I love glass. I love it for the same reason birds love it, it’s shiny. Cleaning the glass around my house, including my windows, mirrors, and the glass on pictures is one of my chief (and some would think, strangest) decorating tips for the holidays. Glass makes the perfect palette for candlelight and twinkle lights to shimmer and shine which does a lot to make magic in any room. Like the trail Tinkerbelle leaves as she flies by. ♥
Receiving this dish in my early 20’s was probably the thing that alerted me to the possibilities with glass and started the obsession. It was a gift from my Aunt Maroline and Uncle Bob when I got married. When I first saw it, I didn’t know what it 
was or what I would DO with it; there were no bananas in it when I unwrapped it, so I wasn’t sure what its purpose was. I love things with a purpose, so when my aunt told me it was to hold bananas, I jumped for joy. It had a reason to exist! I could have it! The pure charm and whimsy of the thing took hold of my heart, and this banana dish has been on every kitchen table, island, or counter in every kitchen of my life. It is a mainstay. I would be bereft without it. We are never without bananas in our house. ♥
Inspiration is funny. You never know when it will hit or what form it will take. One summer afternoon, many years ago, we were sitting at the picnic table in the backyard belonging to a French man we know here on the island. He spread a white table cloth over the wood table, brought out beautiful cheeses on a board, and served us cold white wine in short, straight-sided thin glasses like these, while French cafe music drifted out the open French doors to his house.
I thought, oo, la, oui! How continental! How adorably foreign! How Charles Trenet! I must have this!
And so it began, the glass collection that will never end. Because
it was becoming obvious that to lead an original romantic life, on the model of the early Zelda Fitzgerald, where dreamy French music and entertaining would take place, I was going to need to gather the ingredients (props); these glasses looked like a good place to start.
We’ve collected ours mostly one at a time. We’ll see one on a shelf in an antique store, it will cost a dollar, and we will jump on it like it’s a trophy. Our eyes narrow and shift around the store, to see, does anyone else notice this wonderful thing is only a dollar? And they don’t, so we grab it and run. What is a dollar these days? A candy bar is a dollar.
Because we find them one at a time, our collection of these little glasses is very mix and match. We’ve found them in pink and green depression glass, etched with fruit and flowers, swirled, and hand-painted.
We have found them etched with the Lord’s Prayer.
We have found ones that we can’t believe have survived so long!
Some of them could definitely tell a story. We found this one from the first Queen Elizabeth in the little antique store on board the QEII. It was not a dollar. But it had our name written all over it. The Finding-Nemo seagull word formed on the lips, “mine” it said, irresistibly, as in take me I’m yours.
Over time, we realized that others, with slightly different shapes, make wonderful water glasses. I know some of you understand this love of pretty glasses, because a couple of weeks ago we put three sets of these little glasses, colored and etched, in the Vintage section of our website, and they were snapped right up! Sets are really hard to find but Joe and I got them out shopping as we were crossing the country! So happy you (whoever you are) got them! I will keep looking, when I’m out and about, for more.
We have found them in all colors . . . and have broadened our definition of “what is acceptable” to include different shapes. We had to, there was no choice; do you look at these yellow jewels and say, oh dear, no, the ridges just won’t do? No, you do not. You don’t even think it.
Setting the table can be like putting together a puzzle, a little of this a little of that. But, for better or worse, however it turns out will be very unlike anyone else’s, because, as you know, you can’t walk into a store and just get this stuff any time, it takes a long time to gather this, a person has to be choosy and get just what she loves. ♥
Glass obsession knows no end. It graduates from wine glasses, and gets its wings with serving bowls, candle sticks, and cake plates. It was probably thirty years of antiquing before I found this at a price I was willing to pay for it. I’m just not paying $200 for a cake stand, but I will pay $56. Yes, I will. Here it is, home at last! Holding my mom’s famous Coconut Circus Cake with pink sugar frosting. ♥
Pitchers and ice bowls call my name too.
Early morning light comes in through the windows and falls across the dining table, and this is what we get, free of charge.
Glass star bobeche and colored-glass vintage sugars and creamers are perfect for the holidays.
And here is my newest find. Something I almost never come across, do you recognize it? Yes! It’s a really beautiful cut-glass Banana Dish, about as perfect as it can be. But, you are saying, “She already has a banana dish . . . this isn’t fair!”
And I am saying, “I didn’t get it for me. I got it for you.” ♥
Yes, I did; this little jewel is going to one of you, and all you have to do to be entered for the random drawing is leave a comment and tell me (and everyone!) your favorite housekeeping tip. Or, like last time, you can just say hello! Or maybe a Jell-O recipe would be good. 🙂
In a couple of days, after everyone is all signed up, we’ll draw a name. More fun in this giant mutual admiration society of ours! Willard starts going out this morning…today and tomorrow. I’m off to work on my book! Talk to you later! Happy day to all! ♥
Hi Miss Susan!
I collect pitchers-my great grandmother started it all. Then, her daughter (my grandmother) carried on the tradition as well as HER daughter (my mother) and now-me! I may have to include a few more glass pitchers in my collection, don’t you think?
Sounds about right to me! 🙂
OOohh… a banana dish. I have seen these before, but didn’t know what they were intended to be. I recently this summer was given a glass platter and fell in love with it. I also went glass hunting and found several more pieces at antique and second hand stores. I was perhaps most excited about the punch bowl with all of the little glass cups! Favorite house-keeping tip?? I change scented candles by seasons and for special occasions, oh and dishes too.
Thank you Vickie!!
I love the banana glass bowl! How beautiful! I have a glass swan bowl/vase from my grandmother that I love to float flowers in. Glass does add sparkle to any occasion. It’s like a dress that you can dress up or down, depending on the accessories. My favorite cleaning tip is to vacuum dust up rather than using a dust clothe. Much quicker and doesn’t spread the dust around. Thanks for your wonderful blog Susan. It’s a joy to read and relate to. I have love your books for many years. Keep them coming!
