Elevate Your Entertaining with a Stunning Glass Candy Dish
Glass candy dishes are one of those little luxuries that can transform your home decor while actually doing something useful too. Whether you’re putting out mints for guests, stashing your favorite chocolates, or even organizing your jewelry (yeah, they’re not just for candy!), the right dish makes all the difference. I’ve been collecting these little beauties for years, and lemme tell you – there’s something for every style and budget out there. Let’s dive into the sweet world of glass candy dishes, from pretty designs to where to find the best ones without breaking the bank.
What Makes a Great Candy Dish? More Than Meets the Eye!
So here’s the thing about glass candy dishes – they’re secret multitaskers! Sure, they hold sweets, but they’re also perfect little accent pieces that can brighten up any room. The best ones hit that sweet spot between looking good and being practical enough to use daily.
When I first started collecting them, I thought all glass dishes were pretty much the same. Boy, was I wrong! Some are super minimalist with clean lines, while others go full-on fancy with cut crystal patterns that catch the light just right.
Finding Your Style: From Simple to Showstopper
Your candy dish should match your vibe, ya know? If you’re into that cool mid-century modern look, CB2’s Gianna dish with its smoky glass and amber details is absolutely gorgeous. It’s like having a tiny art piece that also happens to hold your favorite treats.
More of a traditionalist? There’s something magical about those timeless crystal dishes that look like they belong in your grandma’s china cabinet (but way cooler). Gohar World makes this incredible Lobmeyr crystal dish that was actually designed back in 1925! Talk about a conversation starter.
For the crafty types out there, you might enjoy creating your own unique candy dish. Jennie Moraitis has an awesome guide on how to make a painted candy dish that shows you how to transform a simple glass dish into something colorful and personal. It’s a fun weekend project!
Glass Types: Not All Created Equal
Confession time: I used to think glass was just…glass. Turns out, nope! The handblown pieces (like what CB2 sells) have these subtle little imperfections that actually make them cooler and more unique. Each one’s a bit different!
Machine-made options from places like Target are more consistent and definitely easier on the wallet. They’re perfect if you’re just starting out or want something that won’t cause a heart attack if it breaks.
Then there’s crystal glass, which is a whole other ballgame. It’s heavier, sparkles like crazy when the light hits it, and feels substantial in your hand. Downside? You gotta hand wash it and be extra careful. No tossing it in the dishwasher after a party!
If you’re into DIY projects, you could try your hand at creating a faux stained glass candy dish. Doodlecraft has a fantastic tutorial on making faux stained glass candy dishes that gives you that colorful, translucent look without needing actual stained glass skills.
Beyond Candy: Get Creative!
These pretty little dishes are way more versatile than most people think. I keep one on my nightstand for my rings and earrings – so much classier than just tossing them anywhere! They’re great for:
– Jewelry catchalls next to your sink or bed
– Serving tiny appetizers at parties (fancy olives, anyone?)
– Organizing small office supplies like paper clips or thumbtacks
– Holding cotton balls or q-tips in the bathroom
– Displaying seashells or other small collectibles
For those who love thrifting, pressed glass candy dishes can be incredible finds at secondhand stores. House of Hawthornes has a great article about pressed glassware makeovers that explains the history behind these pieces and how to give them new life.
Where to Buy: My Top 5 Picks
After years of hunting for the perfect dishes (my husband thinks I have a problem, I call it a “collection”), here are my absolute fave places to shop:
1. CB2
Website: cb2.com
CB2’s Gianna Glass Dish is seriously like jewelry for your table. It’s handblown with this gorgeous smoky glass and amber rods detail that catches the light in the most incredible way. What’s extra cool is that it comes with a lid, so your treats stay fresh (or you can use it for ice at parties – game changer!).
What’s Great:
- Looks expensive and special – definite wow factor
- Each one’s a bit different since they’re handmade
- Works as a fruit bowl or even for ice at your home bar
- Available in different sizes (I have two!)
- The quality is actually worth the price
The Downsides:
- Hand-wash only (which is annoying after parties)
- Only comes in one color option
- Definitely not cheap
- Pretty delicate – not for homes with rowdy kids
- Very modern looking (not for everyone’s taste)
2. Gohar World
Website: gohar.world
OK so this one’s my splurge recommendation. This Lobmeyr crystal dish is basically museum-quality – it was designed almost 100 years ago! The crystal is so thin and light it’s amazing. I treated myself to one for my birthday and it’s the kind of piece your grandkids will fight over someday (sorry, future grandkids!).
What’s Great:
- Literally museum-worthy design
- The crystal quality is incredible – so sparkly!
- Each one is handcrafted (bragging rights!)
