Recently, while sorting through my in-laws’ butter dishes and other culinary utensils in a drawer, I discovered an intriguing object. I put a fork next to it for scale so you could get an idea of its size. I looked to the kind people on the internet for some information because I had no idea what it was.
A hilarious suggestion was made that the bone belonged to a glass dog, an allegedly early 19th-century breed that was unable to survive due to its extremely short lifetime. Still, the more likely and widely accepted explanation is that it’s a knife rest.
In addition to being quite functional, a knife rest gives any eating area a sense of refinement. It is an item made to prevent a knife’s blade from coming into contact with a surface or tablecloth when the knife is not in use. This helps shield your lovely tablecloth from messes and stains, particularly at formal gatherings.
A perceptive commenter pointed out that their grandma had two of these and regularly hosted elaborate dinner parties. They remembered how, at Thanksgiving and other holiday feasts, they would use little crystal spoons to sprinkle salt from separate salt cellars over their plates. They bemoaned the apparent disappearance of customs such as these since younger people frequently lack the table manners to handle such ornate crockery.
After reading this, a different reader made the amusing comparison to a baby dumbbell and clarified that its actual use is to rest a knife so that it doesn’t smear the tablecloth. They made it clear that the butter knife, which is kept positioned across the bread plate, is not to be used with it.
Someone made the sad observation that some traditions are dying out and mentioned that younger people are more prone to throw away items that can’t be washed in the dishwasher because they value the convenience of contemporary equipment. Another viewer thanked the community for sharing their combined wisdom and expressed appreciation for learning about the item.
Knife rests are made of different materials and shapes. Crafted from metals, silver, porcelain, or other materials, they can be quite intricate or simple, providing both beauty and use. They can be a simple yet tasteful accent to a beautifully laid table.
Seeing so many people share their experiences and expertise about this issue is encouraging. Though our eating customs have changed throughout time, it’s always enjoyable to recall and occasionally even bring back these endearing customs from the past.
I now understand that the item I discovered in my in-laws’ drawer is, in fact, a knife rest. And the discussion about it not only taught me something new, but it also reminded me of wonderful times and customs that could be worthwhile to preserve.
I appreciate all of your thoughts and anecdotes. Being a member of this community that appreciates such exquisite and useful artifacts from the past is amazing.
