Vintage Housewares: China, Dishes and Tableware - Part 4: Platters

[@HumbleVoyager]

That was fun! When I was a kid we had a large family on my mother's side and used platters o-plenty to serve the crowds. Nowadays, not so much. It was nice to see the orphans get some time in the sun! Thanks Kevin and Ralph!!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Nancy! We also used platters a lot with big gatherings and things were served "family style" and people helped themselves. These orphans still do a job once in a while! Thanks!

[@susanpaulson9010]

Every time I see this series I want to go to the local antique store and look around. 😎

[@cavalcadeoffood]

LOL! Glad it inspires you to go hunting for china!

[@susanpaulson9010]

@@cavalcadeoffood Then I have to find a place to store it lol. Then my reply is “I’ve had it for a while”. Lol

[@sharon4364]

That is happening to me too! Oh well, there are worse hobbies.

[@askmamalouise7605]

I do believe I'm addicted to platters!🤣😂🤣 I love this series immensely!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

So glad you enjoyed the series, Mama Louise!

[@ShirleyK-13v]

I grew up in Western. Pa. My Mom bought Harkerware and I have a large collection myself. This pottery is dated 1840 and was made in East Liverpool, Ohio

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Shirley! Harkerware has a great history! Glad you have a collection - they are nice looking dishes. Thanks!

[@gregbudig5014]

Interesting trip down vintage housewares road!! Redwing was usually pretty good about marking their products, but maybe not on their dinnerware. What with all this hot weather going around... I think that it's time to do another Cavalcade Cocktail episode!! 🍸 Something light and refreshing for a steamy summers evening! Margaritas? Vodka Sours? Mia Tias? A New Orleans Hurricane? Something you can put a tiny paper umbrella in?😂 Have a wonderful summer!!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Greg! Of all the china I have around, I don't have more than one or two pieces of Red Wing. I never ran across much of it, although I always loved their designs and colors. Love the idea of doing a summer cocktail episode! All the drinks you suggest would be great for a refreshing summer libation! Hope you're keeping cool with these heatwaves going through! Thanks!

[@janeparrett8601]

Love the platters.. So good to have Ralph behind the camera too.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Jane - Ralph says "thank you!"

[@georgiannmaloney6594]

Love the white and green heavy platter. I remember those. Love that you showed these. Have a great day and take care from Indiana 😊.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, Georgiann! Nice to hear from you - hope you're having a great summer in Indiana!

[@vallis1469]

I simply LOVE this! I recognize so much. Thank you, Kevin and Ralph. You are the best!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Valli! Glad you recognized some of these old beauties! Thanks!

[@VickiFromMichigan]

I absolutely enjoy viewing your vintage kitchen collections! The platter with the brown leaves I believe is Caprice made by Edwin Knowles. I have a Betty Crocker's Dinner for Two Cookbook from the 1960's. The book shows pictures of these prepared dinners served up in a table setting, and it's fun to see the different patterns of dinnerware (platters included) from that 1960s era! Thanks for sharing🥰

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Victoria! Thanks for the info on the platter with the brown leaves! That is a great cookbook - I also have a copy! I love seeing the old patterns! Thanks!

[@debbiefreund349]

@@cavalcadeoffood I have that cookbook too, it's the 1st cookbook I bought, and still love it! I have collected many vintage dishes over the years, and have had to downsize, but know I had dishes from almost every company you mentioned, and some others. I have kept a few of the platters, tho, they're so unique and functional as well. Thanks for all the background info on the companies!

[@annarussell3751]

“Serve it up on a platter!” 😄 Thank you for sharing these. How fun! They are so pretty. Ralph and Kevin, I always love to see new videos with you and Mary Ann, too. Have a blessed day and week to you and fellow viewers!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks for watching, Anna! Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@xjAlbert]

It was great taking this drive with you down Platter Avenue.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Albert, glad you enjoyed the ride!

