For many in the South the holiday scene feels incomplete without setting the table with Spode’s iconic Christmas Tree china. Its familiar green rim, colorful ornament-illustrated center, and nostalgic charm make it as essential as family recipes or cherished heirlooms in Southern homes .
A Story Steeped in Tradition
First produced in 1938 by Spode specifically for the U.S. market, the design was created by Harold Holdway under the request of Sydney Thompson, Spode’s American representative .
Since its official launch, the pattern has remained the best-selling holiday china in the U.S.—a timeless tradition .
Nostalgic, Yet Versatile
For many Southern families, using this china signals the official start of Christmas—not just in décor but in spirit.
The pattern’s design is effortlessly festive, but its flexible aesthetic allows it to pair with many color schemes beyond the season—think ikat blues, plaid textures, or feminine pink accents .
Southern Tastemakers’ Favorite Ways to Style It
â… . Ikat + Blue-and‑White:Designer Paloma Contreras paired Spode with a blue-and-white Ikat tablecloth, sage placemats, and punchy napkins. Crisp blooms like burgundy ranunculus and anemones elevated the look beyond nostalgia into modern elegance.
â…¡. Plaid + Woodsy Textures:Elaine Griffin used wool plaid linens, natural textures, and wild greenery for a Southern winter-cabin feel. She layered these pieces to bring warmth without over-formatting.
Ⅲ. Pink + Pretty Piping:Influencer Molly Boyd introduced pink to the classic palette by using velvet ribbons, pink-themed linens, and block‑printed cloths. The result is fresh, feminine, and festive—and far from expected.
Southern Hosting Lessons from These Stylists
Prep early: Set the table days in advance if possible to reduce stress and refine the vibe.
Borrow what you love: Don’t hesitate to ask family or friends if you need signature pieces—entering someone’s home is a privilege celebrated through hospitality .
Why It Endures
Christmas Tree is more than china—it’s emotion and memory wrapped in ceramics.
The pattern has aesthetic flexibility and emotional depth, making it a heartwarming classic in Southern decorating.
It captures both history and style, tying generations together at the holiday table.
Final Thought
Spode’s Christmas Tree china isn’t just decorative—it’s cultural and emotional narrative. Whether styled with ikat linens, cozy plaids, or playful pink accents, it weaves heritage into holiday décor and turns a meal into a tradition.