Thank you Paula, for being here!
I LOVE this banana dish- never knew there was such a thing!!!! My bananas just sit on the counter… I think it’s time they got new digs!!!! Thank you for teaching me something new today-INjoy!!! Heartfelt gratitude for your place in my life!
So sweet, thank you Mitzie!
Oh dear, no Willard in my email in-box today … I’ve even re-signed up, but still no sign of the happily anticipated newsletter. (Am I glitching somehow? Technology and I do that sometimes!)
It goes today and tomorrow, so hopefully, tomorrow . . . let me know.
“Ohhhh …” (as Emily Latella might say), “Nevermind!”
I must not have read that the Willards would be coming over the next couple of days. Must … be … patient! Thanks for the head’s up, Soobie!
I have collected alot of glass also. One of my favorite collections is different sizes and styles of single glass candle holders. I have bees wax candles in them. Some are leaded glass, some etched, different shapes and heights. Some times I put them on a vintage hand painted tray and move them to different rooms in the house.
One house cleaning tip I recently discovered is to put a “swifter” duster on a long dowel and then I can get between, under and in back of things in tight places.
Thank you for your so informative and helpful blog! I get something out of it each and every time. LOVE all the pictures.
So happy to hear that Linda!
I have to admit – I am a lousy housekeeper. I love a clean house, but I do not like to spend the time it takes to get me there, and once there; to keep it clean. I prefer to weed my garden, write my blog enhanced with my novice photography, read, quilt, bake/cook…anything but clean. So no tips from me…but, I am hoping to pick up some great tips here!
I also have some nice glass from my Grandmother and Mother – to enjoy for a bit and then pass along to my daughter.
The great thing about glass – it is easy to clean! My kind of collectible.
I do think you came to the right place, tip-wise!
Dear Susan, you are the most amazing person along with Tasha Tudor. I love everything you write and enjoy your trips, expecially. I just turned 73 years young and remember my mom remarking how did I get here. Now I know what she meant. The banana dish is beautiful and you are beautiful for sharing it with someone. Wishing you and yours the most wonderful holidays and keep sharing. Always warms my heart. Love and memories, Peggy
Thank you Peggy! That was so nice!
Hi Susan – greetings from the Maritimes, Canada. I have been a fan since I discovered your monthly articles in Country Living. I think Patricia said it all – and so well – I second her sentiments! I spent the last few days trying to fluff the nest – polishing silver and mirrors – making everything sparkle and shine. I am a big fan of rinsing all my glassware in a vinegar and water solution and then drying it all with a linen tea towel. Squeeky clean and lint free 🙂 Anxiously awaiting your new book.
All the best, Nancy L
Thanks Nancy, stay warm up there!
Snow is predicted this weekend. Oh no!!!!
My housekeeping tip…hmmm…when I don’t feel like making the bed, I remind myself that my grandmother always said that “beds occasionally need to be aired out during the day”…don’t know if that is true, but it allowed us a “pass” from bed making from time to time..xo
Any port in a storm, good thoughtful grandmas, who love us!
Housekeeping tip (sorta)
Before going on a trip, even a weekender, clean like mad. It s so nice to come home to a clean house!
**I have bananas that NEED that dish! 😉
We did it before we went away and it made all the difference when we came home!
make sure to clean all your pretty glasss with a little ammonia water and set a few pieces where the sun can catch and glitter. always brings a smile 🙂
thanks again for reminding us of the small things in life.
patti
My pleasure!
Susan ~ my house has bananas every week, from grocery shopping day to grocery shopping day. My bananas live in a Sassafras bowl a friend turned for me…but they’d love to sit in a glass bowl made especially for them! Once the bananas are eaten, the peels go outside to sit at the feet of my rosebushes and feed them. Multi purpose, they are!
Recycling!
My best housekeeping tip is from when my kids were little and I didn’t have time to do it. I’d run the stroller over the carpet a few times and it looked like it had just been vacuumed. And if you have something yummy in the oven or boiling on the stove, no one will notice if there is the odd dust bunny blowing around.
Love, love, love your blog. It’s like sitting down by the fire with a cup of tea and a beloved girlfriend to have a cosy chat.
Pam
I think it was Janie, one of the girlfriends that commented — she suggested spraying Pledge to freshen the air just before her husband got home! 🙂
Lol, I think I have to give Phyllis Diller credit for the Pledge idea … only she may have suggested spraying it behind your ears 🙂
Ha!
You and me? Sistahs in crime. 😉
I’ve never seen a banana dish! It’s it pretty.
My cleaning tip is to try to keep up. I don’t like to clean so if I get behind…. I’m sunk!
Thanks for keeping it creative!
Joan
Thank you Joan!
I have never seen a banana dish before and if I had, I would have never guessed! So I learned something new today! I’m thinking positively and picturing my bananas perched on your beautiful dish in my kitchen. And if I’m not the lucky one, now I know what to keep my eye out for :). Thank you!!!
That’s the way to do it! Win-win!
My favorite housekeeping tip is get it done as quickly as possible so there is more time for sewing, crocheting, baking and thrift shopping. I love to collect glass ware too. Happy Autumn!
Happy Autumn to you Jeannie!
Hi Susan,
I am a glass “nut” too. I just hope my daughters will acquire the same obsession for the many pieces of glass that I have. I seem to have an abundance of reamers. Why? No clue! I have never seen a banana dish. Oh how wonderful that would be. I check in daily (google reader actually does it for me) and I always look forward to your posts.
I like to use vinegar and water to clean my glass. It makes it so “sparkly”!
Thank you Charlsey!
I love the banana dish! Bananas need a dish! Ok, here is my tip, if you accidentally break a glass, carefully sweep up what you can and then take a piece of white bread, “the Bologna Sandwich-y type” and carefully sponge up the the area. The slivers of glass will stick to the bread. 🙂
Brilliant! That’s a good one!
