The Retro Dishware Your Grandma Used For Every Party Deserves A Revival Today

Today's kitchen design trends are all actually all about yesterday. We're mixing our modern kitchen items with vintage treasures to maximize personality, artful style, and joy in our homes. One specific opportunity for retro kitchen gems to shine is entertaining, where antique finds make a statement with guests. The next throwback to look for in thrift stores or dig out from your family's storage unit? Deviled egg plates. Of all the vintage kitchen items that are trendy again, we think this one deserves a spot among today's most sought-after finds.

Seasoned hard-boiled eggs in ancient Rome evolved into stuffed eggs in medieval Europe; by the 1700s, the term "deviled" was applied to eggs with spices. Within another 200 years, the deviled egg recipe was set: eggs stuffed with whipped yolks, mustard, and mayo. But these spicy, creamy delights really hit their stride in America in the middle of the 20th century, because they could be prepared ahead of time in large batches. That meant they became a go-to for events: family barbecues and celebrations, community fundraisers, etc. That's when more people wanted an occasion-worthy way to display them. Enter the deviled egg plate. 

Deviled egg plates started emerging in the 1930s, and brands of all kinds were making versions in varied materials by the 1940s and '50s. The design always features a wreath of egg-shaped indentations, but could be made out of anything from glass to china and could be ornately decorated or simple. Even understated versions made a visual feast out of deviled eggs, though.

Deviled egg platters fell out of fashion with deviled eggs themselves in the 1960s. Of course, many of us have continued to enjoy this appetizer, but it wasn't popular enough for many home cooks to feel compelled to buy special plates. However, much like vintage kitchenware itself, deviled eggs have made a comeback recently, especially thanks to creative topping ideas. Think everything from Green Goddess deviled eggs to cacio y pepe riffs.

If you want a special way to serve deviled eggs, check secondhand shops, flea markets, or your grandmother's own collection for a vintage deviled egg plate. Versions from Indiana Glass Company are especially sought-after for their quality and distinctive designs. The company made pressed-glass deviled egg platters in hues and patterns ranging from avocado green and clear crystal to amber and "carnival glass," which has an iridescent finish. Some of these plates date to the company's revival of deviled egg platters in the 1970s through the '90s. Carnival glass and cobalt blue versions are among the rarest finds and can command around $100 on resale sites.

Whether you splurge on a rare find, score a fun plate at the thrift store, or have a treasured hand-me-down, these platters are the secret to making your deviled eggs look gourmet. And their uses don't stop there: Use them to serve other canapés or madeleine cookies, display them on a plate wall, or show off your kids' Easter eggs come spring.