Originally most popular at ladies bridge parties, church socials and ice cream socials, snack sets may seem outdated or no longer relevant for entertaining but with the resurgence of the charcuterie board and grazing tables lately they are actually the perfect dishes to use. While you can use the teacups as they were intended for tea or coffee they also make great containers for dip, sauces, fruit salad and lots of also small bites!
I have been treasure hunting for snack sets ever since I was lucky enough to get a set from my Great Aunt (seen above) and then to find one at an antique mall that matched my collection of Star of David glassware. I wondered when did these first become popular and what is the history of the snack set? My research led me to great resources the Crazy Snack Set Lady’s website and the Lake Steven’s Historical Museum Facebook page which I have quoted below:
“Who remembers the "snack sets" popular in the 1920-70's? The plates had a little indent to fit the foot of a small cup and help keep it on the plate. The plates were typically about 12 by 7 inches. Guests could sit at a table, or easily carry them around to other locations. The shape made them easier to balance on your lap while eating.
Party sets were often used for wedding showers or receptions, christenings, anniversary parties or even ice cream socials. Their use was not limited to those events, but generally snack sets were designed to use at events where there was a limited menu, or a few desserts and appetizers.
Initially made of fine porcelain, they later were produced in clear, colored, milk and carnival glass. Popularity of the sets grew for use at afternoon teas and bridge parties from the 1920s through the 1940s, and by the 1950s snack sets were offered in boxes holding four, eight or a dozen matching sets.”
I was luck enough to come across the Crazy Snack Set Lady’s blog post online. It was so informative including detailed descriptions of a variety of manufacturers of snack sets and their images. I encourage you to visit her site at the link below.
Here are some treasured photos she shared on her site of her family and church archives using snack sets while entertaining:
Interested in starting your collection of snack sets? On our online shop we currently have three snack sets for sale:
An 8 piece of milk glass set with gold trim in it’s original box
A vintage amber glass set of Kings Crown Thumbprint pattern (plate and cup) by Indiana Glass All sets have bubbles from being pressed but minimal imperfections otherwise Plate: 10.25” wide 1” high Cups 3.25” rim 4.5” wide 2.5” tall 8 oz
And finally a beautiful set of 4 teacups and snack plates makes up this federal blossom milk glass autumn leaf snack set. This is in great condition, no chips or cracks anywhere. Plate is 10.5" by 7" at widest point Tea Cup is 2.25" by 3.25" at opening. Comes with the original box.