Houston, we seem to have a problem…only my comment to my comment showed up (on my computer anyway), and heaven forbid I don’t get to mention the Banana Bowl again! So….(sorry if this showed up on everyone else but mine?!)
Okay, we may not be sisters of blood, but definitely sisters of heart and soul! I mean there is another reason to own another piece of vintage glass, a banana bowl! And one must have bananas everyday, they are good for you. So that means you must have something useful and pretty to hold the bananas to remind you to eat them everyday, right, right, works for me!
My favorite household tip, two things, first, lots of washcloths! I love those cheap packs of 12 you can buy at Target or Walmart. I use them dry and wet for everything. Because they are cheap they are usually rough so really grab at everything and scrub well without scratching. So no wasting paper towels, save a tree and a buck. And I will have a separate pack of those same washcloths that I will do some kind of quick decorative line across with my sewing machine that I use for my face and body for the same scrubbing factor, rough cloth, smooth skin!
Second tip, everything around me has two purposes, one useful (like the banana bowl) and two beauty (like the banana bowl). Then is is not only a joy to use but to look at, even when your cleaning it.
xoxo
And I know I answered this before. . . there is Halloween mischief going on in this blog, because I keep missing things too . . . but off we go, we’ll see if this one shows up!
Yes! It is there! Yeah!!! I guess it is the right time of year for strange and mysterious happenings! But I do love a little Boo experience once and while!
I love glass! From my grandfathers bent personal whiskey bottle to the deviled egg platters hanging on my wall. But, unlike you, I don’t like to clean them. Don’t get me wrong, I do clean them, but probably not often enough. Right now my bananas are hanging on a wooden banana hanger thing (recently wiped down with Mineral Oil, thank you) but I would love to have a glass dish for them. Since I recently found your blog I have so enjoyed reading about your escapades. I have also been looking around my house for my treasures and how to better display them, thanks to you.
Thank you Bonnie, very sweet!
Love love love the banana dish! Your glass collection is amazing and inspiring:)
Hi Susan, Love the banana dish! I was called ‘Sparkle Plenty’ as a young child by my Mother because I loved shiny stuff. Still do! My housekeeping tip is that I read in past days women scheduled their household chores by the day of the week. For instance, Monday is laundry day, Tuesday is vacuum and mop the floors day, Wednesday is dust and do the bathrooms, Thursday is change the sheets and pick up stray items and reorganize day, Friday is usually just give the kitchen a good once over cause I am tired at end of work week, Saturday and Sunday I am freed up for projects, relaxation and fun! Works for me!
Thanks for nice giveaway. Valli
I like that!
Love the beautiful banana dish! I don’t have any housekeeping tips but listening to music while I work always helps me get thru it with a pep to my step!
Me too, love to work with music!
I have a glass collection that I love, and an old fashioned rounded glass-front cabinet just like my mother’s to put the glass items in. The “banana dish” is new to me and an old-timee one would be a treasure. Your blog is just as much fun as your books.
OH that makes me feel so good! Thank you!
Hi Susan,
I love to clean with Vinegar and Water, I love the way the kitchen smells when I am finished…. I hope all is well on the Island!! Our leaves are looking “shabby” here in my part of Kentucky… but the ones that have fallen are delightful to walk through…. 🙂 Hope Everyone is having a peaceful day wherever you are….
Tina
Thanks Tina, same to you!
What does it mean when I see on my comment “Your comment is awaiting moderation”? I’m not too tech savvy!
So much spam comes on this blog it’s crazy, not nasty stuff, just crazy stuff like the last one was “Clay Matthews Jersey” which makes no sense to me. So I “approve” them so you don’t have to weed through spam.
Thank you for the info! Should I repost my first comment that I made around 4:30? You are a blessing!
It might show up, but it can’t hurt for you to do it again if you don’t mind! Sorry!
I usually get my decorating inspiration from either your books or website. I have been a fan since the good old days of “snail mail” when Willard was actually mailed to my house. I always looked forward to the little tokens you included in each newsletter. A few years back, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit your store in San Luis Obispo, I cherish that memory and look forward to visiting again.
Wasn’t Willard fun back then, with all the little goodies, loved doing that! But this is good too, because now everyone can meet each other! Love it!
Dear Susan,
I enjoyed your blog about glass – I love glass too. I think that’s because it’s the closest thing to precious jewels I can display around the house, at a fraction of the cost. I don’t have as many pieces as you do but I’m happy with the ones I have – some are passed down, some are from garage sales. Most have a story, which makes them like crown jewels to me!
This is a housekeeping tip of my Nana’s, who I never got to meet because she passed away 9 months before I was born! My mother told me the story: when it was spring or fall cleaning time, Nana would make a big pot of vegetable beef soup to last for 2 days, the amount of time she would spend cleaning the house! All she would have to do was heat the soup for each meal. “Everything” came down or out, all was cleaned, the “everythings” were washed and put away, etc. And of course, my mother had to pitch in and help. Everything would be spotless after that.
My mother recalls hating to have to eat so much soup! She got over it I guess, because once in a while she would make soup for all of us. Not for cleaning time, though. Just because.
Have a nice night,
Jean G.
Thank you for the sweet story Jean!
I have some little Italian glass wine glasses, very much like your French friend served you wine..I love them…they are so sweet and thin and it doesn’t matter what you drink from them, you feel so special.
One of my sons liked them so much I “had” to find more so that he could share in the fun.
The banana bowl is beautiful….and could hold freshly cut flowers as well it reminds me of an old fashioned flower basket, only in glass.
xoxo
They sound wonderful and your son obviously has good taste!
P.S. did you find Patricia?
xo
Yes, and her box is on its way!!!
Dear Susan,
Are you real, or just a figment of my imagination? You are so lovely. A few years ago, I visited your shop in Arroyo Grande, and I’ve never been the same! Among many treasures I found, my favorite is a huge, dove weather vain with the olive branch in His mouth – I took it off the stand and the dove is hanging in my house, reminding me daily of the comfort of the Holy Spirit. I love it so much.
