Have you ever wondered what a “sweetmeat” is? It’s what we call “candy” today! From what I could find online, sweetmeats were originally a way to preserve fruit or nuts by coating them with honey. Sugar was actually not a commercial product until sugarcane plantations were developed and honey was the most common source of sweet.
Glass companies made lots of interesting candy dishes, with lids and without, candy jars, even commercial containers in novelty shapes. This one from Fostoria, in the Lafayette pattern, is one of the simplest and so appealing.
Fostoria Lafayette Topaz 4 1/2 Inch Handled Sweetmeat Bowl
This is a small open bowl with two handles, only about 4 inches across not counting the curly handles. Most likely this was originally used as individual little dishes for candy or nuts while entertaining or playing cards. If you’ve ever played cards or a board game you know that it’s awfully tempting to snack; good hostesses knew this and put out little bowls for each person.
It’s Christmas and time for candy and sweets of all sorts. We certainly don’t have any problem finding sweetmeats now!