15 Things Every Dinner Table Had in the 1950s That You Rarely See Today

In the 1950s, dinner tables portrayed a society that was rooted in tradition, aesthetics, and communal experiences. Items such as casserole dishes, butter dishes, relish trays, and milk jars showed how practical yet ornamental some items were during this period. Various items made family bonding easier through the process of passing around condiments, pouring beverages, or serving communal plates among members of the family. The use of decorative pieces such as Depression glassware and themed salt and pepper shakers gave character to daily family meals. The evolution of lifestyles, modernity, and the need for convenience brought about the decline of these items.

1. Metal TV Dinner Trays with Folding Legs

There were always folding trays near the dining table in many households, which would be set out whenever necessary. There were also many aluminum trays with TV dinners, like those introduced by Swanson in 1953. Some family members ate together at meals, but in most instances, especially during the week, children would carry trays into the living room to watch black-and-white television. The trays had basic decorations, like wood-grain paint, and could be folded away easily when not in use. Now, such trays would be seldom seen because they have long been replaced by coffee tables.

2. Depression Glass Serving Bowls

Dishes made from depression glass were still popular in the 1950s for serving vegetables, gelatin salads, and fruit cocktails. They were frequently pink, green, or amber, and families received many of them as promotional items distributed by local grocers and movie theatres. During meals, the depression glass dishes brought a spark of color and pride to ordinary family dinners. As time passed, their fragility led to their replacement with factory-made products, and they found themselves in dining room or collectors’ cabinets. Their presence at dinner tables was indicative of thrift, hard times, and frugality that families lived through.

3. Jell-O Molds as Centerpieces

The Jell-O mold was prominently displayed on numerous dining room tables, often fashioned into intricate shapes featuring fruits, vegetables, or even mayonnaise-based concoctions. The recipes for these treats were often provided by Jell-O manufacturers, resulting in such imaginative creations as shredded carrots mixed with lime-flavored gelatin or even a whole fruit cocktail suspended in a jello-like substance. These foods acted not only as accompaniments but also as icebreakers. They represented the contemporary enthusiasm for preparing food in innovative ways, giving the food an appealing sheen. Today, such dishes are seen only during old-fashioned parties. However, back then, they were signs of creativity and hard work.

4. Butter Dishes with Matching Lids

A butter dish with a matching lid was placed on almost all tables, where it served as a repository for butter that had already become spreadable. The butter dish would generally be part of the family’s dinnerware and was used whenever bread or rolls were being eaten. It is important to note that butter did not come in easy-to-use tubs, so it had to be stored in an appropriate dish. It is also worth noting that passing the butter dish around constituted a minor ritual at the table. Today, many families have switched to using refrigerated butter or individual servings, making such dishes unnecessary.

5. Salt and Pepper Shakers as Decorative Sets

Not only did the salt and pepper shakers serve as practical tools, but they also doubled as decorative pieces placed at the dining table. There were sets of these shakers designed as playful representations, including animals, cartoon figures, and ceramics, all reflecting the popular culture of the time. They can be used as collectible pieces or gifts, adding a unique touch to the dining table. The passing around of the shakers was part of their everyday use, allowing for repetitive behavior and social etiquette. In today’s modern world, there is no need for such elaborate sets; however, in the 1950s, these shakers brought much-needed charm to daily life.

6. Covered Casserole Dishes

Casseroles covered with their own casseroles contained nutritious meals such as tuna and macaroni casseroles, which were served right from the table. The brand Pyrex became synonymous with quality, manufacturing tough, reliable glass dishes that could be taken straight from the oven to the table without issue. They would keep the meal warm, making it easy for families to help themselves. Casseroles were efficient, as they combined all the necessary ingredients into one meal and provided nourishment for all members. Casseroles have remained relevant to date; however, they play a lesser role than in the past.

7. Glass Milk Bottles on the Table

In households where milk was brought on a daily basis, it was not uncommon to discover glass bottles of milk sitting right there at the dinner table. It is possible that this bottle, which was cool from the moment it was delivered, was used as a milk supply to be consumed or used to add milk to food. As a result of the widespread belief that milk was an essential component of a balanced diet for all individuals, regardless of age, milk consumption at mealtimes became a fad during that period. However, during the 1950s, the bottle symbolized the freshness and consistency that individuals experienced in their lives.

