Top row: Gien Holly bowl with tree, Spode Christmas Tree tiered dessert, Vietri square plate and bowl 2nd row: Richard Ginori Merry Christmas china stacked, The Mustard Seed plate, Gien Holly plate on pierced charger 3rd row: Vietri plate with three trees, Art Italica serving bowl, Spode Christmas Tree plates Bottom row: Spode serving dish, Vietri Santa plate and mug, Bernardaud Grenadiers soldier motif china stacked, Vietri star plate with linen napkin Gien Holly, Vietri, Richard Ginori, Art Italica and Bernardaud Grenadiers, all available at non(e)such
Setting a festive table for Christmas is a Southern tradition lovingly passed from one generation to the next. Historically, heirloom china used for Christmas gatherings has not always been decorated with Christmas motifs. Nevertheless, these pieces have been reserved for the “most wonderful time of year” and hold special memories of Christmases past. Unboxing Grandmother’s favorite seasonal plates, punchbowl, eggnog mugs, or platter for the Christmas roast can spark holiday spirits for hosting gatherings and carrying out party traditions.
Already by Thanksgiving, stores display a multitude of china options made exclusively for the Christmas season. Richard Ginori, Spode, and Bernardaud are a few of the elegant china houses offering exquisite patterns of holly, trees, and even soldiers. Companies such as Vietri, Gien, and Art Italica produce more casual images with Santa and woodland trees while The Mustard Seed includes scripture on its china. Casual pieces — ranging from serving bowls, platters, spoon rests, and mugs for cocoa — are affordable and ideal gifts.
Take time to peruse shops for table linens that will accentuate your pieces at a joyous soiree. Add a little holly, an amaryllis, a poinsettia, or a spruce as a centerpiece; some mulling spices for an inviting aroma of Christmas; and a playlist of holiday classics to set the mood. All combine to make the Christmas china, loaded with holiday treats, center stage at festive gatherings for another treasured memory.
