Where Have Punch Bowls Gone?

Punch bowls. For me they conjure up a beautiful set refreshment table with perhaps nuts and pretty paper cocktail napkins. Or flaming red punch at a cousin's beautifully, tacky 1950's silver tinsel Christmas party.
Punch was an adult affair. I couldn't wait until the day I could have punch. It was dazzling colors swirled with clouds of sherbet!
When I see giant punch bowls with 10 plus cups gloriously hanging I stop in awe and sadness. I know the set will likely end up at a thrift shop as it can't fetch a buyer or a decent price. Punch bowls represent times when entertaining was a thoughtful art form for housewives. It represents the people who still buy Christmas china and sterling silverware. Yes, there is such a thing as silverware. The stuff you use everyday is actually called flatware.
I still own a punch bowl and I still use it. It is more modern. A plain, deep glass vessel with simple handless cups and a beautiful glass ladle.
Last year I created a lime and raspberry sherbet punch and dutifully stood under a canopy and served my guests. I served them because I brought them to my world and I wanted them to experience something special. I scooped the dreamy liquid into a glass cup and handed them their treat with a pretty watermelon cocktail napkin as we chatted. Men and women mostly chatted about the punch! Some were so glad to see something from their childhood and others were excited to experience my world...and I enjoyed every moment!
There will always be room for punch at my home. I can't imagine a holiday, shower or afternoon party under a canopy without it. Sometimes old traditions are the most memorable traditions.