoy the look of the sparkling cut glass and crystal objects reserved for upper class households at a fraction of the price. By the beginning of the Victorian era, pressed glass objects were readily available to add some luster to the tables and sideboards of almost any home.


Many pressed glass items remain today and can be found in antique stores. Take, for instance, this pressed glass cake stand which dates to the late Nineteenth Century and which most likely heralds from England. Can you imagine the variety of delicious treats that have been proudly displayed on this attractive stand?

If you’re a collector of pressed glass objects, you should feel free to display them in your home. This cake stand, for example, doesn’t need to only come out when there’s a cake to cut. It can act as a pedestal for another object. A smart vase of flowers would look quite attractive resting on this gleaming stand. During Christmastime, filling the stand with colored ornaments would be an interesting and sophisticated way to dress a table for the holiday.

Pressed glass items are sturdy and were made to be used and enjoyed. So, let’s use them! If you happen to find some reasonably priced pressed glass in a local antique store, rescue it. You’ll be surprised at just how versatile they are.