Cake is the dessert of choice for many occasions, and has been the crown jewel of many feasts, banquets and parties for centuries. But do you know the origins of cake stands, pedestals, savers and carriers? Each of these items were designed and developed for a very specific purpose - and for some of us, we have sweet, fond childhood memories that flood back when we see a fancy glass cake stand or painted carrier like the one we remember.

Kermit the Frog once famously lamented that iI's not easy being green. Sorry, Kermie - we love you, but we have to disagree; we think it's actually pretty easy to be green, at least if you are a particular hue known as jadeite green. This enduring, soothing color has been a mainstay in kitchens for decades, and it's still just as home in today's modern kitchens as it was in the country kitchens of our mothers and grandmothers.

​Let's explore the origins of this lovely glassware, and what is - and isn't - jadeite.

March is when Spring Fever starts to spike, especially among house-bound Southerners. By now, winter has overstayed her welcome and we're all itching to get outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun on our backs and feel fresh dirt between our toes and fingers as we start filling containers and getting garden patches ready for tender new plants. But Mother Nature can be fickle, so if it's not quite time to get out in the garden, look around your garden shed or some antique stores for a few old garden tools and make them into decorative items while you wait for warm temperatures to arrive.

Valentine's Day conjures up memories of grade school: blunt-tip scissors, pungent paste and a classroom of children cutting and pasting paper doilies onto construction paper hearts under the watchful eye of our teacher, and proudly depositing those handmade Valentines into brightly festooned shoebox "mailboxes" for each other. 

Paper and crocheted doilies have been around since Victorian times. The introduction of mercerized cotton thread made it possible to gussy up napkins with beautiful, intricate embellishments. Even if we aren't from the era that made our own doilies by the dozens, we have all seen them in our mother's or grandmother's homes, protecting furniture and cushioning delicate baked goods.

But don't keep those keepsakes in a box or trunk - break them out and let them have a new life in your home. Here are some ideas on how to collect, care for and repurpose crocheted doilies.

Last month, we explored the fabulous world of vintage drinking glasses - from swanky swigs for your morning juice to tumblers and goblets gracing your dining table. Barware encompasses some very specific and fanciful glassware, as well as other fun accoutrements like shakers, stirrers, measuring jiggers and zesters.

​Whether it's the novelty or nostalgia drawing you in, it is hard to resist the allure of a freshly made drink measured and poured by your favorite mixologist.

​As we ring out the old year and welcome the new one, we're resolving to make 2021 a year filled with more festivities and reasons to celebrate, make great memories, and share more joy and laughter.

It's true that some antiques have fallen out of favor with younger homeowners. Maybe it's our busier lifestyles, but we have less patience for dusting fussy things that look nice, but don't serve a utilitarian function in our homes. But for pieces that can be used, or re-purposed, there's definitely a place for them in our hearts and homes.

​Here are five of the most popular authentic pieces that today's homeowners look for and love to find in good condition.

We are all about old school. Or vintage...whichever you prefer to call it. But this time of year, "old school" encompasses an array of memorabilia that brings up memories of school days' past.

​From vintage globes and maps, to felt pennants and vintage lunchboxes, we can remember and relive the best recollections of our childhoods with a few simple additions to our home decor. 

It's true that heirloom sets of delicate china are no longer in vogue. Brides aren't putting china on their gift registries, and all those place settings that were hand-washed with care, lovingly displayed and protected are no longer worth much, by and large. But that doesn't mean there isn't a market for certain pieces, namely teacups, silver teapots and spoons, and delicate linens.

​Here are some ways to use your existing pieces, or create a sweet collection of mismatched pieces that bridge the gap between the past and today's tables.