The butler’s pantry is a service room between a kitchen and dining room, typically equipped with counters, a sink, and storage space for china and silver. The origin of the butler’s pantry was between 1810-1820. Our butler’s pantry fits that definition to a tee.
The only thing missing in our butler’s pantry is the butler. I would really like a butler.
Above is a typical day in the butler’s pantry-messy and unorganized. There is tall upper storage on either side, a sink in the middle and the original wood countertops. Several drawers are below on both sides as well.
This weekend I decided to clean and organize this pantry.
The original shelf paper was rubber and started to break down (since I first did this nearly 17 years ago). I replaced it with Con-Tact, a non-self adhesive fabric with a non-slip grip purchased at The Container Store.
I washed each and every glass, got rid of the chipped, cracked and mismatched ones. I rediscovered items I loved but had overlooked. This project took so much longer than I anticipated, but everything sparkles and is in place.
The drawers below hold everything from napkins to candles.
Each drawer is labeled which helps me put things back where they belong. I love my labeler.
There is flat storage for trays and behind the skirt under the sink, I keep large vases for flowers.
Living in an historical home can offer some experiences of what has come before. The countertop on either side of the sink is marked with cigarette burns~~my assumption is that back in the day one would lay down their cigarette to make a cocktail or wash a glass.
After I completely reorganized the left side of the pantry, I tackled the right side, which holds some of my china.
And my pots de creme collection (as if I make pots de creme all the time!!!)….
I have too many sets of china and most of the dinnerware is stored in the basement.
Here are the after photos. Sorry for the quality as I took it early this morning them rather low light.
This project took nearly 3 days to complete as I found many pieces of silver that needed polishing, crystal needing washing, plus the sorting and organizing part. Now I know why people had butlers to do all this work!
I wish I had a butler too! LOL This is such a nice feature as it seems really great for entertaining! The “after” looks very clean and organized. Thank you for sharing this vintage feature of Bella Terra! Bella Terra is so cool and beautiful!
You can have a butler…for a slight fee. ; )
Oh, wouldn’t I LOVE one!!!!