Christmas Cheer: Classic China For The Holidays

Classic Christmas china patterns are a beloved part of the holiday decorating process. Whether you're looking to complete your collection or start a new one, there are many patterns to choose from. Some of the most popular patterns include Spode's Christmas Tree, Johnson Brothers' Merry Christmas, and Royal Albert's Old Country Roses Christmas Tree. These brands have spent decades perfecting their Christmas patterns, and their classic designs are sure to bring cheer to your table.

Classic Christmas China patterns

Spode Christmas Tree

One of the most recognisable Christmas dinnerware sets, Spode's Christmas Tree pattern has been a staple on holiday tables since its introduction in 1928. It features a distinctive green trim and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, often accented with gold. Spode also offers variations on this classic, such as the Christmas Tree Garland, trimmed with festive bells and boughs of fir.

Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles Pink Christmas

Johnson Brothers combines their traditional Old Britain Castle Pink dinnerware design with festive elements like Christmas trees, green accents, and the man in the red suit, creating a unique and charming Christmas china pattern.

Royal Worcester Holly Ribbons

This festive pattern features holly ribbons and was produced from 1987 to 2012. It includes a full range of pieces, from bowls and mugs to serving pieces, making it a versatile option for holiday entertaining.

Lenox Winter Greetings

Lenox's Winter Greetings pattern captures the essence of winter with its depiction of backyard birds nestled among evergreen, holly, and mistletoe. First produced in 1995, this bone china pattern adds a touch of elegance to any Christmas table.

Mikasa Merry Christmas

Mikasa's Merry Christmas pattern is a delightful gold-rimmed bone china set that was produced from 1987 to 1997. It features a Victorian village scene with three children admiring the town square tree, bringing a sense of nostalgia to the holiday season.

Fitz & Floyd St. Nicholas

This holiday classic, produced from 1978 to 1996, features gold trim and a festive garland of Christmas greenery, ornaments, and candy canes. It embodies the spirit of the season and is perfect for those who enjoy a more whimsical approach to their holiday decor.

These classic Christmas china patterns offer a wonderful way to bring cheer and personality to your holiday table, creating lasting memories for years to come.

Christmas in China

In China, Christmas is often viewed as a romantic occasion, similar to Valentine's Day, with young couples exchanging gifts and planning dates. It is also a time for friends to get together and go out, with many choosing to go shopping, ice skating, or to karaoke bars and cinemas.

To stimulate consumption, shops and shopping malls hold promotional activities and sales, with many stores decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and other festive ornaments. Santa Claus, known as 'Sheng Dan Lao Ren' or 'Old Christmas Man' in Mandarin, is a common sight, and it is traditional to eat apples on Christmas Eve. This is because the Mandarin word for apple, "ping guo", sounds similar to the word for peace, and Christmas Eve is known as "ping'an ye", or "peaceful night".

In Hong Kong and Macau, Christmas is a public holiday and is celebrated in a more traditional way, influenced by their British and Portuguese history.

Christmas China sets

Spode Christmas Tree Dinnerware Set

Spode's Christmas Tree Dinnerware Set is one of the most recognisable Christmas dinnerware sets on the market. First produced in 1928, it features a distinctive green trim and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The set is made of fine earthenware and is both microwave and dishwasher safe. It typically includes dinner plates, salad plates, and mugs, and can be found on Amazon and Wayfair.

Mikasa Holiday Traditions Dinnerware Set

This 16-piece dinnerware set from Mikasa is perfect for those who want to deck their halls in style. The set features holly dancing along gold-rimmed edges and is available in 16, 32, and 48-piece sets, perfect for larger families or holiday parties. It is also dishwasher safe and can be purchased on Amazon, Wayfair, or the Mikasa website.

Royal Albert Old Country Roses Christmas Tree

Introduced in 2012, this elegant set adds a touch of charm to your holiday table. You can choose to add just a salad plate to your existing set or start fresh with the entire ensemble. It is available for purchase on Amazon, Wayfair, and Macy's.

Pfaltzgraff Christmas Heirloom

This charming stoneware set from Pfaltzgraff features a cheerful motif of white flowers, red berries, and greenery. It would look lovely on its own or mixed with an existing collection. Produced from 1984 to 1993, it can be found on Replacements.

