We’ve discovered finds from the Georgian era to the 20th century to spruce up dining spaces for holiday entertaining. Hosts and hostesses who seek to put on a show will find glassware, serving pieces, cocktail items and more in Nashville’s two GasLamp Antiques locations. Among the hundreds of GasLamp booths are collectibles with fascinating backstories, from fish-themed serving ware to a handmade mini bar.

Get this Grand Fish Fork and Knife Set

“The world was my oyster, but I used the wrong fork,” quipped poet-playwright Oscar Wilde. He lived during the Victorian era, which spanned Queen Victoria’s reign over Britain from 1837 until she died in 1901. It was a time of wealth for upper-class Britons, who introduced a bewildering array of flatware to their tables. There were spoons specifically for cream or clear soups and forks for strawberries, pickles, and, yes, oysters. Using the wrong utensil was much frowned upon.

It’s easy to use the right serving fork – and knife – to serve fish with this enchanting set from the late Victorian era ($189; Booth T-272). Such a set, made of silver plate, could have been bought as a Christmas or wedding gift by well-to-do Victorians. An engraving of a fish and cattails adorns the knife’s blade while scrolling foliage enhances the handles of both specialized utensils. Such pieces are grand to use for fish meals – or for Thanksgiving or Christmas fowl (thankfully, modern guests are not as judgmental about utensils as the Victorians).

Have Fun with Fish Plates

Fish motifs are one of the more iconic forms that emerged from sea-faring cultures. Unsurprisingly, fish plates from essential makers, such as Limoges and Sevres, have long been popular. As with this set of one platter and six plates, decorations on detailed plates provide lively illustrations of sea and river life ($199; Booth T-272). 

Iris E.P.P. Co. made this set circa 1890 to 1900, when such sets were popular among Victorians. The platter, featuring scalloped edges and a gold rim, is 16 inches in diameter, and the plates are about 8.25 inches.

Organize Glasses with an Antique Cellarette

This charming piece is handmade and one of a kind ($425; Booth T-399). Known as a “cellarette,” it is a minibar first used during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Popular in England and America, cellarettes were designed to transport and store small amounts of alcoholic beverages. While the cellarette is an idea from the Georgian and Victorian periods, it would be handy in today’s world to keep special glasses separated from the fray of glassware that fills up one’s cabinets.

Introduce a Punch Bowl 

This Midcentury Modern punch bowl is made of heavy, clear glass and includes 10 snifter-style glasses that can be used for any beverage ($85; B-115). It is decorated in a metallic gold pattern of stylized birds, flowers, and medallions, all designed in a graphic aesthetic that fits the era. The stemless glasses make for easy handling.  

Use a Tray for Extra Space

While trays are traditionally used for serving drinks or food, a modern use is to place one on an oversized sofa, making for a handy “table” when others are in use. This tray could also be hung on a dining room wall, for it is a work of art ($79; T-187). The background is marbled red, featuring two birds amid foliage and one tiny bird in a birdcage.  

Product photos by Rusti Greene; featured image by Jay Wennington on Unsplash.