A to Z April Challenge: P is for Princess House

This is a continuation of LAST APRIL’s challenge about HEIRLOOMS. When my sister and I cleaned out our parents’ home, we had to make many decisions about what to do with all the stuff. Which things are truly “valuable” and which have only sentiment in their favor? Should we sell it, keep it, or throw it away? To help ensure a future for our family’s heirlooms, I plan to leave a booklet for my daughters telling the stories of what they will inherit one day. (Not TOO soon, I hope!)

is for Princess House. In the late 1980s, everyone in my crowd was hosting parties to earn free “stuff.” Longaberger baskets. Mary Kay cosmetics. Tupperware. Princess House. You know the format: the hostess invites her friends to the party, she serves beautifully displayed snacks and drinks, the representative demonstrates her wares, you buy, and the hostess gets free or discounted products based on sales. At the time, Princess House was all about lead crystal. And BUY, I did. I probably even hosted a few parties.

I like my Princess House crystal as much today as when I bought it. The Heritage etched tumblers are my “good glasses” that I bring out for company.

This set of wine glasses was the only style sold by Princess House at the time. Frankly, they do not get as much use anymore. Instead souvenir glasses from wine festivals and winery tours are what I like to use. Of course, they are not quality crystal like Princess House.

The large pitcher is perfect for serving water or tea. Everyone at the Princess House party was skeptical about the handle because it looks awkward, almost like it might break off. But as you see, it is still going strong. The smaller pitcher was promoted as being perfect for gravy. I was sold! It probably can be used in other ways, but my daughters will probably always think of it as a gravy pitcher.

The crystal dessert plates in the Fantasia pattern were not purchased through a party. I bought them a few years ago at a thrift store. A stack of 8 for $4. They always come in handy, especially at our family Christmas Eve party.

The serving bowl is the last of my Princess House serving pieces. At one time I had at least 2 other pieces - a long bowl and a divided dish. Since I did not use them often, I gave them to my daughters when they moved out on their own.

These spoon and fork holders are always in use when I set up a buffet at family gatherings.

Toothpick holders! Enough said.

 

This crystal basket was really a splurge. Usually it sits empty in my dining room, but occasionally I fill it with flowers.

 

There was a time when fine china and crystal were a must for entertaining. People made a point of protecting it so that it would sparkle when company came for dinner. If you didn’t own it, you borrowed it if you were hosting a bridal or baby shower. Nowadays no one wants to be bothered. It’s a disposable world of coordinating paper plates and cups.

Wendy

© 2019, Wendy Mathias. All rights reserved.