Blog Post

When I set my table for family get-togethers or for entertaining friends, I love to do it up right! We use our best china (we admittedly have a few sets), good silverware (sorry to say, we do not have any sterling  silver yet), crystal water glasses, elegant wine stems, knife rests and candles too. To me, it does not really take much more effort to add some style to a party. One of the must-haves at most dinners would be my silver and glass trivets. They generally get rave reviews and are so much classier than using a hand-made pot holder or towel.  They sparkle and shine and do a good job of keeping hot things from scorching the elegant table-cloth.

English Hearth Warming Trivet

I have seen trivets in various sizes and styles throughout the years.  Many trivets from days gone by were actually used on the open hearth, perhaps clipped on to the fireplace screen and holding kettles high above the stone. These were often made of brass and some are quite lovely, in spite of being a utilitarian item. We found one at an estate sale with the words “Comfort” built into the frame. It is awesome!

There are numerous trivets from years ago that were made of metal,  but you’ll also see some delightful ones made of china or ceramic materials. Often hand-painted, these were quite beautiful. Many I’ve seen were from Germany or Austria. Some people choose to just use vintage tiles, that works as well.

Trivets come in many shapes too. I just found one at a recent estate sale shaped like an owl! WHOO wouldn’t want that one? It is has a blue enameled finish, pierced and with nice detailing. I have seen them in other animal shapes too.

Hubby actually made a trivet in grade school, shop class I believe. It has a wooden base and a Formica top in pink and gray.  He just came across it a while back. When you flip it over, you’ll see his initials pressed into the wood. (Now which daughter can we codicil that to?) His mom used it before I came into the picture.

I think I recall making a trivet of Popsicle sticks in summer “rec” classes. That probably lasted all the way through one meal. I know I made numerous pot holders – using a metal frame and crisscrossing stretchy material. I cannot remember the exact process, but I don’t think I was very good at it. Is it any wonder I am not known as a creative crafts-woman? But dear, sweet mommy would use them at the table or near the stove.  They would often get food stains on them, then into the wash and they’d somehow disappear. Hmmm, could it be these were disposed of?

Trivets are useful and can be lovely as well.  They would be fun to collect and display in any retro kitchen. They could be shown off in curios, on stands or even hanging from a wall, and are not overly expensive either. Good luck with your “trivet pursuit” if you are, or now become, a collector.