- Fancy without being too fussy or old-fashioned
- Three size options if you want to start a collection
The Downsides:
- The price tag might make you choke
- Super delicate – requires gentle handling
- They sell out fast when new stock arrives
- Might be too simple if you love ornate stuff
- Definitely not dishwasher-safe
3. H&M Home
Website: www2.hm.com
When my budget’s tight but I still want something cute, H&M Home is my go-to. Their glass dishes are super affordable (under $20!) but still look really elegant. I bought their textured glass dish last year and it’s held up great – even through a few accidental drops onto carpet (phew!).
What’s Great:
- So budget-friendly you can buy several
- Lightweight – easy to move around when cleaning
- Goes with ANY style of decor
- Not precious – won’t stress if it breaks
- Makes a perfect housewarming gift
The Downsides:
- Glass is thinner than fancy brands
- Limited size options
- Popular styles sell out super quick
- Design might be too basic for some people
- Not available in all areas
If you’re feeling crafty, you might want to try etching your own design onto a simple glass dish. The Gifty Girl has a wonderful tutorial about DIY etched glass candy dishes where she takes thrift store finds and makes them personal with custom etched designs.
4. Candy Warehouse
Website: candywarehouse.com
Sometimes you just want something FUN, ya know? Candy Warehouse has these super cute themed dishes – my favorite is their Hershey’s Kiss-shaped one! It’s perfect for themed parties or holiday decorating. My niece is obsessed with the M&M’s character one I got her.
What’s Great:
- Totally fun designs that make people smile
- Pretty cheap – you won’t cry if one breaks
- Perfect for themed rooms or holiday decorating
- Their website has tons of options
- Kids absolutely love them
The Downsides:
- Definitely not “fancy dinner party” material
- Quality varies depending on the design
- Shipping can be expensive for just one item
- Holiday designs disappear fast
- Not many sophisticated options
5. Target
Website: target.com
Target’s Slickblue set is such a good deal – you get TWO dishes for one price! The linear pattern is classic enough to work with almost any decor, from super traditional to modern farmhouse. And BONUS – they’re dishwasher safe! After hosting game night with chocolate everywhere, this is a major plus.
What’s Great:
- Two-for-one value (big and small size)
- Can actually go in the dishwasher (hallelujah!)
- Looks more expensive than it is
- Makes a great wedding or housewarming gift
- Comes with lids to keep stuff fresh
The Downsides:
- Glass isn’t as thick as fancier options
- Limited to just one design pattern
- Sometimes hard to find in-store
- Not as special as artisan-made options
- The lids can be a bit loose
For the creative upcyclers out there, you might be surprised to learn that orphaned crystal lids can be transformed into gorgeous candy dishes. InFoodBlog has a clever guide on repurposing a crystal lid into a stunning candy dish – perfect if you’ve got mismatched pieces sitting around!
Questions People Ask Me All The Time
Can I put these in the dishwasher without ruining them?
Depends on the dish! Fancy handblown or crystal ones? Absolutely not – hand wash only. But most Target or H&M dishes can handle the dishwasher’s top rack. When in doubt, check the product info or just hand wash to be safe.
How do I stop my dish from getting scratched up?
I learned this the hard way! Use a soft cloth to clean (not those rough sponges), and maybe put a little felt circle on the bottom if you’re setting it on hard surfaces. For crystal, I keep a microfiber cloth nearby for cleaning.
Can I heat stuff in these in the microwave?
Please don’t! Glass dishes can crack from quick temperature changes. I stick to room-temp treats or pre-chill things in the fridge if I want cold snacks.
What’s actually different about crystal versus regular glass?
Crystal has minerals like lead added to it, which makes it super sparkly and gives it that beautiful “ping” sound when you tap it. Regular glass is tougher but doesn’t have that same sparkle. Crystal is usually way more expensive too.
Is it weird to use candy dishes for non-food stuff?
Not at all! I use mine for everything – one for jewelry by my bed, another for paper clips in my office, and even one as a fancy soap dish in my guest bathroom. Get creative!
Last Thoughts – Which One’s Right For You?
After all my years of collecting these little beauties, here’s my honest advice: buy what makes you happy when you look at it. If you want something that’ll last generations, splurge on that Gohar World piece. If you just want something fun that won’t stress you out if it breaks, grab that Target set.
My personal faves? CB2’s Gianna dish when I’m feeling fancy, or H&M’s simple dish for everyday use. Just remember – sometimes the most special candy dish is the one you inherited from grandma or found at a random yard sale for $2. Those usually have the best stories behind them anyway!
Whatever you choose, enjoy filling it with treats that make you happy – whether that’s fancy chocolates, colorful candies, or just your everyday mints. Life’s too short not to enjoy the little luxuries!
AI Disclaimer: I use AI to help create the content and images on this blog. That said, everything gets a human touch—proofread, edited, and checked over—before it goes live. So while AI gives me a boost, you’re still getting content made with care.
