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Stepping into Copenhagen’s Studio Force Majeure earlier this month during the city’s annual design festival, the first thing I saw was curls of Tête de Moine cheese, red currants, and blackberries perched just so in stainless steel coupes. It made me think: Why hadn’t I thought to put a cheese plate in a metal ice cream bowl before? And I couldn’t help but notice these tiny tabletop treats pop up again and again. I saw them on a visit to the Gubi showroom, piled high with lemon verbena panna cotta at the end of a meal celebrating the brand’s UNICEF partnership. And then at the Roe Bar, displayed on equally shiny counters, where I stopped in for an espresso and to check out Louise Roe’s newest pieces, like the Loft lamp and S.R. metal tableware. The bar uses its own designs for caviar, oysters, and snacks.
Stainless steel dessert bowls and cocktail coupes have long been a staple for cold sweets and champagne, but I have to admit I’d never seen them as a home to individual servings of cheese. It made me imagine other left-of-field fillings: a petite aioli with crudités, whipped butter, a pile of edibles for the table (you do you!). And then I went down an Internet rabbit hole to search for what’s on the market these days—here are nine favorites.
Hay Italian Ice Bowl
Hay Italian Ice Bowl
Nordic Nest
To no one’s surprise, Danish brand Hay’s Italian ice cup was the one I saw over and over in Copenhagen. For some reason, Design Within Reach (Hay’s U.S. retailer) doesn’t carry them, but we found them at Nordic Nest and Finnish Design Shop. Made from stainless steel in Italy, the cup’s coupelike shape, slim stem, and tiered base are elegant yet easygoing.
Vintage Stainless Steel Dessert Cups
Letang Remy French Vintage Stainless Steel Ice Cream Coupes, Set of 6
Etsy
If you’re seeking a vintage set of these cups, Etsy’s the place to look. There are thousands of entries, some glossy, others with patterns, and lots of unique shapes. Hot tip: French heritage brand Létang Rémy is the name to know; it pops up here regularly.
Hapivida Ice Cream Cups, Set of 4
Hapivida Ice Cream Cups, Set of 4
Amazon
Amazon is not stocked with this style of dish, but of what’s on offer, we liked these for a budget buy. Made from stainless steel with a wide bowl and long stem, the tall set of four comes in at just $22.
CB2 Emporia Stainless Steel Coupe Cocktail Glass
Emporia Stainless Steel Coupe Cocktail Glass
CB2
CB2’s version takes things up a notch with an extra-tall stem. Inspired by vintage silver barware, it’s made from stainless steel with silver-plated lacquer, which means there’s some color variation. Anything you put in one of these will instantly look classy.
Louise Roe Champagne Coupes
Louise Roe Champagne Coupes
Net-A-Porter
There’s some rocker glam to Louise Roe’s champagne coupes. The extra-wide brim, chunky stem, and slightly domed base combine to create an object that would make anyone feel cool sneaking a spoonful from. They’re pricey, for sure, but that’s no reason not to ogle them.
Reheyre Stainless Steel Wineglass
Reheyre Stainless Steel Wineglass
Walmart
Another affordable find: these wide-mouth glasses from Walmart meant for wine and cocktails. Two scoops of ice cream would probably fit in the deep bowl; you could also drop popcorn or nuts in them to scatter about during a party.
Angoily Mini Dessert Bowls, Set of 2
Angoily Mini Dessert Bowls, Set of 2
Amazon
This shallow shape would be ideal for fresh fruit or a savory salad. The jewel-shaped base lends a little extra oomph to the design, and it actually comes in three separate heights. You get two for under $30.
Vollrath Stainless Steel Sherbet Dish
Vollrath Stainless Steel Sherbet Dish
Westaurant Store
While not suspended atop a stem, there are several versions of squat metal dessert cups available at Webstaurant Store, a hospitality industry secret source. Isn’t this vintage-esque version adorable? And at these prices, you won’t worry about the mirror finish getting scratched. In fact, that’ll just add to the charm.
Schiavon Inglese Ice Cream Cup
Schiavon Inglese Ice Cream Cup
Artemest
I’m not going to tell you to spend $220 on an ice cream cup, but isn’t this version from Schiavon exquisite? You can actually get it engraved with a coat of arms (!) or monogram.