The build up towards Christmas is half the fun. It’s about tradition, anticipation and celebration. And the memories. In fact, there are two memory triggers that tug at my heart strings each and every year.
The first trigger is my holiday decorations. Some are made by the kids, some are from my mother’s house and others are pieces that I’ve collected over the years that make our home warm, personal and festive.
The second trigger is bringing out my Christmas dinnerware. It’s like eating on a present! It feels special and familiar and new all at the same time.
With all the choices in Christmas dinnerware, it’s easy to not know where you fit.
You might like iconic decor, but not too much. You might have inherited some pieces from your grandmother, but how to add to an heirloom pattern? Maybe you are stuck in between a formal set and casual breakfast pieces. I have a few tips in selecting holiday dinnerware, but they are just guidelines for you and your own personal style.
This year we have launched our new Toy’s Delight Christmas pattern. Yes, it’s traditional, but it also has the signature Villeroy & Boch stamp of mix and match. It comes in green and red, so you control the color and combination. We love the scalloped edges and the well-proportioned serving pieces. It has a great weight and feel and can easily dress up or down. If you are into tradition and iconic Christmas style, this is the pattern for you.
Pictured from left to right. On Cellini: Toy’s Delight Red Salad Plate. Shown on Home Elements: Bakery Delight Salad Plate. Shown on Country Heritage: Toy’s Fantasy Small Bowl and Toy’s Delight Red Salad Plate.
Holiday plates can live with your every day dinnerware with ease. If you own a white pattern, colorful salad plates add a pop of color and whimsy.
Pictured from left to right. Shown on Anmut Platinum: Toy’s Delight Red Salad, Toy’s Delight Cake Plate (as a charger) and Toy’s Delight Green Salad.
We love a formal table any time, but during Christmas it is all the more special.
Nice linens and candles keep the table formal, but these colorful layers make it more fun and festive. Even though the bone china body is delicate, it’s okay to layer a slightly thicker plate below or on top. Layering with chargers is a great idea for those who serve a lot of courses!
Pictured from left to right. Shown: Bakery Delight 10.5” Apple Baker Plate Shown on Urban Nature: Bakery Delight 6” Pastry Plate
If your style is modern, pair your china pattern with complementary shapes. Your challenge is to bring the color to the table…so go for the vibrant centerpiece of amazing flowers and ornaments. Layering in glass and subtle designs will help keep the table festive.
Pictured from left to right. Shown on Festive Memories Dinner: Toy’s Delight Green Salad Plate and Toy’s Fantasy Small Bowl Shown with Festive Memories Salad and Bread & Butter: Toy’s Delight Green and Red Dinner Plates Shown with Petite Fleur Dinner: Toy’s Delight Cake Plate (as charger), Toy’s Delight Salad Plates in Red and Green.
One might think the biggest challenge of all would be to coordinate with a family heirloom or a favorite that you’ve owned for years. The good news is that the colors and themes of Christmas dinnerware is pretty consistent, so layering in salad plates with grandma’s heirlooms should work nicely.
If it’s important to you that you have Grandma’s plates at the table, then work them in, even if you own scant pieces. A complimentary pattern will highlight any heirlooms you own.
The above picture shows an old Villeroy & Boch pattern Festive Memories. (Collectors stay seated, we are not bringing it back, it is here as an example.) We know a lot of our readers own this pattern and we love how it layers with our current assortment. Even Petite Fleur (bottom row) easily gets dressed for the occasion.
