The Power of the Candy Dish

I was recently traveling in Virginia with friends and we stopped at a Cracker Barrel, not to eat, but to check out the items in the shop. While looking over the items in the "vintage" candy section, a friend pointed out the Christmas ribbon candy. "My mom always put this out at Christmas time," she said.

"So did mine!" I added, "but nobody ever ate it."

My friend could relate. "Neither did we!"

"I guess it was just for decoration, " I supposed, "but I can still remember the candy dish she served it on. It was shaped like a Christmas tree, with three separate compartments and a gold handle. I wonder whatever happened to that candy dish."

I have to admit, despite my recent attempts to clear my life of clutter, I wish I still had my mother's candy dish. My friend and I continued our discussion around the candy, recalling what our fathers' favorite candy was, and the candy we used to eat as children.

Candy is special. It is sweet and colorful. It invokes memories. We feel happy when we eat it. These are the reasons I keep a candy dish in my home, usually near the door so someone can pop a piece in their mouth or their pocket as they leave. Why not send someone off with a happy feeling?

Whose candy dish do you remember? Do you keep one in your home?