And reading your Willards is the highlight of each new season. I love and collect glass – and the banana dish is just beautiful. I’ve always wanted to write to you and thank you for sharing so much of yourself! You are an inspriation for a joy-filled life……Of course, then, I MUST believe you are real!! But so like a fairy tale!! I love you! XOXO Love, Gretchen
Gretchen, you are so sweet, thank you! We’re just your basic kindred spirits is all! xoxo
yippie skippie!! i love pretty glass AND bananas!! what a wonderful give away! my tip is… for smudges on walls and furniture use…the Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean. this little white sponge really is MAGIC!! and we can all use a little magic in our lives.
erin
xxoo
Yes, we can!
Love the magic eraser…removes all those scuff marks off of the
walls. What a great invention.
Susan: I’m totally charmed by the banana boat dish, having never seen one in all the glass books I’ve perused over the years helping patrons at my library identify their glass treasures. I have 2 vintage depression lemonade sets and much Fostoria American I inherited from Mom. It’s all so gloriously sparkly. Everyone has already mentioned my favorite cleaning solution for windows: vinegar water and newspapers to wipe dry. I’m waiting for your new book……arden
Thank you Arden, I actually didn’t realize how rare they are, although I know I’ve maybe seen two others besides mine in my life.
Hi Susan! I have been looking in all the wrong places for a banana dish! I love the glass dish. (I need to get out more!) Thanks for sharing with us, you have a wonderful heart!
My house hold tip. I listen to books on CD from the library, while I clean. Helps me clean till I get it done, and keeps me entertained! I am listening to Elm Creek Quilt novels. Love it!
Blessings,
Christine Barnhart
Enumclaw, WA
I did that for a while when I walked (in CA, 9 times around property = 3 mi. but can get pretty boring) — Books on Tape made it so easy, and I was getting smart (ish) at the same time!
I love your glassware. I used to collect a long time ago but stopped after I had kids but you have inspired my love for them again!!!! Thanks!!!
Yay!!
You lead such a Fairy Tale Life. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. I read every word of your blog, and love seeing pictures you post of of your beautiful home and garden. I have no exciting cleaning tip, but I did find an old glass gallon jar with rustic lid and filled it with clothes pins. It looks adorable on a shelf in my laundry room. I love thing mismatched like you. So beautiful. Thanks for your wonderful blog.
You are so welcome Mary Ann, love the clothespin jar!
OMG I have never seen anything as beautiful…..You have the ability to find some of the most interesting pieces of glass. Hopefully my name will float to the top..,.,.,.
Thank you Judy!
My housekeeping tip: Marry a guy who doesn’t mind vacuuming the floors! 😉 We’ve been married 47 years and he’s a jewel!
Susan, I love your books, calendars, artwork and just everything that you do…I’ve been a fan for years….and now your sweet blog! You are a joy to so many and you always put a smile on my face! Thank you for YOU!
Hugs, Miriam
xoxo!
I love glassware! At least once a year I like to clean pieces in a mild ammonia bath, rinse and they just shine like the morning sun!
The housekeeping tip that works for me is to just do a little every day. 🙂
Thank you April!
Today I have to say the blog was so interesting. As it is always. The glass
is shining and beautiful in the sun light. I love the banana dish. It would go
so nice with my celery dish. You make all the world a better place. I know
everyone that reads your blog has to have a smile on their face. Thank you
for sharing all the wonders with us.
Love doing it!
Oh…I have the same obsession as you, although mine extends to dishes as well. Your glass collection is amazing. As far as favorite household tip, don’t have one…but I do have a jello recipe(one that probably everyone has, but that no one makes anymore) I LOVE IT. 1 pkg. instant pistachio pudding mix, 1/2 package small marshmallows, 1 small cool whip, 1 small can crushed pineapples, 1/2 cup. chopped pecans. mix it all together and eat it up. 🙂
Haven’t seen one using the pistachio pudding yet! Thank you Kelley!
This is one of my favorite salads….as it is my daughter & granddaughters…so you know hat salad I make them!
I think we called it “Watergate Salad!”
Yes, that is what we call it too..
I’ve never seen a glass banana dish before but I love how they look. So much prettier than the wooden stand with a hook that I have. Thanks for finding one for your blog readers. ♥
Very welcome, really my pleasure!
Hi Susan
I left a comment earlier but I dont think it took for some reason.
I have never seen a banana dish before I am in love. If I don’t win I am on a mission to find one. I love everything glass, I have a collection of glass balls and depression glass.
Lets see what tip did I leave earlier. Its not much of a tip but it sure works for me. I like to do just alittle in each room a day this way here its not like a big cleaning every day or week. One day dusting, the next clean the fronts of the cabinets. I actually thought that is how most people do it. Happy Day Susan
deezie
I saw it Deezie, I don’t know what the gremlins are up to, but for sure they are having fun with us! Let’s see if this one takes!
Susan, your posts are always so cheery and really give a good start to the day. I must admit I have never seen a banana holder like yours and it’s pretty charming, I must admit. My husband loves his banana every morning and I keep mine in an old ironstone compote, but the glass is so sparkling. Thanks for taking the time to share so much of your life and your experiences. Cheers, Diana
Thanks Diana!
Hi Susan,
I have a tip about bananas! Separate them when you get them home and it makes them last longer. I appreciate you because you celebrate all the little things that make life wonderful.
Thank you so much Candace. Good tip, I didn’t know that!
The writers of The Mary Tyler Moore television program gave dialogue to Betty White’s character, Sue Ann Nivens, the host of the “Happy Homemaker Show”. It is one of my favorite tips when feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of housecleaning: “Think of the room as a clock. Choose a location in the room to represent 12:00. Begin there and move onto 1:00, 2:00, and so on.” This works for me, especially when I don’t know where to start!
Vinegar-users Unite. jan
In good company!
