How to Decorate with Trophies and Vintage Loving Cups
I have more collections than I can count, but one of my absolute favorites is my collection of trophies and vintage loving cups. I’m sharing creative loving cup display ideas and a little history behind these beauties. Often engraved with the occasion, the date, and the winners name, they are a piece of the past that were once cherished by their owners and I’m happy to continue cherishing these one of a kind objects.
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Huge Selection of Vintage Loving Cups Here
What is a Loving Cup?
A loving cup is a large ornamental drinking vessel. It is commonly used as a presentation trophy or as a shared drinking container at ceremonial events. Loving cups usually feature two handles, and are made of silver.
History of Loving Cups
Loving cups date back way back Saxon times (pre 1066). Legend says that King Edward the Martyr was murdered while drinking. He lifted his cup with both hands which left him vulnerable to attack. Because of this, it became customary that when anyone stood to drink, they would have a companion stand with them. The companion would protect the person as they drank.
Who knew having a cocktail could be so dangerous?!
What Do Loving Cups Symbolize?
In the past, at weddings, banquets, or meetings, a loving cup might be shared by a number of people for ceremonial drinking, symbolizing friendship and unity.
Because of the special meaning of loving cups, they became a popular shape for trophies.
My favorites are the ones that are engraved with details of the event, the date and of course, it’s always fun to know the winners name!
I love giving my loving cups a new look for different seasons. They become the perfect “tree stands” when holding bottle brush trees.
Display Tip: Group smaller objects or collections together on a tray. This makes a bunch of small things read as one big thing visually which means it feels less cluttered.
What looks better displayed in a vintage collection than another vintage collection! I like to think outside the box when creating displays and these folding yardsticks are so fun peeking out of the loving cups.
A few years ago, this giant loving cup got a place of honor on my hearth. It’s the perfect stand for a bouquet of hydrangeas and a big white pumpkin.
I’ve also used this loving cup to hold my cooking utensils. It’s so much more fun to use something so pretty and unique in a functional way.
Cheers! I like mixing in old champagne buckets into my displays as well. You can often find engraved buckets which make them much more interesting! Congrats M. Colner on your big win at the Braidburn Country Club in 1975!
Of course, I had to add this massive loving cup to my collection! This vintage style champagne bucket is so much fun to use for chilling drinks, or as a planter.
What’s not to love about loving cups?
