What’s It Worth: Spode Holiday Dishes
Spode Holiday Dishes
The holiday season is a time for traditions, celebrations, and bringing loved ones together. One tradition that has graced festive tables for centuries is themed dinnerware, and few brands embody the essence of holiday elegance like Spode. The timeless appeal of these special dishes has been passed down through generations, beloved for their classic designs, meticulous craftsmanship, and sense of continuity and nostalgia.
Founded in 1770, Spode has been putting out beautiful ceramic creations for over 250 years. In fact, these dishes are still being produced, though under the name Portmeirion, and can be found for purchase on home decor sites such as Wayfair to this very day! With such timeless appeal, these collectables have fluctuated in desirability and value over the years. Their 2023 values can be determined by a variety of factors including rarity, condition, and investment potential. Do you have a collection of Spode dinnerware, either older or more contemporary? What might they be worth today?
Identifying Spode Dinnerware
Like most ceramic collectibles, authenticity can usually be determined by maker’s marks. Dishes produced from 1927-1957 show an ornate backstamp that reads “Copeland, Spode, England”. Dishes produced after 1960 show a different maker’s mark as the company changed ownership – they simply read “Spode, England” followed by a pattern name and a pattern number that ends with a letter to indicate the year produced.
Dating your piece can be trickier, but if you know how to identify the date marks, it can be a major help. Pieces from the early 1800s through 1963 will often show an impressed date mark in flat areas, such as the back of a saucer or dish. For pieces dated later than 1963, it gets even more complicated, and a reference book will be needed to accurately date the pieces. We recommend consulting Spode & Copeland Marks and Other Relevant Intelligence by Robert Copeland.
Lookalikes
With the popularity that holiday china has garnered over the years, there are bound to be some copycats out there. And surprisingly – Spode isn’t actually the original! Their Christmas Tree pattern was introduced in 1938, but Cuthbertson was actually the first company to create holiday china with a central Christmas Tree motif, introduced in 1922. A side-by-side comparison reveals that the Cuthbertson pieces tend to be more brightly colored, and they of course have different maker’s marks on the backs of the dishes – reading “Cuthbertson, The Original Christmas Tree”. Avid collectors may also be quick to point out that the Cuthbertson image includes a blue car under the tree.
Condition
One of the most important factors in determining the value of a collectible is its condition. Items in mint or near mint condition will always garner a higher price than a similar collectible in damaged condition. For Spode holiday dishes, signs of wear on the pattern and chips or cracks in the ceramic are the biggest determining factors for assessing condition. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Mint – Appears brand new and shows no signs of wear. It has no flaws, scratches, or marks. The item has never been used, or if it has, it has been used very sparingly. A dish that’s still in its original packaging, has never been used, and has no visible imperfections would be a great example of Mint condition.
- Near Mint – Shows only the slightest signs of wear. It might have very minor imperfections that are barely noticeable and would not detract from the overall appearance or functionality of the item. Pieces in near mint condition have been well cared for; they might have a tiny scratch or mark, but it’s hardly noticeable.
- Excellent – Shows minor signs of wear or age. There might be some minor flaws or signs of use, but they are not immediately noticeable and do not significantly detract from the item’s appearance or value. Pieces in excellent condition may have been used on a few occasions and might have a couple of minor scratches or a tiny chip on the underside, but the main design remains intact and vibrant.
- Very Good – Shows clear signs of use and wear. There might be some noticeable flaws, like small chips, scratches, or slight fading. However, the item is still functional and retains most of its original charm. Pieces in very good condition may have been used regularly over the years. They may have some wear marks, a few small chips on the edges, and some fading of the design.
- Damaged – Has significant flaws or damage that affect its functionality or appearance. This could include large chips, cracks, significant fading, or other defects. An example would be a dish that has a large crack running through it, significant chips on its edges, and considerable fading of its design.
Other Considerations
Besides condition, there are some other factors that can help determine the value of your Spode holiday dishes including rarity, where they are listed for sale, and their investment potential.
Rarity: Vintage and discontinued Spode patterns can be rare finds, making them highly sought after by collectors. Limited-edition releases and unique pieces also contribute to their rarity and value.
Collector’s Market: Spode holiday dishes have a dedicated collector’s market, where enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium for rare and pristine pieces. The internet has made it easier for collectors to connect and trade, further boosting their value.
Investment Potential: While Spode holiday dishes are cherished for their aesthetic appeal and sentimental value, they can also be seen as investment pieces. Some patterns have seen steady appreciation in value over the years, making them a potentially profitable investment.
Most Sought-After
- Christmas Tree – This pattern is arguably the most iconic and enduring holiday offering from Spode. A decorated Christmas tree adorned with colorful baubles and presents is the central motif for this charming pattern that has been a favorite for generations. A never-used 1990s service for 12 totaling 41 pieces sold for $200 in 2023.
