A bonbonniere is a small lidded container, designed to store chocolates, sweets or biscuits. The word comes from the French "bonbon" (sweet) and became popular in the 19th century as a luxurious table piece. Today, bonbonnieres come in hand-painted ceramic, glass and brass – both as functional sweet containers and as decorative objects on the shelf. At Dims Studio you'll find both classic glass bonbonnieres from AU Maison and brass versions like Lucky Clover Circus.
Dims Studio's own figures: At Dims Studio, yellow, pink and green were among the most popular colours for AU Maison bonbonniere jars, and half of the items sold cost under 105 DKK (from November 2025 to October 2026, more than 100 items sold).
You've probably seen one on a shelf, a small lidded container, shaped like a miniature urn, a sphere, or a flower wreath. That's a bonbonniere. It looks decorative, but has a very specific function: to store chocolates and sweets in a way that's both practical and pretty. Here's the full story and guide.
What is a bonbonniere?
A bonbonniere is a small container with a fitted lid, originally designed to store chocolates or small sweets. It differs from an ordinary jar by being distinctly decorative, designed to stand out, not just to store things. The material is typically ceramic, glass or brass, and the height usually ranges from 8 to 15 cm.
The history behind the bonbonniere
The word "bonbon" is French and means "good-good", an affectionate term for sugar confectionery. The bonbonniere became part of the bourgeois home in France and spread to Denmark in the mid-1800s. It was originally a status symbol: a family with a beautiful bonbonniere in the parlour signalled both wealth and taste.
In the 1900s, the bonbonniere changed character, from an exclusive bourgeois piece of furniture to an everyday object, especially common on the breakfast table and as a host gift. Today, the bonbonniere has regained its status as a decorative design piece thanks to modern ceramicists and glassmakers.
Did you know? In 18th and 19th century France, it was common to serve bonbons from bonbonnieres at the end of dinner, as a kind of "amuse-bouche" signalling that the feast had come to an end. The practice lives on in the finest Danish restaurants.
Materials and types
At Dims Studio, bonbonnieres come in three main materials:
- Glass: Classic and transparent – you can see the contents from outside. Glass bonbonnieres from AU Maison are often mouth-blown with subtle colour nuances.
- Brass: More sculptural, often with a finely patinated surface. The Lucky Clover Circus jar is a modern classic.
- Ceramic: Hand-painted with characterful motifs: lemon, flowers, animal patterns.
Here's an overview of the three main materials bonbonnieres typically come in, and how they differ from one another.
| Material | Appearance | Care |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | Transparent, often mouth-blown with colour nuances | Dishwasher safe |
| Messing | Sculptural with a patinated surface | Requires hand washing |
| Ceramic | Hand-painted with motifs such as lemons, flowers and animals | Depends on the glaze |
Use and styling
- Classic use: chocolate confectionery, pralines, filled sweets, pastilles
- For everyday use: nuts, dried fruit, liquorice
- As storage: jewellery, coins, small keepsakes, keys
- As decoration: standing empty on the shelf, the shape alone has visual value
- In gift contexts: a filled bonbonnière is a classic host gift
How to choose a bonbonnière
- Size: 8-12 cm if you mainly use it decoratively. 12-18 cm if it needs to hold a real amount of sweets.
- Lid fit: A good lid sits tightly enough to keep moisture out, but can be lifted without resistance. Check the fit before you buy.
- Material match: Choose material to suit the rest of your décor, brass for the classic look, ceramic for the colourful look, glass for the transparent look.
- Care needs: Glass is dishwasher-safe, brass requires hand washing, ceramic depends on the glaze.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a bonbonnière and a sweet jar?
A bonbonnière is typically smaller, more decorative and has a fitted lid, it's designed to work both as a container AND as an ornament. A sweet jar is often larger and purely functional. The bonbonnière has its own place in serving settings at the table or on the shelf.
What do you typically keep in a bonbonnière?
Classic: chocolate confectionery, small pralines and filled sweets. Many also use it for pastilles, liquorice, almonds or even jewellery and small keepsakes. Since it's sealed and decorative, it's flexible.
Where does the bonbonnière originate from?
The word comes from the French "bonbon" (sweet) and came to Denmark via the French bourgeoisie in the 1800s. It was originally a status symbol, bourgeois families displayed wealth through their bonbonnière collection in the parlour.
Are bonbonnières dishwasher-safe?
Glass bonbonnières from manufacturers like AU Maison are typically dishwasher-safe. Brass versions should be hand washed to preserve the patina and finish. Always check the care instructions for the individual product.
How big is a typical bonbonnière?
Most are 8-15 cm tall with a diameter of 8-12 cm. Mini versions go down to 6 cm, great as a small decoration or for a single portion of sweets. Larger party bonbonnières can be up to 25 cm.
Summary
A bonbon dish isn't necessary or traditional everyday kitchenware, but that's exactly what makes it valuable. It tells a story, it works as a little piece of art on the shelf, and it holds the sweet treats without hiding them away. A well-chosen bonbon dish stays in the home for decades.
Read also
Explore our range of bonbon dishes and jars, from mouth-blown glass to handmade brass.