I've been collecting glass cake pedestals for years, ever since I was a caterer back in Greenwich. Their simple elegance compliments so many of the table settings I do all throughout the year. My favorites are early American pressed glass (EAPG) from the 1880s. I especially love the different heights, patterns and simple but distinctive details, like the rings around the pedestals themselves.
Though I have more cake pedestals in my apartment than I know what to do with, I can't help but keep collecting them! If I'm out and about at a flea market and I find two in a pattern I love with an in-between size that's missing, eBay is the perfect solution. In many of my table settings, I use these stacked graduating pedestals to establish different heights for a sense of drama. Of course, they're always great for cakes, but I like using them in less traditional ways, like displaying cookies or even a savory dish like quiche. Cake pedestals are a beautiful way to set out hors d’oeuvres as well. At a fall cocktail party I had a few weeks ago, I even dressed them up with dyed doilies!
Glass cake pedestals would also make a pretty centerpiece on another fall table set with yellowware and brown Bakelite. For Thanksgiving, I imagine an exuberant assemblage of nuts, egg cups with orange mums, beautiful gourds and miniature pumpkins, all stacked and arranged on graduating cake pedestals. How pretty is that? And for day-to-day use, I like to keep one on my kitchen counter, piled high with pears or apples. It’s a simple, easy way to make everyday feel fancy.
First of all, shame on me for just NOW finding your amazing blog! So forgive me as I am just now scrolling through literally thousands of ideas and a bit behind. Okay, here's my question (and it's a long shot)...I am getting married next September and love the idea of a pedestal cake stand for our wedding cake. Would you be willing to spare one (just one!) cake stand from your collection for our wedding? I have been searching at local flea markets, but haven't found one large enough. I wanted to find one that is vintage and has some type of history so that it can be passed down for future generations. SO! If you are interested...please email me at moe3302@yahoo.com ....Thanks in advance! Keep up the fabulous work!
Posted by: Mandy Hubel | October 23, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I just used a glass cake stand at a recent wedding. We put the bridal bouquet on it and let the wide, double-face satin ribbon fall loosely over the edge. Gorgeous.
Posted by: Monica Rae Gill | October 02, 2008 at 07:18 PM
I love how you have a fantastic use for everything right off the top of your head. I am rooting for you in Top Design! Your florals are amazing.
Posted by: Kelly | Purple Lemon Design | October 01, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Love the spread but, ahem, is that a precious little macbook in the background? I knew you were perfect.
Posted by: seleta | September 30, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Hi Eddie, I just started collecting cake platters and domes. I love them and try to think of new ways to use them. I can hardly wait until this weeks show. I am so impressed with what you have done so far. You are my #1 pick. And the arrangement you made was the best as far as I was concerned. So there judges!! Good luck!
Posted by: Judy | September 30, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Hi Eddie!
I have quite a collection myself....the same kind! And I love to stack them too. I also have footed bowls from the same era. I think I use every single one at my annual Chritmas Eve party. For a centerpeice, I have loaded a three tiered stack with citrus fruit and walnuts. Your hors d'oeuvre party looks divine!Love the gdark grey doilies.
Posted by: katiedid | September 30, 2008 at 06:30 PM
You mentioned dyed doilies How do you make them?
Posted by: Dana | September 30, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Yummy! Looks fabulous!
Posted by: DecorPad | September 30, 2008 at 04:54 PM
I can't pass them up either, and my husband is starting to get really annoyed with them.
Posted by: Camille | September 30, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Eddie. When can we have a tag sale so I can buy more cakestands? I need more room!!!
XO Abby
Posted by: Abigail Broome Jenkins Boal the 1st | September 30, 2008 at 12:14 PM
I now have an INSANE urge to go out and scour all the local flea markets for vintage cake pedestals... :-)
You're blog is so inspiring!
Layla
The Lettered Cottage
Posted by: Layla Palmer | September 30, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Beautiful display! I love the idea of taking ordinary uses and turning them into extraordinary, thank you Eddie from a flea market junkie.
Posted by: Tara Frey | September 30, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Eddie...I love the graduated stack of cake stands. I see muffins on the lower level, antique juice glasses full of freshly squeezed orange juice on the middle tier, and a clear glass bowl full of strawberries on the top.
I posted about antiques today too.
Posted by: Content in a Cottage | September 30, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Beautiful!! We have a cake pedestal that belonged to my husband's great-aunt. She received it for a wedding gift in 1910. I just adore it and would be so sad if were to ever break!
Posted by: all the best | September 30, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Oh, Eddie, you're so fine. You're so fine, you blow my mind. I've just "met" you and have read all your posts. Love everything you show us--education with a twist of fun! LOVE it!
Posted by: Virginia | September 30, 2008 at 07:12 AM
I just finished revitalizing my "treenware" and now I am off to scout for some glass cake pedestals! I have put you on a style pedestal to stalk. Love everything you tout.
Posted by: pve design | September 30, 2008 at 06:33 AM