A Half-Dozen Uses for Vintage Refrigerator Dishes

Vintage refrigerator dishes are one of the most iconic symbols of a retro kitchen. Maybe it's the bright, happy colors, the fun and funky patterns, the fact that they're eco-friendly, or just the really great feel of Pyrex in our hands that makes us want to fill the cupboards with it. So we've come up with just a few not-so-obvious ways to incorporate these budget-friendly refrigerator dishes into your day to day life.

In the Kitchen
Who would have guessed that one of the best parts of collecting vintage refrigerator dishes is that you can actually use them in the kitchen? Keep food stored in the fridge and/or serve it in true retro style. Don't just relegate them for display; get your set out and use it for a food presentation that will delight your guests at your next party.

Decorative Display
When you bring home fresh fruit, instead of hiding it away in the fridge, use a set of refrigerator dishes to display it on the table or counter-top. Apples and oranges can go in the largest size, bananas in the medium, with lemons or limes in the smaller dishes. The contrast of color makes instant, effortless decor.

As a Catch All
Lost the lid? Don't toss the dish; use the larger dishes to gather combs, brushes, hair clips, bobby pins and other loose items that usually clutter the top of your bathroom vanity. Smaller dishes can hold scouring pads, tea bags and other small items in the kitchen.

Plant Flowers
Don't limit yourself to using boring planters for your houseplants when you can accent them with the bold colors of Pyrex refrigerator dishes. Plant a small African Violet in one. Grow two cacti side-by-side in another. Or use the larger size to start a little indoor herb garden, growing your favorite seasonings together. Just be sure to use a layer of potting stone so your plants won't get wet feet.

Retro Storage
Everyone is always looking for handy places to keep things, so why not let vintage Pyrex play double duty when organizing your home? Refrigerator dishes stack easily and come with clear lids that make them ideal storage containers for small items. Stacked on a shelf, everything is handy, but out of sight. When you're looking for something, you'll be able to find it instantly through the glass lids. Use single pieces from your set to store necessities. For example, the smaller sized dishes,with their lids, are perfect storage for cotton balls and Q-Tips in the bathroom.

Seasonal Cheer
When Christmas comes around, bring out your red and white refrigerator dishes. Fill them with tiny ball ornaments, votive candles or sprigs of holly for centerpieces on your holiday table. Single dishes filled with ribbon candy add a festive touch to any room.

No matter how you choose to use and display your vintage refrigerator dishes, just have fun with it. And if you've come up with a creative use that we haven't thought of, we'd love to hear from you!