Martha_Stewart_Living_November_2016

STYLING BY FRITZ KARCH

DOWN

PAT

Wildly popular in the latter half of the 19th century, butter

dishes were the epitome of the Victorian principle to have a place for

everything—and for everything to have its place. These

miniature plates were made to match the fashionable dinnerware of

the time, including enamelware (1), glass (2), and patterned

porcelain (3). Today, they can add a special touch to Thanksgiving

dinner. Or, on your everyday table, mix a few styles and enlist

them as saltcellars. Their modern-day uses go beyond the kitchen,

too. Consider putting one—such as the charming

yellow pansy (4)—on your desk to corral paper clips, or a couple of

dishes on your dresser to hold a collection of delicate rings.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN GARDNER TEXT BY FRANCES VIGNA

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COLLECTING