Le Compotier

1:30 PM |

(blue and white footed reticulated compotes)

If there is one item that never seems to fail to catch my eye when I'm out and about window shopping or just surfing online for beautiful things it is a compotier aka compote. Anytime I see a compote, I'm automatically drawn to it.

Compotes are one of my favorite table adornments. They are a decadent serving ware. They make beautiful centerpieces or, when paired, spectacular anchors to a centerpiece. The blue and white pair(above & below)have been used to carry many things from hard candies to flatware at a buffet table.

(beautiful leaf wreath design)

They look beautiful with candy,nuts,fruit,flowers,pine cones,holiday ornaments,sea shells or even just by themselves. I especially love the reticulated designs with a basket weave pattern.

I found this pedestal compote on my local Craigslist. It

is one of my favorites for creating dramatic dining table

floral centerpieces.

The perfect height allows me to leave

the centerpiece on the table without obstructing the views

of the seated guests.

This is a picture taken of our 2008 Christmas dinner where

I used 2 silver compotes(1 showing at left) to anchor the centerpiece.

I cut a fresh floral oasis to fit perfectly in the bowl, then just

filled it with holiday greens and florals.

A perfectly beautiful use of a compote as

a vegetable dish by celebrity designer

Eddie Ross. (click eddie's name for details on this arrangement)

Another fabulous use of a stunning old Paris fine

porcelain compote created by Eddie Ross for

Thanksgiving 2008.

Following are a few more beautiful compotes found

online. Enjoy.

Dresden porcelain compote circa 1872

Circa 1870s English Opal Vitro(Milk glass) porcelain compotes

Minton (English) compotes. Circa 1860-1865

Bing & Grondahl empire white and blue circa 1969

Pair of circa 1909 silver compotes, octagonal stepped base,

dolphin shaft supports bowl above.

Circa 1880 Paris Compotes. Having a large basket over a shaped column

on a footed base with gilded edges with floral decorations.

Circa 1820 Paris porcelain compotes Marked Schoelcher et Fils.

Pair of Old Paris compotes circa 1820 partially painted and gilded

Gilded and painted porcelain compotes mounted in gilded bronze,

from the Service of Grand Duke Alexander Alexandrovitch, and

featuring his crowned monogram. Period of Alexander II (1855-1881).

Meissen porcelain bowl centered by polychrome fruits and flowers

and supported by three seated fauns with musical instruments, marked

with blue crossed swords under glaze.