I would also guess buns. You put it in a basket, fill the holes with buns warm from the oven. Or...you put it in a basket with the room temp buns in their little holes, cover the top with a napkin, and warm it all up in the microwave.

Definitely, a bun warmer. Usually, Belgium made. I have 2-3 of them. You slip them into a silver basket -- I use a footed fruit bowl at times.

They are still being produced -- I have bought them as wedding gifts in the past for women that appreciate handmade things. Retail price depends on the amount of lace -- the last one I bought was $45. But I have bought them for as little as $3 at flea markets and antique shops.

Cathy

wow thanks for the replies....are there patterns available for this? I had originally done a google search and came up with nothing....thanks in advance