Summer Catering: Antique Partyware from Alfies

Summer has finally arrived! Temperatures have been soaring this week and with that has come the clinking of Pimms glasses and the smell of the barbecue. If you're planning a picnic, barbecue or summer party this weekend - or want to be prepared for the next mini-heatwave (after all, it's impossible to predict) - then Alfies is a great place to stock up on vintage and antique drinkware and picnicware. A vintage dinner set or water set adds interest and a touch of class to a garden table, so get rid of that plastic atrocity you've had in the cupboard for years, and take a look at what Alfies has on offer.

We have found a great selection of glasses, pitchers and more from some of our dealers here at Alfies, here are our favourites:

1920s/30s American Art Deco Chrome plated cocktail shaker with engraved recipes. From Andy's Antiques & Collectables.

As above.

1920s 1930s Art Deco Whitefriars sapphire blue glass jug and glass set with silver plate drink stirrers. From Robinson Antiques.

1920s/30s English Art Deco green alabaster glass water set. From Robinson Antiques.

1930s silverplate and Bakelite cherry pot with cherry cocktail sticks. From Beth.

1940s red and cream Bakelite ice bucket. From Beth.

1950s Whitefriars ruby glass mixer jug. From Robinson Antiques.

An Ace At Alfies

Wimbledon is well under way and with the sun shining, strawberries ripe and champagne flowing, who will be crowned champion this year? 

The Championships Wimbledon, also known as Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It has been held at the AELTC, the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, since 1877 and to many is widely considered the most prestigious tennis competition. It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the others being; the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open. Since the Australian Open shifted to hard court in 1988, Wimbledon is the only major still played on grass.

The tournament takes place over two weeks in late June and early July, culminating with the Ladies' and Gentlemen's Singles Final, scheduled for the second Saturday and Sunday respectively. Five major, junior, and invitational events are held each year. Wimbledon traditions include a strict dress code for competitors, the eating of strawberries and cream by the spectators, and Royal patronage.

At Alfies we have plenty to cause a racket about, and you will love the wide range of antiques and vintage collectables we have to serve for your Wimbledon experience - from champagne coupes and picnic baskets to rare tennis rackets.

 The official 'The Championships Wimbledon' logo

Two 1940's tennis rackets with original Dunlop stretchers and carrying bag. Offered by Paola & Iaia - The Originals

A vintage Whipshaft tennis racket. Offered by Paola & Iaia - The Originals

A 1930s La Belle and early 20th century Queen's tennis racket. Offered by Paola & Iaia - The Originals

A collection of vintage tennis books from the 1960s and 1970s. Offered by Paola & Iaia - The Originals

A collection of tennis brooches. A silver 1950s tennis racket and ball brooch, a 1950s metal double racket pin and a 1960s Léa Stein colourful pair of tennis rackets brooch. Offered by Paola & Iaia - The Originals

Come rain or come shine, it's one of the signs that the English summer is here and Wimbledon would not be the same without its iconic strawberries and cream. The tradition of the red fruit remains part of the tournament so much so that 28,000kg of them are eaten each year. The most likely explanation of the tradition seems to be a combination of circumstances - as strawberries were in season at the time of the tournament - and the fact that during the Victorian era they were the fashionable thing to eat. They were part of afternoon tea, a daily ritual, and that carried over to Wimbledon.

A pair of mid-century carved coral strawberry and jade leaf earrings with gold wires and half pearl stones.
Offered by Gareth Brooks

A 1950s single wheel cut champagne coupe with strawberries. Offered by Robinson Antiques

A 1950s picnic set. Offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

Be sure to enjoy one of our delicious home made afternoon teas at our Roof Top Kitchen and enjoy the sunshine on the roof terrace.

Wonderful hand made cakes available at the Roof Top Kitchen on our 3rd floor at Alfies