Candy Dishes Remain a Sweet Tradition for Southern Grandmothers

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Columnist John Moore reminisces about the tradition of Southern grandmothers keeping candy dishes filled with treats like orange slices, circus peanuts, and Boston Baked Beans on their living room coffee tables from the 1940s through the 1970s. The candy was originally meant for guests, but over time became more about family, especially for the grandchildren.

Why it matters

The candy dish tradition on Southern grandmothers' coffee tables reflects a bygone era of hospitality, family, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. While the practice has faded, it provides a nostalgic window into the cultural norms and values of the mid-20th century South.

The details

Moore describes how his own grandparents kept candy dishes stocked with favorites like frozen Zero bars, orange slices, circus peanuts, and Boston Baked Beans. The candy dishes were a fixture in living rooms, even though coffee was rarely served on the coffee tables. The dishes themselves were often ornate, heavy pressed glass that caught the light.

• The candy dish tradition dates back to the late 1800s, when etiquette books dictated that hostesses keep sweets on hand for visitors.
• The tradition was most prevalent from the 1940s through the 1970s in the American South.