Instead of a housekeeping tip, here is a Jello recipe that our grandson expects to have for Thanksgiving dinner, although I prepare it at other times during the year.
Apricot-Pineapple Gelaltin
1 large can of crushed pineapple, undrained
2 small, or 1 large, box of apricot gelatin
2 cups buttermilk
1 (8-oz.) carton frozen whipped topping, thawed
In a medium saucepan, heat pineapple to boiling. Stir in apricot gelatin. Set
aside to cool to room temperature. Stir in buttermilk and whipped topping.
Pour into desired serving dish. Refrigerate until set.
I’m always on the lookout for pink dogwood depression glass – at a price I will pay.:-) I inherited a few pieces from my mother.
I loved Willard, as always! Cute Halloween place card idea! xoxo
Fun to collect isn’t it Nellie!
Thanks for the recipe Nellie…I’ll have to give it a try! 😉
~Doreen~
This is the most beautiful banana dish I’ve ever seen, and probably the first one I’ve ever seen except for yours. I’m not much for bananas, but my husband loves them and I would cherish this dish if I won. Might even start eating bananas. I don’t have much of a housekeeping tip except that I like to use those cotton knitted dish clothes. I couldn’t find any nearby so started knitting them myself. It’s very calming as well as productive, and they also make your glasses shine because they don’t leave a lot of lint behind. Thanks for the peek at your beautiful glass collection.
Those knitted dish cloths also make wonderful gifts, I know, because I was given a set of them! Thank you!
Dear Susan,
First: I just loved Willard…I shall print it off and read it over and over again!! So many wonderful ideas…the music was fantastic…we love these same songs!
You are such a blessing to your girlfriends…what a lovely gift you are giving away… I have never seen one of these before…but love bananas & would keep it full all the time if I won it! Smile…
A helpful hint I have discovered is to rinse your dishes in cold water..it will get rid of the suds quicker than hot water. (this is for us who don’t have a dishwasher-smile)
Thank you so much Susan for being such a great friend to all of us!
Blessings,
Gert
Thank you Gert, love having you here!
Lucky you get it so early, I have to wait til Thursday. Boo-hoo! :0)
I don’t know how that happens Sandy, or I would move you right on up!! 🙂
I love to use pretty dishes (especially pottery bowls) for various things. Makes for a neat look and helps me keep things neater! Love the banana dish!
Thanks Vickie!
Dear Susan,
You’re an angel with a heart as BIG as the sky! So, it’s more than fitting to say that I believe the glistening banana dish was really designed for halos: Yours! Keep sprinkling fairy dust, always reminding us that Home is in Our Hearts!
God bless & keep you!
Bunny
The wonderful thing is, the girlfriends that come to this blog all know that . . . we just have a party about it!
Oh what a kindred spirit you are! I don’t know anyone else as obsessed with glass. I love it all ways. I love to go to glassblowers and watch them work, I love glass museums. The sparkle of glass is irresistable, but I collect milk glass. It gives a home that lovely cottagey look. So, no tips, only praise and joy found in a fellow collector.
I think you have new glass-obsessed friends now! I used to love watching the glass blower at Disneyland! Thank you Terrie!
P.S. My tip: When cleaning bathrooms, put a few drops of peppermint essential oil in a water bottle, then spritz every surface, even the floors. Heavenly!
I love glass too, yours is wonderful. Never saw a banana dish I had to identify, feel like I haven’t really been looking. My housekeeping tip would be to keep at least one flat surface empty, for the newest find! You are such a good influence to wanting to tidy and make things sparkle. Thank you.
Thank you Joy! Love that name!
Hi Susan,
Oh how I love the glasses you have gathered over time. I am just as bad at not being able to resist what is so useful and pretty! I bought two little darlings yesterday, they have little blue fish swimming on them. Mike and I drank our ice tea from them with supper last night.
A tip for housekeeping, here goes! I love my little galley style sunny kitchen! The oak cabinets are it’s best feature but living here in Florida the sun can ruin wood by just shining through the windows. About once every six months or so I dust them well, yes, I drag out the step ladder, and then rub them down with Weiman’s natural Lemon Oil. Mike and I and our son, who grew up in this house have lived here for 24 years. The cabinets are still looking beautiful, and believe me when I say this little kitchen has been used every single day since we moved into this house! Love my kitchen! Jane
Just as a footnote, my Mom and I used to clean the kitchen in the home I grew up in with Jubilee Kitchen wax, anybody remember those days!?
Love how you love your kitchen. Must be heaven in there!
Oh Susan! I just adore your books, your “Willard”, and now your blog and Facebook Page! It all just makes me so happy. I love, love, love the banana dish! I have never seen one before! Thank you for sharing with us! I have no insightful housekeeping tips — but I’m hoping to after I read all these comments!
thanks again,
There have been lots of good ones — I’ve been taking notes! 🙂
Such a beautiful Banana dish! And you know…I have seen them over the years at Flea Markets and in antique shops, but never knew that they were intended for bananas! I grew up in the mid-west near what was at that time, one of the largest flea markets in the area. It was a family outing I looked forward to twice a year. One of my last trips to that flea market was just before my Dad passed away. The rest of the family chose other endeavors that day, so it was just the two of us and I treasure that memory. His curiosity and wonder at the unusual and unique things we would find has left a legacy with my boys of a desire to know “what is it?” and “who used it?” and “why?”. He would love knowing that that pretty bowl is just ‘specially for bananas! Thank you for sharing that. I know he’s in Heaven saying “Well, how ’bout that!”.
Now for a household tip: your readers are so clever though, they may already know this. 🙂 To clean inside a vase or other glass item that has all those wonderful curvy, graceful shapes that are just out of reach of normal cleaning, pour some uncooked rice along with hot soapy water. Swish and shake (if it’s a jar, of course replace the lid, but otherwise just keep a firm hand on top) until the rice scrubs the nooks and crannies clean. I have had great success with this in the narrow bottoms of bud vases and those tiny little salt shakers with the openings too small for any bottle brush. Rinse well and ‘voila! sparkly again!
