If ever there were a butler who could keep the martinis flowing and the party sparkling, it was Holt-Howard’s Jeeves. With his sly grin, dapper bowtie, and impeccable manners, Jeeves wasn’t just a figment of 1960s mid-century cocktail-hour whimsy—he was immortalized in ceramic as one of Holt-Howard’s most charming characters.
Today, Jeeves is a prized collectible from the Pixieware family, and he embodies everything fabulous about the mid-century era: playful design, clever functionality, and a whole lot of personality.
A Brief History of Jeeves
Holt-Howard, the company behind so many kitschy treasures (think starry-eyed Santas, winking pixies, and pixieware condiment jars), introduced Jeeves in the early 1960s as part of their Pixieware barware line. Unlike condiment jars labeled “Mustard” or “Relish,” Jeeves was made for cocktail service.
The name “Jeeves” nods to the archetypal English butler—loyal, witty, and just a little mischievous. Holt-Howard brought that butler to life with an elongated ceramic head that doubled as a lid, lowered eyes that hinted at secrets, and his trademark phrase: “If you please.”
The Jeeves Collection
The Jeeves set isn’t just a single jar—it’s a whole ensemble ready to host your cocktail soirée:
1. Pixieware Condiment Jars
“Cherries if you please” – For sweet maraschinos, perfect for Manhattans or Shirley Temples.
“Olives if you please” – For those green cocktail olives that no martini is complete without.
“Onions if you please” – For crisp little cocktail onions, a Gibson’s best friend.
There are remarkable individuals with a golden touch, turning everything they touch into treasure, and Holt-Howard was one such person. He didn’t just dabble in pixieware; he made it famous. Pixieware is a unique ceramic pottery that has enchanted collectors and vintage enthusiasts worldwide.
Owning such Holt Howard pieces, you’ll appreciate their immense value. Holt-Howard’s creations remain sought-after today, with soaring prices. What makes pixieware so appealing, and how can you begin collecting Holt Howard’s masterpieces? Explore our price guide and collector tips to learn more!
Holt Howard Party Pixie
Collecting vintage Mid-Century modern kitsch ceramics offers unmatched enjoyment. At Crazy4Me, we’re passionate about vintage and kitsch and have curated exceptional Holt-Howard and pixieware pieces from the past six decades. For both experienced collectors and beginners, these items add delight and whimsy to any collection. Dive in and experience the magic—we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Vintage Napco Onion and Ketchup Pixieware Condiment JarsContinue reading →
Discover the charm of vintage 1950s mermaid and fish collectibles—history, makers, and tips for starting your own whimsical underwater collection. From sultry sirens lounging on seashells to playful ceramic fish with sparkling eyes, these mid-century treasures capture a world of fantasy and nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toes into the hobby, this guide will take you on a colorful journey through their history, the artists who brought them to life, and how you can build your own enchanting “under the sea” display.
I have always loved mermaids, and the 1950s were a time of great fascination with the mythical creatures. This blog post will discuss how to collect vintage mermaids from this era to decorate your home. My favorite mermaids are from the early 50s made by Norcrest, Napco, and Lefton. I love how whimsical they look on my bathroom walls. I’ll also share more of my favorite finds with you all in this post.
If you have items you think I might love, please fill out my Vintage Seller Form with details and photos. This helps me quickly see if your pieces are the perfect fit for my collection (and it’s way faster than going back and forth over email).
Have Vintage Goodies to Sell? Let’s Talk!
We welcome inquiries from throughout the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Northern California. Please contact us for more information.
Mid-Century • Kitschy • Retro • Whimsical • Atomic Age
Hi there! I’m Yasmina—collector, curator, and connoisseur of all things fabulously vintage. If you’re cleaning out grandma’s attic, downsizing, moving, or simply parting with items from the past, I’m always buying select vintage pieces—especially those bursting with charm, color, and mid-century flair.