[@ShalimarPerfume]

I use my vintage Steelite oval restaurant plates for dinner almost every day. Picked up a set 6 at a yard sale years ago. They are heavy but I love them. The J & G Meakin Bridal Bouquet turkey platter, serving bowls and gravy boat makes an appearance a few times a year for special occasions. Loved your series on vintage dishware Kevin. When I was younger as a lot did, it was cheaper and fun to search out nice dishware at yard sales and thrift stores.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Shalimar! You've got some wonderful pieces, there! Glad you use them and enjoy them! Yes, years ago this stuff was everywhere! Thanks!

[@cindyanderson6139]

Love the dinnerware episodes! I believe the dark brown platter is "Brown Drip" by McCoy, and the one with the colorful pots and cactus is "Mexicana" by Homer Laughlin. Wish I'd known about the latter when we lived out in Albuquerque. That pattern would have been perfect for there.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Cindy! Thanks for the good information!

[@darroniverson]

Once again, another enjoyable episode to watch. Always learn a bit of history, every time.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks so much - glad you enjoy watching!

[@raymondszczesniakiewicz748]

Word Up !@@cavalcadeoffood

[@jenniferelaine891]

That was fun! I love this series! Now you need to do one on serving pieces from these china patterns. Like gravy boats, s&p shakers, tea pots, serving bowls, etc!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Good idea, Jennifer! I don't have a lot of serving pieces, but it would be fun to share what I have. Thanks!

[@raymondszczesniakiewicz748]

Beautiful Thank you For Sharing ❤

[@cavalcadeoffood]

You're welcome, Raymond!

[@skynyrdgirl644]

Hi Kevin and Ralph! Great episode! As I looked at many of these platters that you feature on this episode, this brings me back to my grandmother’s house. She had one of many things. I believe the brown platter is from Hall company. Have a lovely day and I’ll be waiting for the next one! Nicole

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Nicole! Thanks so much and I'm glad the video brought back some memories!

[@scooterdover2771]

Nice to see all the platters. I could never do the orphan stuff, because then I would have to get more to accompany them. The ones you have with the red lines and are kind of ivory I always think of those as being from the 30's.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Scooter - it's hard to resist getting plates to match some of these platters! Thanks!

[@judyp.6753]

Hello Kevin and Ralph! I’m always happy to see a new video from Cavalcade! Love all the platters but sad that we just don’t use them as much now. I’m going to make a point to start using mine again 😊

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Judy! Hope you start using some of your platters again! They add a lot of fun to the table!

[@NANSC8]

Such a nice showcase of platters. Look forward to the radio broadcast, too! Would love to see a video tour of your kitchen.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thank you!

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

Platters are such wonderful serving dishes. I have several platters. Iroquois is one, if I'm not mistaken. They are made in the USA. I also have several smaller platters. They are so beautiful to me. I like all of your Copper Molds on the upper wall behind you! I have many of those too. I collect Egg Plates also. I also collect old Bed Pans. One of my favorite Bed Pans is a Blue Enamelware, and the White with Red Trim. Love your videos. Thank you for the wonderful information! GOD bless

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Rita! Thanks so much and glad that you also collect copper molds! They are fun to collect. Egg plates is a fun thing to collect - I only have a few but enjoy using them. Your bed pan collection is interesting. I've seen them at sale from time to time, including the blue enameled one. Thanks!

[@salliemorrill2671]

I always get excited when you upload a new video. The 'S' scalloped platter was very familiar to me. Remember that pattern being very popular in the south. Have really enjoyed this 4-part series on china/platters. Looking forward to hearing both you and Ralph on the radio show together. Good to hear from Ralph. Hope Maryann is well. God bless.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, Sallie! That S pattern was a popular one. Hope you can tune into the the show this Saturday with Ralph and I - it was fun to do!

[@lightmarker3146]

Dear Kevin and Ralph ; As a lifetime collector of dishes with Homer Laughlin my favorite, I would love a tour of the factory a dream of mine . I have noticed your different platters and love them .

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi lightmarker! I've done a lot of factory tours over the years for all kinds of things, but the Homer Laughlin tour was really one of the best and most memorable. Thanks!!