Thank you, Susan for your blog. My home may not be the one your lovely Banana Bowl chooses, but sharing the memory of treasure hunting with my Dad was a gift in itself. Hugs to you…
And a gift to us, thank you Pam, and for the rice tip too!!
Thank you for continuing your giveaways with this lovely glass!
My favorite housekeeping tip is to add a cup of bleach to the wash water after detergent but before adding your whites. This keeps them looking new for a long time.
My pleasure — Thanks Cory!
The banana dish is so pretty – I would have guessed it was a guest towell holder!
My favorite gelatin recipe is very simple – one packet of unflavored gelatin, and hot orange juice in place of the water. When the gelatin is semi-set I add sliced bananas. It’s delicious as is, but a little whipped cream on top puts it over the top!
Susan, I admire your sunny outlook and your talents in so many wonderful areas. Your love of life is such a good example for the rest of us. Whenever my writing, sewing, and home-making lose their luster I turn to you for inspiration.
Oh thank you Judith, nice to hear from you here!
Just sat down at my computer and read your latest “Willard”…Loved it! I want to try to make the Maple Butter. It sounds yummy! Always enjoy the photos of Girl Kitty. She’s adorable! Also really enjoyed Sinatra! You have excellent taste in music, along with everything else! Thanks for another smile! You have a wonderful way of spreading happiness!
Thank you so much Pamela Jo! Love you being here!
Not really a housekeeping tip, we live 20 miles south of Boston. We have a St VincentDePauls thrift store, which is huge! ( run by Catholic charity)a block from our house, by the commuter rail, my husband commutes to Boston, so on early days he walks through there, comes home with a bag each time, all sorts of GREAT stuff,example $90 golf shirts by Izod for a dollar, never been worn,with tag, and now he’s been on glassware kick, beautiful things, 10 cents, a quarter, some sets, most are under a dollar, so it’s a great place to poke around, you never know what will be there.
When I was in my 20’s, I worked down the block from an antique store and stopped in every day on my way to the bank to make a deposit. That’s the trick, if it’s easy, and on your way, everyday! You get first pick when new things come in! Fun!
Glass banana holder! Who would have thunk? I too collect all things old, all things cute, and all things glass. Theres nothing like Christmas lights or candlelight bouncing off glass! Total romance! My son buys me a sworoski crystal ornament every year-they stay out year roundand man do they sparkle! My cleaning tip is to play great music, light a great smelling candle, and dance with the broom! Maybe it will get clean and maybe not, but I sure have fun!
Sounds just perfect Laurie!
Gasp! I’ve never seen or heard of a banana bowl. Now I must keep my eyes open for one. It is a must have. I don’t really have a housekeeping tip, so HELLO from Tennessee!
Hello to Tennessee! Thank you Cindy!
I had no idea there were such things as banana dishes! How fun! If I was lucky enough to have one I would use it to display my vintage Christmas ornaments from my grandmother with a touch of fresh greens. I’ve never really had a dish that I thought would do them justice but this one would be perfect!
this is a beautiful piece of glass, my grandmother had a collection of glass pitchers, she told me when washing glassware to add a little vinegar to the soap & dishwater it makes the glassware sparkle. thanks.
Thank you!
A banana dish … how civilized!
One of my favourite household tips is to set the dinner table as I unload the dishwasher – saves time, and my dining room looks lovely all day,
Jeanne Murray
My grandma’s maiden name was Murray! So hello relative! Thank you!
I have never before heard of a banana dish! I always have bananas on my counter and the dish would be a wonderful place to keep them.
I have copper bottom cookware and everyone is always telling me about these easy and thrifty ways to keep the copper nice. I have found that Barkeeper’s Friend is the best thing I have ever used — just a sprinkle and a wipe with a sponge and they look as good as new!
Thank you Shirley!
My favorite household tip is spray straight ammonia on some glass item that is very dusty. It just wipes rite up so easy. I too love glass items. I inherited a set of Fostoria Hob Nail pieces that this banana dish would love to live with.
Yes it would!
Hi Susan, I’m having so much trouble posting. This is my 3rd time … if it doesn’t post this time I think I’m getting the message from the universe that it’s just not meant to be! My tip: Wash up the dishes in the sink before you go to bed each night. It only takes a few minutes and it’s so nice to come down to a sparkling clean kitchen in the morning! Blessings, Anita
You are not the only one! Sometimes I try to leave a reply to a comment, but it won’t let me, so I have to just give up! Let’s see if this goes!!
I too love pretties with a purpose. If it doesn’t have a purpose, I make one up for it. We just moved across country. I was told many times that I have too many dishes and glasses. Pish Posh. The “complainers” enjoy using my mismatched pretties, just not wrapping and unwrapping them for moves. It’s been a treat to unwrap all the dishes again. They truly make our new house feel like home!
Almost worth the trouble of moving to see your things in a new light (almost!).
I have to say, I was so excited to see the banana dish today!! I have one without a pedestal, and never knew what it was designed for – I have used it to hold some rather interesting flower arrangements, scones at tea, you name it… but now, of course, I will see that it gets to serve its true purpose. As an amasser of dishes and glassware, I never met anything I didn’t like, even if I couldn’t figure it out!! 😉
hahaha! Thanks Jan!
Beautiful Glass Banana Dish. I never knew that they were used for Bananas.
I have drinking glasses given to me 40 years ago by my inlaws. We use them on special acassions. What a gift, did not think it was at the time, but now they are both gone and there memory is there always.
Yes, so lucky!
I love beautiful glass as well- I have a collection of inherited glass pitchers in a glass cabinet in my kitchen. My favorites are the blue glass mason jars I inherited from my aunt. My housekeeping tip is to fill the kitchen sink with soapy water and a little bleach. Leave over night and the next morning you have a sparkly clean sink!