🎯 I’m especially looking for:
🛋️ Mid-Century Modern Home Furnishings
Danish Modern pieces (Credenzas, Hutches, Chairs, Tables)
Space-age designs (Sculptural or fiberglass chairs, pod lamps)
Formica dinette sets in bold colors (red, turquoise, chrome!)
This summer has been full of firsts, fun, and fabulous mid-century atomic vignettes! Gary and I had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with two incredible antique shops right here in Sonoma County—Antique Harvest in Healdsburg and Antique Society in Sebastopol—to bring a little of our mid-century magic to their spaces. From window styling to themed showroom vignettes, we’ve been diving headfirst into the world of visual merchandising, and the response has been absolutely heartwarming!
A Retro Road Trip Window at Antique Harvest, Healdsburg
Antique Harvest Mid-Century Modern Atomic
Let’s start in Healdsburg, where we had the absolute privilege of collaborating with the incredible Carol Eagle, who owns Antique Harvest along with her husband Phil. Carol is truly the heart and soul of the shop—and one of the kindest, most generous people you’ll ever meet. Her deep knowledge of antiques, estate jewelry, and mid-century treasures is only matched by her sharp wit and warm, joyful spirit.
Carol brings so much care and humor into everything she does, and she’s the kind of shop owner who goes above and beyond to support her dealers—always cheering them on, sharing insights, and creating a welcoming space where everyone thrives.
Antique Harvest Mid-Century Modern Atomic
Designing the Mid-Century Summer Vacation window display with Carol was an absolute highlight for Gary and I. She’s a true vintage visionary and even contributed some fabulous pieces of her own, including atomic barware, classic 1950s books, and original records that added nostalgic depth and character to the scene. It was a beautiful collaboration that transformed the front of the shop into a vibrant, living postcard from the past.
Antique Harvest Mid-Century Modern Atomic
Gary and I rummaged through our storage units to find just the right pieces to bring the vintage road trip theme to life:
Our cherry red Formica dinette set (yes, we’re obsessed!)
The joy has been in the reactions. Because it’s the front window of the shop, we’ve had the unique pleasure of seeing people stop, smile, point, and even tear up as they reminisce.
We’ve heard so many sweet stories from visitors about growing up with these exact pieces in their homes—or at grandma’s! And for younger generations, it’s been all about the color, style, and “wow factor” of this atomic-era wonderland.
Antique Harvest Mid-Century Modern Atomic
If you’re in Northern California, be sure to stop by! Antique Harvest in Healdsburg, CA is open daily—and our vignette is still turning heads.
Atomic Summer Pop-Up at Antique Society, Sebastopol
Antique Society Mid-Century Modern Atomic Formica Chrome Table Chairs
Over in Sebastopol, we brought the heat (and plenty of chrome) with our Atomic Summer pop-up at Antique Society! We were delighted to be working closely with the shop’s inspiring owner, Angela Vidinsky. Collaborating with Angela on this theme was an absolute joy—she’s not only incredibly talented when it comes to color coordination, display, and visual storytelling, but she also brings a thoughtful, values-driven perspective to everything she does.
Hello, pottery enthusiasts and history buffs! Today, we’re diving into the company of PY Miyao Craze: Japan’s Best Novelty Ceramics in America, an iconic ceramics company that captured the hearts of Americans in the post-World War II era.
From whimsical figurines to elegant tableware, PY Miyao’s novelty ceramics have become highly sought-after collector’s items. Join us as we explore the company’s history, its introduction to American audiences, and the lasting impact of its unique designs.
PY Napco Green Apple Planter
The Birth of PY Miyao Japan Pottery
Established in the early 20th century, the PY Miyao Japan pottery company has its roots in the Aichi Prefecture, home to many renowned Japanese pottery centers. The company was named after its founder, Miyao Yoshida, whose initials PY stood for “Pottery Yoshida.” Miyao’s goal was to bring the artistry and craftsmanship of Japanese ceramics to a broader audience, both in Japan and abroad.
