The Shopping List No. 6: Glass Half Full

As you know, my take on vintage is if you love it then collect it – it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be a great find or collectible piece. One of the items I love to collect is vintage glassware because they’re practical and set the mood. Blendo glassware (my favorite) is punchy, fun and perfect for summer entertaining while Culver, with it’s gold leaf detailing, adds a luxe touch to a holiday tablescape.

Shows like Mad Men and Marvelous Mrs Maisel have really increased demand for vintage glassware, so buying vintage glassware online is expensive. I wrote this shopping list is equal parts an informative guide plus curated picks for you. My goal is for you to learn about each glassware brand so the next time you’re at the thrift store, flea market, or estate sale you can spot one of these designers and snatch a glassware set for cheap!

Blendo

Blendo glass was made by the West Virginia Glass Company and was really popular in the 1950s and 60s and is still relatively easy to find now. Blendo glass is characterized by a bright neon/pastel solid base that fades as it goes up the glass and a gold rim. I find these at the flea market and thrift stores regularly.

My curated picks:

Georges Briard

Georges Briard was a world-renowned Mid-Century cocktail glassware and barware designer who became an American award-winning designer for his designs stocked at high-end department stores, such as Neiman Marcus. Georges Briard is most notable for the Mid Century Modern, Atomic & later 1970’s Kitsch designs. His design hallmarks are repetitive patterns, most often featuring geometric shapes or nature based images. I have come across Georges Briard glassware at estate sales and they usually come in a complete set including platters and other servingware.

My curated picks:

Libbey

Libbey has made millions of glass tumblers – from water glasses, tea glasses to goblets and other drinkware – over the years. It was and can still be found in most American homes! Vintage Libbey glassware is signed with a cursive “L” within an ordinary circle or ring. There are a lot of fun patterns that make it the quintessential vintage glassware. You’ll easily find Libbey glassware at thrift stores and flea markets and they tend to be a bit cheaper than other designer glassware.

My curated picks:

Culver

Culver Glass Company was famous for their stunning decorative glassware in 22-karat gold – think lavish and opulent cocktailware of the 1950s and 60s. Fun fact: the super-heated, roll-on process of gold remains a secret today. Culver comes in a variety of patterns including gilded mushrooms, owls, cats, wildlife, Egyptian or Asian inspired design themes, scrolling leaf patterns, holiday designs, sports motifs and many others. Although it’s much more expensive than Libbey glassware, I regularly find Culver glassware at the flea market at affordable prices.

My curated picks: