Glass decanters were born out of necessity to decant, or pour, filter and oxygenate wine. Their various shapes also have a purpose, such as those designed with very large bases so as to not tip over while traveling on a ship. But beyond that, says collector Larry Jordan, owner of Little Rock’s Fabulous Finds Antiques, their appearance is largely ornamental. “The fancier the decanters were, the more impressive,” he says. “It was a sign of wealth.”

Jordan, however, doesn’t collect decanters for their monetary value or to hold liquor. “What I’m after,” he says, “is a unique look that no one else has.” He offers a plethora of original ideas for decorating with and using decanters.

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