The Top 9 Timelessly Popular Retro Holiday Dinnerware Plates
It's time to unleash the goodies! No matter how you arrange your holiday setting, a mix of valuable Christmas plates will undeniably add a nostalgic, festive charm. Whether you decide to use your late grandmother's china or shop for investments at the local flea market, these character-filled vintage plates bring drama and style to your holiday dining set up.
Regardless of how you display them, these nine vintage Christmas plate designs are some of our most iconic choices. You can collect them in sets or combine heirlooms with thrift store finds - after all, variety is the secret ingredient.
J & G Meakin: Welcome Back Design
British ironstone makers J & G Meakin introduced the 'Welcome Back' pattern in the 1920s, targeting the American market. The idyllic country home scene adorning their surface sets the perfect atmosphere for a cozy winter dinner. Pair a decorative salad plate with a simple stoneware dinner plate, or accent your dishware with a solid charger or placemat. The elaborate detail on this design demands restraint - no need for other patterns. This set typically costs around $40 per dinner plate.
Rosina China Co.: Yuletide Theme
This fine bone china maker, Rosina China Co., sold the 'Yuletide' pattern under its Queens brand. Featuring a festive Christmas design, complete with holly, berries, and pine cones, this plate showcases classic winter greenery. Pair it with a larger green or red dinner plate (like the green and gold Wedgwood plate illustrated here) or a solid charger. Plates in this pattern sell for around $30 per dinner plate.
Noritake: Metallic Collection
The metallic glaze on these Noritake porcelain dishes provides an iridescent effect that became popular in Europe during the late 19th century. Its glossy exterior will sparkle at your holiday table, thanks to its icy-like appearance. Consider these an upgraded version of solid-color dishes; they're a sophisticated way to complement a patterned dinner plate (like the blue and white Hautin Boulenger & Cie plate shown here). Metallic-glazed plates can be found for about $10 per dinner plate.
Spode: Tower Blue Pattern
The iconic 'Tower Blue' pattern, initially introduced in the early 1800s, was based on a book illustration and produced in various colorways. This attention-grabbing dinner plate will make your Christmas feast setting more exquisite with its vibrant blues and textured edges. Due to its popularity, you can usually find original pieces in this design for about $50 per dinner plate.
Noritake: Platinum Wave Pattern
The classic 'Platinum Wave' pattern from Noritake is still in production and may even be in your mother's china cabinet! Its minimalistic approach to formal dishware accommodates a more relaxed atmosphere with sweeping waves that create a striking, yet elegant presentation. Look for these for around $24 per dinner plate; however, you might be able to find secondhand pieces for significantly less.
Wedgwood: Crown Emerald Pattern
From renowned bone china manufacturer, Wedgwood, the 'Crown Emerald' features solid bands showcasing fancier motifs. Its golden edges and shimmering gold accents add a lively pop to your dinner table that mirrors a decorative charger. Production on this collection ended in 1998, but you may still be able to find pieces (or even an entire set!) secondhand - they make a beautiful and unique addition to your holiday table setting. Typically, these pieces sell for around $80 per dinner plate.
Pfaltzgraff: Winterberry Pattern
Still in production, Pfaltzgraff's 'Winterberry' stoneware is an inexpensive way to incorporate a touch of Christmas into your setting. Its design features a green border with holly berries and branches, making it an elegant and affordable option. Elevate this dinnerware by pairing it with fine china or keep the relaxed feel by using a simple charger or placemat. These dishes can usually be found for about $10 per dinner plate.
Hautin Boulenger & Cie: Old Tin Ware Pattern
The antique 'Old Tin Ware' French stoneware, made by Hautin Boulenger & Cie (also known as HB&Cie) between about 1850 and 1920, is crafted from a durable pottery material called terre de fer. The blue stripes on this traditional design give your meal an authentic winter aesthetic for a charming and rustic table. Pieces in this collection typically sell for about $30 per plate.
Burgess & Leigh: Oriental Pheasants Pattern
The timeless beauty of this 'Oriental Pheasants' transferware, second only to the 'Willow' pattern, remains popular today. Add an air of elegance to any dinner table with its charming florals and soft blue tone. Pieces from this set can usually be found for around $30 per dinner plate.
- For a truly festive Christmas decor, consider incorporating vintage-inspired dishes like the 'BHG' collection's 'Welcome Back' design from J & G Meakin, which features a nostalgic country home scene that will perfectly complement your seasonal decorating.
- As you plan your Christmas holidays entertaining, don't forget to include some classic Christmas Decor like the 'Old Tin Ware' pattern from Hautin Boulenger & Cie, which brings a charming and rustic touch to your Christmas dining set up.
- If you're looking for some Christmas Planning Tips to elevate your holiday table setting, consider investing in high-quality Christmas plates such as the 'Crown Emerald' pattern from Wedgwood, which adds a lively pop of gold accents that will beautifully complement your Christmas Decor and Holidays Entertaining.
