Spode Christmas Tree China: A Holiday Classic
For generations, the distinctive Christmas tree with its whimsical ornaments and presents on crisp white earthenware with a green rim has decorated holiday tables around the world. Spode Christmas Tree china represents more than just dinnerware—it's a cherished family heirloom that connects generations, inspires creativity through holiday home decor, and even finds a new upcycled life in handmade Christmas broken china jewelry.
Origins and Evolution: History of Spode Christmas Tree
The story of Spode Christmas Tree begins in 1938 when the renowned Spode pottery company introduced this now-iconic pattern. Founded by Josiah Spode in 1770 in Stoke-on-Trent, England, the company had already established itself as a leader in fine china and innovative ceramic techniques.
The Spode Christmas Tree pattern features a charming green Christmas tree adorned with colorful and whimsical ornaments, wrapped gifts beneath the tree, and topped with a charming Santa. The scene also includes delightful details such as a small yellow house, lanterns, a toy soldier, a teddy bear, a doll, two birds, all nestled among the tree's branches.
Created on Spode's signature white earthenware called "Imperialware," a high quality earthenware made of premium clay, the pattern was originally outline printed from a hand engraved copper plate and then hand colored, but the patterns changed from transfer printing and hand painting to slide-off lithography around 1962. Each piece in the early years received individual hand-coloring attention, though modern production uses more automated processes.
Drawing inspiration from Victorian Christmas traditions, the pattern captured the nostalgic charm of generations past. During World War II, production was temporarily paused, making pre-war pieces particularly sought after by collectors today. When production resumed, the pattern's popularity soared, particularly in America where it became a staple of holiday entertaining. Over the decades, variations in tree size, ornament colors, and different backstamps help collectors identify and date pieces from various production periods. The pattern continues to evolve with special annual collections featuring different colored rims and unique seasonal pieces, making it one of the longest-running patterns in Spode's history.
Examples of annual Spode Christmas Tree's collector plates
Creating Magic: Decorating the Holiday Table
Setting a table with Spode Christmas Tree china is an art that goes beyond simply placing dishes. The green tree and white background provide an excellent foundation for both traditional and contemporary color schemes. Deep reds work beautifully for a classic look, while silver and gold accents create a more modern approach. A crisp white tablecloth provides the perfect backdrop, while textured napkins in complementary colors add warmth. The white background of the plate reflects candlelight beautifully, creating a warm, inviting glow.
Wearing Your Memories: The Art of Broken China Jewelry
For collectors who want to carry their love of Spode Christmas Tree china beyond the dining room, eclectiQuas Christmas broken china jewelry collection offers a beautiful way to incorporate this cherished pattern into your personal style. "Broken china jewelry" is the art of meticulously cutting pieces of china and porcelain to create handmade, upcycled jewelry. eclectiQuas uses only sterling silver and gold plated sterling silver settings and chains, as well as quality embellishments such as freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and vintage beads. This ensures that each piece is heirloom quality, and can be handed down from one generation to the next.
Creating jewelry from Spode Christmas Tree china allows enthusiasts to celebrate their passion for the pattern in a deeply personal way. Each piece becomes a tangible connection to treasured holiday memories and family traditions, whether it's remembering grandmother's Christmas table or celebrating your own family's festive traditions.
Beyond the Holiday Table
Spode Christmas Tree china represents the perfect intersection of craftsmanship and tradition. From its origins in 1930s England to both its place on modern holiday tables and in contemporary jewelry designs, this pattern continues to evolve while maintaining its charm.
Whether you're setting an elegant Christmas dinner table, adding to a treasured collection, or exploring creative ways to celebrate the pattern through jewelry, Spode Christmas Tree china offers endless possibilities for celebration and creativity. In a world of mass-produced goods, for many, the Spode Christmas Tree pattern is a meaningful china design that represents family history and cherished memories, all created around the holiday table.
