Butter dishes, anyone?

In a world that appears to have gone mad, nostalgia can be a good friend.

For me, I think back to my grandmother’s house where there was a butter dish on the counter, at all times. That’s such a small thing, given the global issues facing us all today, but you know what? Sometimes the small, comforting things are what get us through.

Butter dishes, in this ornate style, became popular in the late 1800s. Butter was a luxury good, and people wanted to treat it as such - so their butter dishes were next level. They were often given as gifts or to commemorate an occasion - this one is stamped “Christmas, 1893”. I love that!

I have started using one like this on my counter … with grandchildren visiting, it’s nice to have a pretty piece that can tolerate the enthusiasm of small children. And, it must be said, warm toast with spreadable butter is a fine way to start a day.