This $5 Kitchen Gem Feels Straight Out of a Parisian Flea Market

As someone who loves both hosting and vintage housewares, I’m proud that the majority of my entertaining pieces are secondhand finds that I’ve scooped up at flea markets and thrift stores over the years. However, as avid vintage shoppers and thrifters know, it can be difficult to source a complete set of four or more glasses, bowls, and the like when you’re going the secondhand route. So I’ve found that, when necessary, the next best thing is to search for antique- or vintage-inspired products. After all, there are some pretty convincing pieces on the market that could totally pass as pre-loved, if you ask me. 

One example? I’d been wanting a versatile set of small silver bowls to use when entertaining; I was envisioning something I could use to hold nuts and crackers but could also work to display ice cream sundae toppings (I’d love to do a dessert party of some sort this summer!). While browsing online, I was thrilled to come across these adorable sherbet dishes that retail for just over $5 a pop — I instantly added them to my shopping cart. 

I ordered four total, which set me back less than $25, and they’ve already come in handy when I’ve hosted. During a pizza dinner with a couple of friends, I filled one of the dishes with marinara sauce for us to dip our garlic knots in (essential!) and put some ranch dressing in another. This setup turned an average Wednesday night of girl talk and takeout into something that looked a little fancier and more festive. This tiny style tweak served as a welcome reminder that you don’t have to spend a ton or whip up an elaborate meal to make a get-together with friends or family feel special. Just have the “party!”

Of course, if you order these sherbet dishes yourself, keep in mind that you don’t actually have to use them in the kitchen. I could see turning one into a chic ring dish that sits on your nightstand or dresser, and using another to hold loose change in the entryway. You could use a set to corral hair ties and cotton swabs in the bathroom — or pushpins and paperclips on your office desk. The possibilities are endless. But if you’re like me and love a good antique-inspired find that doesn’t break the bank, you’re definitely going to want to scoop these up ASAP.