Setting the dinner table with dishes with a special china pattern is a holiday tradition for many families. Showcasing classic designs and intricate details, these delicate dishes are often passed down through generations and considered treasured heirlooms. But what if your grandmother's favorite tableware isn't quite your style? The right mix of accessories is key to giving old dishes a new look. First, identify the colors and motifs portrayed on your china, then select chargers, napkins, glassware, and more that complement and balance those designs.
With help from Replacements, Ltd. (a retailer that sells current and vintage tableware), we identified some of the most popular pattern styles, including transferware, florals, and ornate rims. Use our suggestions to update your vintage china with a fresh look.
The 1. Botanical Scenes
Botanical china patterns (like Spode's Buttercup) tend to have a formal feel. Pair your set with botanical-print linens and natural wood touches to lighten the look. Here, hints of gold and a mustard-yellow nod to the painted buttercups, while blue elements temper this summery pattern for fall. For an easy styling trick that ties it all together, use your set's serving platter as the base for a centerpiece.
The 2. Transferware
The transferware technique involves printing china patterns rather than individually hand-painting them, which is time-consuming and expensive. Initially engraved into copper plates, these elaborate designs were transferred onto paper using ink, then applied to the dish's surface. Often featuring a single color against a white background, transferware can be highly ornate, showcasing romantic scenes of animals, architecture, florals, and more.
To make a classic transferware pattern (like this Asiatic Pheasant Brown dinner plate by Royal Stafford) feel more down-to-earth, opt for simple ceramics and neutral-color napkins. Contemporary glassware and repeating gold accents keep the look elevated.
The 3. Allover Florals
Many floral china patterns combine a variety of vibrant colors and intricately painted details against a white background. Balance busy designs like this one (Haddon Hall from Minton) by playing up a single color in the pattern and repeating it in varying shades on the table. For example, orange features heavily in this design, which would be a good choice for a fall-themed table. An overtly modern piece (like an abstract salad plate) added to the mix would transform the entire setting and keep it from feeling too old-fashioned.
The 4. Bold Rims
To update plates with a bold, ornate rim (like Style 3244 from Rosenthal-Continental), pair them with a tablecloth with a similarly big personality but in a contrasting style. Keep the rest of the elements simple so they don't fight for the spotlight.
The 5. Delicate Designs
Dainty china patterns with intricate scrolling or line work can easily get lost on a large table. Call attention to delicate designs like this one (Royal Copenhagen's Blue Fluted Plain) by sticking to pieces in the same colors. Avoid placing salad plates or napkins on the dinner plates where they hide the pattern.