[@jack6964]

Great episode! I’m wondering if you have a collection of turkey platters? My mom’s only was used on Thanksgiving and if we had turkey for Christmas Day. Unfortunately she sold hers at her tag sale when she downsized to her last place. I see quite a few of them in antique and vintage shops. My husband bought me a modern version which I love and plan to pass along someday. We use it for both Canadian and American Thanksgiving so it does double duty! Love to see yours if you have any!!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi John - believe it or not, I don't have a turkey platter. I've seen a number of them over the years and just never picked one up. I do have platters that I use for turkey, but they don't have a turkey on them. How wonderful that you guys get to celebrate both Thanksgivings!

[@LlamaMama60]

What a wonderful collection ...your place is a wonder land thank you for sharing

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@patriciaholloway]

Ok I already commented but I did find out that the MCM one with the starburst in the middle is called "Modern Star" and made by Homer Laughlin. So interesting because I don't associate them with atomic design!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks for doing the research for us, Patricia!!

[@lillian8589]

Thank you. It was killing me!

[@ravenmccall5486]

Thank you, I enjoyed it ever so much!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

So glad you did, Raven!

[@Thomas-xt1ff]

I like the Harkerwre gray.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

That's a great pattern and color! Thanks, Thomas!

[@danarandol164]

I’ve collected platters for years, they are usually orphans and could be picked up cheaply! I appreciate your information about the clay deposits, I’d wondered why there are no longer factories making these☹️

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, Dana! Glad you gave some orphaned platters a good home!

[@charlessommers7218]

Good show as always 😊

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, Charles!

[@BritInvLvr]

I love using my old platters on thanksgiving.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Me too! Thanks!

[@dmatteson2006]

I have a large Edwin Knowles set in the El Centro design. I inherited it from my grandmother on her passing 24yrs ago. Mother said she bought it piece by piece from a local grocery or department store. From my searching theyre from the early 50's.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Sorry I don't have any specific information on your Knowles pattern. You may want to check with the Replacements website, it may be able to tell you more about it. Thanks!

[@verlynhaahr7087]

Good work with the camera Ralph, and I enjoy your commentary too.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, Verlyn!

[@kathleenworkman3884]

Yes, the red trimmed southwestern pattern is Homer Laughlin Company from the 1940’s. The brown drip is made by McCoy.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks for the information, Kathleen!

[@tamsondarland8951]

Thank you for such a great video.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

You are very welcome, Tamson!

[@AntiqueMusicFan]

One of the patterns of china used by Horn and Hardart Automat was the “St. Elmo” pattern by Syracuse pottery

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks for the info on the automat china, AMF!

[@brendamalarchik971]

I enjoy your videos, each and every one of them! Thank you!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, Brenda!

[@patriciaholloway]

Hey Kevin and Ralph! Always a good time talking about vintage wares. I have become obsessed with restaurant ware and ironstone. I love the chunkiness of the pieces. I have been under the impression that the round platters with a slight handle to either side are really cake plates but that may be incorrect. Curious to know your thoughts on that Kevin, or any of the other followers. Thanks! I think I'll go thrifting today:)

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Patricia! Those round platters with the handles could be used as cake plates, although most cake plates are very flat and don't have a lip around the edge so you can more easily cut the cake. But I could see how some manufacturers might have sold them as cake plates as a way to introduce another piece into the pattern. This gets me thinking that I should do a video on cake plates - I have a few of them! Thanks!

[@patriciaholloway]

@@cavalcadeoffood Ahh...I see your point about them needing to be flat for easier cutting. Makes sense! And yes, a video on cake plates and stands would be most appreciated. Also if you have any recommendations for reference books on the various vintage wares.... they're so expensive but I pick up ones occasionally at yard sales. They help me educate myself :)

[@vancraven7688]

The Steubenville is a cake plate. The pattern looks similar to Deco by HL.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks for the information, Van!

[@jonathan_nc]

That Knowles pattern was simply called Fruits. The brown drip edge may be Hull or Pfaltzgraff. Platters were often not marked. I know Blue Ridge made at least three different size platters plus a small gravy boat platter and none of them had backstamp marks like the dishes. Platters will always remind me of Thanksgiving, with the white meat on one platter and the dark meat on the other with the dressing cut into squares on yet another platter.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, Jonathan! That brown platter might also be Mar-Crest, so I'll hopefully figure it out one of these days. I'm sure the Blue Ridge platters are beautiful - great memory about using them at Thanksgiving!