8. Bread Boxes Reflected at Mealtime

Slices of bread were often retrieved from the neighborhood bread box, while the actual loaf of bread was frequently stored on the table in a basket lined with fabric. Bread was always sliced precisely to the customer’s specifications and served with either butter or jam. The display of bread was not a coincidence, despite the fact that Wonder Bread and other commercial brands were easily accessible. Although bread is still sliced in modern times, it is significantly less likely to be served at meals. Bread, on the other hand, was an essential component of every table arrangement throughout the 1950s.

9. Pitchers of Homemade Iced Tea or Lemonade

At the time of dinner, large jugs of iced tea or lemonade that had been produced at home were frequently seen. In every instance, the beverages were made from scratch and included a substantial amount of sugar and ice cubes. Throughout the meal, individuals continued to pour beverages and refill cups as everyone conversed. In today’s world, bottled beverages and drinks that are served in individual portions have essentially taken their place. On the other hand, in the 1950s, the jug was a symbol of community and hospitality. People kept reaching out to fill each other’s cups at the dining table, which fostered sharing and established a pattern of behavior that encouraged it.

10. Cloth Napkins Instead of Paper

Fabric-made napkins were always arranged on the table in the appropriate manner, folded, and placed next to each plate. It matched the tablecloth and dinner plates, and it could be washed and reused. Additionally, it was frequently used. During meals, the use of fabric napkins rather than paper napkins was a manifestation of both convenience and formality. In today’s world, the use of paper napkins has become increasingly prevalent due to their ease of use. Fabric napkins were considered a sign of elegance throughout the 1950s, even when used for the most mundane of dinners.

11. Sugar Bowls with Serving Spoons

Sugar bowls were present on dining tables, particularly those where visitors and family members would have been sipping coffee or tea together. Individuals would use the spoon included with the sugar bowl to measure out sugar and pour it into their own cups, according to their preferences. Creamers are included in the ensemble that includes this particular type of vessel. Modern civilization, on the other hand, is accustomed to putting sugar straight into its cups by using the packets that come with its beverages of choice, such as coffee and tea.

12. Gravy Boats for Meat Dishes

Gravy boats were extremely significant for dishes such as roast beef or turkey because they provided a sophisticated way to pour gravy over the meat and potatoes. This made gravy boats an essential component of these dishes. To complement the plates and cutlery in use during that historical period, they were typically crafted from ceramic or glass. There are many dinners these days that don’t include separate gravy dishes, but in the 1950s, having a gravy boat was essential. Because of the gravy boat, even a typical dinner was transformed into a lot more enjoyable event.

13. Relish Trays with Pickles and Olives

The customary appetizers or sides were offered as platters with pickles, olives, and small veggies. These platters typically featured multiple compartments, allowing the presentation of a variety of meals in distinct sections on the same tray. Guests or other family members would consume them either before or during the meals being served. At the moment, platters of this kind are only placed on the table for special occasions. On the other hand, during the 1950s, they were incorporated into mealtimes regularly.

14. Matching China Dinnerware Sets

During meals, including what some people considered their typical dinner, sets of china ware that matched were shown. The china ware sets would consist of plates, bowls, and cups, all identical in pattern and design. These sets may be gifts from family to the bride and groom. It was a sign of sophistication and orderliness to have tableware that matched while meals were being served. At the moment, most people eat with mismatched tableware. On the other hand, in the 1950s, everyone was expected to have matching sets, demonstrating the importance of ensuring that meals look as elegant as they taste.

15. Manual Coffee Percolators at the Table

In some cases, coffee was provided after meals in a metal pot called a coffee percolator. Because they produced extremely robust coffee, coffee percolators required a significant amount of time to prepare. The brewing of coffee became an essential part of the rituals performed after meals, and individuals would remain seated at the table for longer periods as they sipped their coffee and engaged in conversation. At this point, the coffee percolator has been replaced by an electric coffee machine and individual coffee cups. However, in the 1950s, the coffee percolator was widely regarded as a sign of patience and tradition.

• Tags:
• life
• trending
• throwback
• dinner tables
• 1950s
• Nostalgia