- Christmas Rose – This pattern showcases delicate red roses, green holly leaves, and gold accents, creating an elegant and festive look. It’s a favorite among collectors who appreciate a more traditional and refined holiday table setting. An undated Spode Christmas Rose Bone China Tea Pot sold in 2023 for $225.
- Woodland – While not exclusively a holiday pattern, this pattern features a variety of woodland creatures, including deer, rabbits, and birds. An undated set of 12 dinner plates and 12 salad plates featuring the Spode Woodland pattern sold for $460 in 2023.
- Christmas Tree Grove – This pattern features a charming scene of a snowy village with decorated Christmas trees and cottages. It’s a less common Spode holiday pattern, but has garnered attention from collectors who appreciate its scenic design. An undated 5-piece place setting sold for $139.95 in 2023.
Advice for Sellers
As we enter another holiday season, Spode holiday dishes continue to hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and families alike. Their timeless design, craftsmanship, and evolving value make them a cherished tradition that connects generations and adds a touch of elegance to festive celebrations. Whether you’re a collector or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of these dishes, Spode’s holiday offerings are sure to shine brightly on your holiday table. And if holiday china isn’t really your thing, rest assured there is still a demand for these fun and festive dishes, so selling them is still a viable option.
Hello friends, When the calendar flips to January, we’re suddenly flooded with possibilities of fresh starts, clean slates, and promises to ourselves that this is the year we’ll finally get organized. Organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating systems that make your life easier, calmer, and more intentional. 1. Start with on small space Instead of tackling the whole house, choose a single drawer, a nightstand, or a pantry shelf. Small wins create momentum. 2. Set realistic, measurable goals Replace 'Get organized' with specific, achievable goals. 3. Do a quick purge of everyday clutter Spend 10 minutes collecting items you no longer need. Immediate relief! A visual timer helps. See link below for a timer recommendation: https://a.co/d/jjDKhoB 4. Create homes for your most-used items A home for everything keeps chaos away. 5. Simplify your daily routines Prep the night before. Make mornings calmer. 6. Embrace the ‘One In/ One Out’ rule Maintain clutter-free spaces all year. 7. Use Visual Systems Labels, clear bins, color coding - especially helpful for kids and busy families. Kids do well with pictures and word labels. Link for products below: https://a.co/d/8uFMLzw 8. Schedule your organizing time If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen. Consistence is key! 9. Ask for help when you’re overwhelmed Support accelerates success! 10. Celebrate progress, not perfection Every organized drawer is a success! Here’s to a simpler, lighter, more organized year ahead! Life Simplified is here to help you every step of the way!
Don't stress! Follow these helpful hints to stay organized and enjoy your time with family and friends. Hosting Holiday Meals Ask your guests to help Lists! Lists! Lists! (grocery, menu, etc.) Remember the batteries Use disposable pans & Plates as much as possible Consider Grocery delivery Service Also, support any local farmers markets or farms by buying any produce from them! Stay focused, Hydrated & keep that protein level up! Have 10 quiet minutes? Wrap a present! Grab a glass of wine Turn on a Christmas movie Be sure to have your camera ready but don’t forget to sit back & enjoy the moments Set the coffee to automatically brew. You'll love having a hot cup of coffee to start your day! Most Importantly... Enjoy this time with your family and friends . Yes, it can be stressful; yes, it can be overwhelming, but it can also be fun! Allow yourself to enjoy it - stress and all!
How long do you leave your holiday decorations on display in your home? We hear from a lot of people that they continue to enjoy their holiday decorations well into the new year . We’re all for squeezing every last drop of joy out of the season and we think you should leave your decorations up as long as you’d like! However, when the time comes to un-decorate, we highly recommend that you downsize holiday decorations: take the time to sort and organize them before you put them away. Always edit your collections before you store them. This concept is harder than it seems, but if you decorate your home for the holidays and still have more decor in storage, you may want to donate or re-home anything you didn’t display this year . If you’re ready to apply this principle, try this method: 1) Pull out ALL of your holiday decor and supplies at the start of the season. 2) Decorate your home and set up your gift wrapping area, holiday supplies etc. 3) Box or bag anything that didn’t make the cut this year for decor and supplies. 4) Retain any storage containers that could be useful to better organize the items you want to keep for next year. The pros recommend clear containers so you can see what’s in there! If you’re downsizing or short on space, consider: Choose unbreakable and easy-to-store options when you can. Fragile decorations that need a lot of protection take up a lot of space in storage. We know some downsizers who have chosen to go all-natural (as much as possible) with live garlands, wreaths, tree trimmings, floral arrangements, etc. so that there is less to store at the end of the season. You can always choose fewer areas to decorate , focusing on the spaces where you will most enjoy your holiday trimmings. When it’s time to store: Use the right container for the job . Specialty ornament containers may cost more, but they will protect delicate items. Consider off-site storage . We’re seeing more and more specialty storage solutions for small-space dwellers, including services that will pick up and deliver your holiday supplies on demand.