Lenox Winter Greetings

This bone china pattern from Lenox is perfect for those who want a touch of nature on their holiday table. First produced in 1995, it features a variety of wintertime backyard birds nestled among evergreen, holly, and mistletoe. It can be purchased on Replacements.

The Pioneer Woman 12-Piece Merry Meadow Stoneware Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for something a little more modern, The Pioneer Woman's 12-piece Merry Meadow set is a great option. It features Ree's signature florals with touches of holiday cheer, perfect for a merry tablescape. The set can be purchased at Walmart.

Christmas China Dinnerware Sets

Spode Christmas Tree Dinnerware Set

Spode's Christmas Tree Dinnerware Set is one of the most recognisable Christmas dinnerware sets available. First produced in 1928 and still in production today, the set features a distinctive green trim and the gold standard of decorated Christmas trees. You can find a variation produced from 2006 to 2012 called Christmas Tree Garland, trimmed with festive bells and boughs of fir. A 12-piece dinnerware set, including dinner plates, salad plates, and mugs, is available on Amazon for $150. Portmeirion also offers a set of four 10.5-inch dinner plates in this pattern for $87.99.

Mikasa Holiday Traditions Dinnerware Set

If you're looking for something a little more whimsical, the Mikasa Holiday Traditions Dinnerware Set might be the perfect choice. This set features holly dancing along the gold-rimmed edges of the plates. This 16-piece dinnerware set, which serves four, is available on Amazon for $149. A 32-piece and 48-piece set is also available for larger families or those who like to host big holiday parties.

Royal Albert Old Country Roses Christmas Tree

For a more classic and elegant option, consider the Royal Albert Old Country Roses Christmas Tree set. Introduced in 2012, you can add a salad plate to your existing Old Country Roses set or start fresh with the entire ensemble. A five-piece place setting can be purchased from wedgwood.com for $132.

Pfaltzgraff Christmas Heirloom

This charming stoneware set from Pfaltzgraff, produced from 1984 to 1993, would be a lovely addition to your holiday table. It features a cheerful motif of white flowers, red berries, and greenery. You can find this set on Replacements.

Johnson Brothers The Friendly Village

If you're looking for a more traditional option, Johnson Brothers' The Friendly Village pattern is known for its charming depictions of idyllic village scenes. While this pattern represents the village in all four seasons, the winter scenes look particularly at home on a holiday table. You can find this set on Replacements.

Noritake "Holly and Berry"

Available on Wayfair for $200, this dainty white porcelain set from Noritake features a holly and berry motif. The set includes dinnerware for four guests, and a red napkin or charger can help to play up the timeless design around each plate's rim.

Christmas China Storage

Christmas china is often passed down through generations, so it's important to take good care of it. Here are some tips for storing your Christmas china to keep it in pristine condition:

Clean and Dry Your China Before Storing

It is important to wash your Christmas china by hand, even if it is dishwasher-safe. Use a gentle, non-abrasive soap and warm water to clean each piece. Rinse the soap off thoroughly and dry the china with a soft cloth. Make sure that the china is completely dry before storing it.

Use Proper Storage Containers

Store your Christmas china in a well-padded container such as a china storage box or a divided cardboard box. You can also wrap each piece individually in acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap and then place them in a sturdy box. Avoid using newspaper as it can leave ink stains on your china.

Create a Soft Environment

Line your storage container with a layer of soft fabric or acid-free tissue paper to create a cushion for your china. You can also place a layer of fabric or tissue paper between each piece of china to prevent them from scratching or chipping.

Store in a Cool, Dry Location

It is best to store your Christmas china in a cool, dry, and dark location. Attics, basements, and garages can be too hot, cold, or humid, which can damage your china over time. A temperature-controlled environment, such as a closet or cabinet, is ideal.

Handle with Care

Always handle your Christmas china with care. Avoid stacking the pieces on top of each other, as this can cause chipping. Instead, store them in a single layer or use dividers to separate and protect them. When placing the china in the storage container, put heavier pieces on the bottom and lighter, more delicate pieces on top.

Label and Inventory Your China

Create a list of all the pieces of Christmas china you own and label each box or container. This will make it easier to find specific items when you need them and will help ensure that you don't lose any pieces. You can also include a content list inside each box for quick reference.

By following these storage tips, you can help ensure that your Christmas china stays in excellent condition for many years to come.

Frequently asked questions