[@debbiefreund349]

I'm in Minnesota, and the starburst platter you're not sure of reminds me of possibly Red Wing Pottery around the 60's ?

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Debbie - it could be Red Wing. I'm hoping someone who has a lot of experience with china will be able to confirm what it is. Thanks!

[@janthieme3024]

The plater with brown leaves and wheat. Its made by Knowles USA . I have my moms gravy boat. Wish i had her whole set.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks so much for the information! I thought it might be Knowles but wasn't sure.

[@colleenwagner7167]

I’m not sure if you found the name of the manufacturer for the large platter yet? I think it’s Edwin Knowles and the pattern is Caprice. Maybe 1950-1960 ish? Enjoyed this series. So fun!!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Colleen - no, still unsure of the make of that platter. Thanks for letting me know about Knowles Caprice. I researched it and it sure does look like a match! Thanks so much!

[@marcberm]

6:00 "Dunder Mifflin" 🤣

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Another funny one from Ralph!

[@kathleenpalmer845]

Hhehehe !!! Love the humor 🤣😂

[@sandysimmer1279]

I love using platters! So sad that people do not use them much anymore. My mom gave me some of hers from the 70's and also her china that has a beautiful platter in the set. It is a conversation piece for sure!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Sandy! So nice that you have your mom's! I hope you have a chance to use it! Thanks!

[@pamnewman4945]

The round looks like cake or pie plates, maybe 😊

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Pam - it could be. Thanks!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Thanks for sharing the platters, it was fun to watch. I have a lot of vintage platters myself and I use them for family dinners and potluck dinners. I have one similar to the cite rectangle one with the red stripes, just a different pattern applied. Ralph’s puns are funny. I’d like to get some vintage or retro wallpaper similar to the pattern you have on the walls there. Do you know a good source for some?

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Cynthia - glad you use your vintage platters! I had this wallpaper for years hoping I could put it to use one day if I ever built a kitchen studio from scratch (a dream of mine). The paper was made by Waverly - I know they still make a lot of wallpaper but I don't know if they are still making vintage patterns. They made a few different ones back in the 90's when I got the wallpaper that is now in the kitchen studio. Thanks!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@cavalcadeoffood Thanks so much! You were lucky to find it!

[@purplebutterfly7257]

Mar-crest dinnerware sold at A&P.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, purplebutterfly!

[@hattree]

The brown pattern is Hall Pottery.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, hattree!

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, hattree!

[@phineas117]

those brown dishes with the faded trim......was it Hull?

[@cavalcadeoffood]

They could be Hull - I know they had a pattern similar to this. Thanks!

[@Arkay66]

If you measure and photograph the item, then send it to Replacements, Inc., they will often know exactly who made it and what the pattern is called. If they don't, they'll add it to their listings, and eventually someone will identify it for them.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks, Arkay! I have found a lot of good information on the Replacements website.

[@TW1257]

Is the brown platter McCoy brown drip? I'm only familiar with Hull brown drip.

[@patriciaholloway]

Yes I was wondering about that one also. Monmouth Pottery did similar looking stuff but theirs should have a maple leaf stamped on the back. There's also Marcrest.... but I'm not sure if they produced brown drip glazed or not.

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi TW - it could be but there's no markings. I know Mar-Crest often didn't mark their pieces, so that's another possibility. Thanks!

[@Gussy818]

How do you know if you can put vintage dishes in the obviously no gold or silver trim how can you test that

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Carolyn - most vintage dishes can't go in the microwave oven. Sometimes the glaze has metallic elements in it, so I wouldn't microwave any older dishes. Thanks!

[@eileenpayne3446]

HL pattern is Mexicans. Brown Drip was McCoy

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Thanks so much, Eileen!

[@brandonbowman1102]

The scallop S pattern by Pyrex the Waffle houses in the south uses it to this day

[@cavalcadeoffood]

Hi Brandon - the last time I was at a Waffle House I was pleased to see those plates still being used! Thanks!