Merry Christmas dear friends,
So I must ask... Do you use vintage Christmas dishes at the holidays??? Me too!

The first set is traditional red and green with a Christmas tree and farm animals. I began collecting when my oldest daughter was born. They are from Mervyn’s and I received a place setting every year for 8 years. Since then I have found an odd one or another at thrift stores. Five years ago I found a set of these dishes that were available at the Discovery Shop (Cancer Thrift Store in Roseville) I bought them - completing a set of 18 place settings. I have always loved how they mix so well with our everyday fiesta dishes. On December 1st I take my Christmas dishes out and put them in my kitchen cabinets and use them for every day meals. On January 1st I put them back in the butlers pantry and they wait until next year.

The second set of dishes I have are Holiday dessert dishes. This lovely 12-days-of-Christmas set made by Haviland is a fun collection. They originally came out each year with a new design from 1970 to 1981. The colors are perfectly muted and I love that they are whimsical. This beautiful series of collectible plates by Haviland Limoges depicts a scene from the 12 Days of Christmas. They are all signed on the back by the artist and stamped Haviland Limoges France. They are a lovely shade of powder blue & Jadeite green and each uniquely detailed by the artist. They measure 8 1/2" in diameter so look great on a white dinner plate.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Plates
Haviland Limoges, Collector Plates, Artist: Rémy Hétreau
1970 - 1981
Made in France. I have the entire set and love each one like a work of art:
1970 A Partridge In A Pear Tree
1971 Two Turtle Doves
1972 Three French Hens
1973 Four Coly Birds
1974 Five Gold Rings
1975 Six Geese A'Laying
1976 Seven Swans A'Swimming
1977 Eight Maids A'Milking
1978 Nine Laddies Dancing
1979 Ten Lords A'Leaping
1980 Eleven Pipers Piping
1981 Twelve Drummers Drumming 1981

On a side note you might remember I shared my mothers collection of
Haviland Christmas Ornaments designed by Jean-Jacques Prolongeau

He designed the ornaments from 1971 to 1979. Jacot Descombes, a Swiss artist, designed the 1980 and 1981 ornaments, while, an American, Elissa Stone, created the angels from 1982 on through 1990. Most large departments store sold them in the US during this time period.  I only have 5 of the pieces handed down to me from my Mom and hang them on my tree every year. It is a lovely memory of my childhood and my love of Christmas decorating.