Dear Susan I am sure those of us who have lived a ‘few years’ have some pieces of ‘glass’ you describe so artfully. One of my favorites is from my mother and it a glass basket and I have a ‘thing’ for glass baskets and loved milkglass with a passion when I didnot have two pennies to rub together but I have many pieces now. The greatest sentence in your discussion on glass was your appreciation of ‘the gift’ from your aunt; even when you didnot know it had a practical use. Appreciation is one of the greatest of gifts. I didnot know there was such an item as a banana holder so would be pleased if I should win. By the bye ‘today is moi birthday’.
With gratitude,
Sylvia Faye
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SYLVIA! Hope it’s wonderful!!
my mom has started me on a glass kick in the last couple of years. i especially love colored glass and cut glass! i didn’t know banana dishes existed, but now that i do i’m wondering how i can do without one…
Now you know what you have to do!
I love glass too! My husband just shakes his head and wanders off …
My best housecleaning tip is to pay someone else to do it. I don’t think that’s what you had in mind, tho, so I’ll go with putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher or wash them by hand right away – I can live with clutter, but not in the kitchen sink!
I also have a timer in several rooms in the house and if I have some spare time before work, set the timer for 10 minutes and see how much picking up I can get done.
Thanks for the opportunity!
Can do a lot in 10 min! Good idea!
Looking at your beautiful glassware reminds me of a tried-and-true tip for cleaning glass, windows, etc. — just add a good helping of white vinegar to a bucket of warm water. Cuts film on windows and glass and makes everything sparkle (and no need to rinse). Great for car windows too. Wear rubber gloves if you don’t want your hands to smell vinegar-y (but the smell doesn’t last long). 🙂 Also, I love the little black decorating accents in Willard. Black really adds a bit of punch to the other colors. Thanks for thinking of us, Susan!
And Vice Versa! Thank you!
Oh my, I have never seen a banana dish before! And now that I have, if my name isn’t drawn for this beauty, I will be obsessively looking for one until I find it!! I do love old glass… And now, for a wonderful jello recipe for you, dear Susan, and readers, from our Women’s Club’s annual Salad Luncheon which was today (!), and all proceeds benefit charities in our community, here is my favorite super delicious and super easy jello salad recipe:
Blueberry Salad
2 3-oz. pkgs. black cherry jello
2 cups boiling water
1 21-oz. can blueberry pie filling
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
Dissolve jello in boiling water, add pie filling and pineapple and mix well. Pour into a casserole dish or 9×13 glass pan. Chill until set. Meanwhile, beat the following together well:
1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, at room temperature
8 oz. sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Spread over jello, and chill. Enjoy!!
My true goal is to get all the girlfriends obsessively looking! 🙂 Because it’s fun!
Love all the beautiful glass! I’ve never heard of a banana dish, but would display it proudly! My housekeeping tip: wax the walls of your shower and the inside of your trash cans with car wax. Be careful not to get wax on the floor of shower. It makes it very easy to clean soap scum from shower and messes from trash cans.
Seems to be Halloween gremlins with this comment, I keep replying, it keeps ignoring me, I sent it through, it is back again, so if you are seeing this more than once, you know it wasn’t my fault! 🙂 Thank you Susan!
I love to collect all things for the table – glassware, china, linens, flatware. Would rather buy all those things than clothes. I hunt for treasures at thrift stores and the Goodwill. Some time ago, I sent you an email and photo of the cake plate I found that said “I knew you were coming so I baked a cake”. Love looking at it everyday. My most recent coup – a Waterford biscuit jar at Goodwill….for $3!!!! I never knew about a glass holder for bananas. Thanks for sharing all your treasures.
You sound like a good shopper!
Susan, my favorite thing to see in your blog are photos of your home – the quilts, the Peter Rabbit things, the kitchen utensils, towels, embroidery, garden and your antique glassware! My housekeeping tip is “Scrubbing Bubbles,” my son says that is the “modern way” to clean a bathtub. Hey, sometimes kids are right!
hahahaha, they oughta know!
I have another great tip for using baking soda. When I have a dish with
baked on food that you can’t remove just sprinkle some baking soda on the
bottom of the dish, and cover with water and soak for at least an hour and
presto the baked on food will wipe right off!!!!
Also just want to say how much I enjoy reading your blog. It’s the first
thing I do in the morning along with a cup of tea.
Debbie
Thank you Debbie!
My best housekeeping tip: Go out the front door, lock the door so the house will keep. Go for a ride. Enjoy the fall colors, the brisk air, the people who are enjoying the same. Clean the house when it snows. Better still, read one of Susan’s books. 🙂
It’s always a comfort to find a like minded soul. We have all kinds of mix-matched glasses. I guess by we I mean me. “Hello, my name is Marie and I’m addicted to glass.”. I have my great great Aunt Maudes cake plate and I use it all the time. I’m pretty certain that it’s as impressing if not more so than my cakes. There are always lots of Oohs and Aahs when the cake comes out. Some people wonder why I would use such a beautiful cake plate and not just leave it on disply. You know as well as I do why, they were made to be used!
Confession, I’ve never heard of a banana plate. Thank you, thank you for the generous giveaway! Fingers crossed 😉 xo
Thank you Marie, I hope you never get “help” for that addiction!
I love all the beautiful glass! I have never heard of a banana dish, but would display it proudly! Housekeeping tip: Wax the walls of shower with car wax…walls only! Makes cleaning showers a breeze. Also works great on the inside of trash cans.
I recently found your blog, and I look forward to reading it. I have one of your books published in 1988, Vineyard Seasons, and it rests on my “special” shelf for “special” cookbooks. You reside with Julia Child and Ina Garten among others. Not bad company. I envy your painting talent.
I am honored to have glasses from my great grandmother and my mother. I’m sure they weren’t expensive, but they are beautiful and dear to me.
I’d love to receive the banana dish. My husband has a banana each morning, so they are constant visitors at our home.
