The Big Three-Holloware for Every Meal

There are three holloware pieces that are arguably the most versatile ones that one can own and have on the table for virtually every meal.  If Mr. Bowen mentions the three holloware pieces- the bread tray, the gravy boat and the water pitcher, it might conjure up a vision of a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.  You would be correct in thinking in terms of using these pieces in connection with a major dinner occasion.  However, you may want to expand your vision a little in terms of what these pieces can offer.

Sterling silver doesn't seem to get much thought in terms of usage for breakfast.  In yesteryear though, sterling was used fairly regularly for breakfast and not just flatware.  One of Mr. Bowen's favorite pieces in this regard is the toast rack. These were ubiquitous in Victorian times.  They are seldom seen today. 

There are several typical holloware pieces that are perfect at dinner time, but would have no place at the breakfast table.  Classic example here is the candlestick or candelabra.  Candlesticks and candelabra don't make their appearance on the table until after 5 PM.

The first of the "big three" for your consideration is the gravy boat.  This is the most versatile of the three.  One may use it for gravy of course, but you may want to use it for syrup for breakfast pancakes or French Toast.  Another use could be for salad dressing.  A gravy boat's potential uses are many.  It is easily your most useful holloware piece overall.

Bread has been called the staff of life in many western diets and around the world.  Although it has fallen out of favor in some quarters, bread remains a staple.  A bread tray may be used for bread, but at breakfast time, it would make an ideal holder for muffins or sweet rolls.  Some holloware manufacturers did make specialized muffin trays.  But from a utilitarian standpoint, the muffin tray isn't really discernible from other trays of similar size in appearance.  The classic shape of the bread tray somewhat resembling an open flat bottomed two ended boat with bow & stern rising up in elevation from the middle is unmistakable. 

The water pitcher like the gravy boat can hold many different types of liquid, suitable for any meal.  Mr. Bowen wouldn't go crazy on this one-water or orange juice-that kind of thing.