Remember the Twist? Chubby Checker popularized this strange dance in the 1960s, a time of many strange happenings. How about this Twist pink nut cup from Heisey Glass instead? Much nicer and much more comfortable than tying yourself in knots.
Heisey was known for their high end crystal stemware and dinnerware, both etched and pressed. They made Twist in the late 1920s into the 1930s and used the Art Deco styling of the era. The handles on this little nut cup are plain but some pieces – cruets, cups, creamers and sugars – had zig zag handles like lightning bolts. Those snazzy handles made this pattern a step above other elegant patterns.
Ok, you can see why this is a pretty pattern with lots of aficionados. But what is a nut cup and why would anyone have gotten them?
Nut cups are little fancy dishes meant to hold nuts or candy on a table or by each person while they played cards. Back in the day bridge was extremely popular. Clubs would meet weekly, playing two or more tables (of four people each) for several hours in the afternoon or evening. The hostess supplied refreshments and prizes, and often the prizes were items the winner would use when they hosted the club in turn. (Clubs gave booby prizes for last place too, but let’s not lose track of this post.) Hostesses sought small bowls like this to serve treats their guests could eat while they played cards, with nuts and mints popular choices because you don’t need forks and neither is too messy.
Using nut cups gave one an excuse to use something pretty and a little fancy. Of course a set made a great prize too.
If you enjoy using pretty things and you are willing to slow down just a bit, then try using fancy small dishes like this for serving candy or treats. It’s a fun, easy way to add a bit of prettiness to your life.
Thanks for visiting our Pink Saturday pink depression glass post this week, and as always a big thank you to Beverly of How Sweet the Sound for organizing this fun event. Please be sure to visit the other bloggers to see how pink we can be.