I like using the new microfiber towels for windows, mirrors, and the like. They clean with plain water and leave no lint behind.
Crossing my fingers that the banana dish will come my way.
Thanks Jan, happy to see you here!
Hi Susan,
I have never heard of a banana dish. I will be in search of one from now on! I share your passion for beautiful glass.
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us!
Marilyn
Thank YOU Marilyn!
What a delight to find Willard in the inbox today!! And then to pop on over to your blog and find the gorgeous piece of glass…I really have seen nothing like it! Aren’t old things so wonderful? You just wish they could talk and share where they have lived and whose lives they have been a part of!! My grandma passed down a love for pretty things to my sweet mother who in turn passed that passion to me. How bland and dull the world would be without that love of beauty in our lives! Wishing you beauty even in the smallest things…
Thank you for all you do to bring beauty to our lives!!
With love,
Sherry
The other day I heard of this little tag they are putting on things: you can point your smart phone at it and it will talk. They are putting them on grave markers. So you can hear the person talk, and hear their story! They are also putting them on books, which directs you to the authors website. I guess someday they will imbed one of these things into everything. At first I thought it would be good, but then I was thinking, it might take the imagination out of the picture, which might not be so good. Maybe our imagination of the lives our things have led, the places they have been, is better than the reality!
I so love reading your blogs and the pictures with descriptions of your many collections. I have many similar collections, but my favorite are tea towels, 50s red (and some green) kitchenware, and especially the old glassware. I have a garden window over my kitchen sink where I have many glass items on display for my viewing pleasure. I must say though, I have never heard of a glass dish for bananas … but I love the piece you found.
Strawberry glaze (for pies and shortcakes)
4 TBSP strawberry Jell-O
4 TBSP corn starch
2/3 C sugar
1 C. water
Mix together Jell-O, cornstarch, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat; add 1 cup of water and stir constantly bringing the mixture to a boil; continue to stir for an additional minute; take off burner and allow to cool slightly before folding into strawberries.
Thank you Susan!!
A favorite housekeeping tip: Use paper coffee filters to stack and store your pretty glass plates and dishes. They are inexpensive, soft and protective of your special collected vintage pieces! 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win your pretty little banana boat!
Good tip! Thanks Carrie!
I use cake plates to hold fruit on the counter since I dont make cakes. I would LOVE this for our bananas. I have never heard of such a thing before and you find two. Amazing. Love your blog.. so glad I found it.
Two, a kazillion years apart! Thanks for being here Cris!
Hi Susan, love your glass collection! My favorite household cleaning tip is Vinegar! I even use it in my toilets along with baking soda! It’s cheap and not toxic! Yea!
Yea!
Hi Susan,I wonder if the sun bursts from yesterday that caused the spectacular Aurora Borealis is messing with things here.My comment didn’t get screened but maybe it showed up on your end.Anyway,just wanted to add my thoughts and say Hello.
I did see a comment from you Cindy, can’t miss that winning name! I don’t know what’s going on but your explanation sounds as good as any, and better than my “gremlins.” 🙂
Lovely glass. I have a cut glass fruit bowl sitting on my kitchen table always. It was given to me by my wonderful 80-something year old aunt. I think of her everyday.
Thanks, Susan.
Lovely!
Hi there, Susan!
My housekeeping tip for you is I use Liquid Gold on chrome faucets and handles and on shower doors after cleaning them. It makes them all shiny and like new plus the water beads up nicely on them. Plus Liquid Gold has that wonderful almond scent I just love.
My Mom used to make this jello mold for my birthday every year at my request. I just loved it!
Lime Fruit Salad
Add 2 pkgs. small green lime jello to 2 cups boiling water then after dissolved add 1 cup cold water. Drain 8 oz. crushed pineapple and chop 1/2 cup walnuts. Measure 1 cup sour cream into a large bowl. Add jello mixture slowly stirring to mix well. Add the crushed pineapple and nuts. Pour into 8×8 pan or mold and chill, stirring now and then to mix in the nuts. They will float on top if you don’t. 🙂
Hope you like it! Thanks for all the great ideas and I, too, just adore glass! I have some wonderful Romanian martini glasses with the most beautiful colored stems.
Hugs,
Lisa xoxoxoxox
Thank you Lisa!!
Oh dear- my comment seems to be lost 🙁
Well then I shall have to come up with another tip!
Compressed air- the kind you use for cleaning computer keyboards- really, REALLY good for getting rid of dust in those tight spots your duster cannot reach!
I mentioned in my lost post that I had never heard of a banana dish before- well until your post. I now wonder if I shall see them everywhere!
Gremlins eating comments, think Halloween gives them the right to act up! No I don’t think you will see them “everywhere.” I hardly ever see them.
I am amazed that you read all of our comments daily. I barely have time to read your blog, much less all the wondeful comments.
My tip, I am sure has been covered, but I love lavender sachets between my pillows. Such a soothing smelll to go to sleepy time la la land!
I have bananas every day. It is a reason to go shopping in my house if we are out of bananas. We do not like to sing “Yes, we have no bananas, we have no bananas today”!
So, my dear blogging friend, please enter me in your new contest!
xxx/ooo b
I got the determination to, at least for a while, let everyone know they are appreciated around here. I won’t be able to do it forever, or I won’t have any new books, but I just wanted everyone to know that I read all of them! Always will, even when I don’t have time to answer! Thank you, love your banana song! My mom always sang that around the house!
I have collected some glassware for a long time & never heard of a Banana Dish, would love to have that. It is so pretty. I have a few older family pieces, an Uncle & Aunt, who had no kids, I have a very old set of etched dessert dishes on a stem that were her Mothers, when they passed away, that is what I got. DH has his Great-Great Grandmothers glass pitcher. No hint. I like my house clean, but as I am getting older, just put off housework until I just have to clean it. I guess I need to figure out a way to make some extra money & hire a housekeeper.
It’s amazing how much can be done in such a short time!