The Most Collectible China Patterns for Your Easter Table
Celebrating Easter evokes the spirit of spring each year. Marked by sprightly symbols ranging from adorable bunnies to decorated Easter eggs, the holiday often involves gathering with loved ones to observe religious traditions and to welcome the coming of a new season. "After a harsh winter season, Easter is all about pastels and soft colors that mark the arrival of spring," says interior designer Maggie Griffin. Of course, no Easter Sunday celebration would be complete without a spring-themed table to gather around. "For Easter tables, mixing and matching is key," says interior and textile designer Marika Meyer. "It often feels like a celebration of spring, which means keeping it light and colorful."
Chinaware in pastel hues and playful patterns, that break away from dark, winter tones and motifs, can take center-stage when setting an Easter table. "Florals, animal, and nature motifs are especially beautiful at this time of year to celebrate spring," says Annabelle Moehlmann, founder of Land of Belle. "When selecting a china pattern for Easter, consider the setting where you will celebrate and ensure the pattern complements your surroundings, be it your dining room or your garden." And since some china patterns are considered highly collectible, interior designer Jean Liu says Easter chinaware can be passed down from one generation to the next. "This makes it a worthwhile proposition and expense for someone to invest in patterns," she explains. "Depending on the age and the piece, some patterns may have been discontinued, thereby making the ability to assemble a vast collection even more fun and valuable of an endeavor."
In the market for heirloom-quality chinaware to dress up your Easter table this year? From simple yet versatile place settings to classic cabbage-inspired plates and more, designers share their favorites ahead.
Simple Setting
Chic and versatile, Griffin says the Berry & Thread collection from Juliska offers a well-priced and durable pattern. "A white dinner plate allows you to mix and match a salad plate on top for a wealth of seasonal combinations," she explains.
Shop Now: Juliska Berry & Thread Dinner Plate, $42, bloomingdales.com.
Classic Cabbage Plate
A little whimsy can go a long way on an Easter table. Case in point: the iconic Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Plate, that's designed to look like cabbage leaves. "This china pattern is versatile and whimsical at the same time," Meyer explains. "Nothing says spring to me like the color green, and it pairs well with everything from a crisp white to blues and pinks."
Shop Now: Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Plate 19, in Natural, $20, us.bordallopinheiro.com.
Sprig-Clad Plate
Spring often signifies fresh growth, which is why Liu recommends incorporating some sprig-patterned china into your Easter tablescape. "We love the green ornamentation on this set because what is Easter if not a celebration of the arrival of spring," she explains. "Nothing says spring more than new, green sprigs throughout our landscapes and on our china patterns."
Shop Now: Herend Chinese Bouquet Dinner Plate, in Green, $145, scullyandscully.com.
Bunny Plates
Few symbols signify Easter more than adorable bunnies. "We always set a pretty table for Easter breakfast, and for the past couple of years, I've used Christopher Spitzmiller and Cathy Graham's whimsical bunny plates for the first meal on Easter Sunday," says Keith Meacham of Reed Smythe & Company. "The bunny has pride of place in the design of this pattern, but what I love most about it are the hand-painted feathers, butterflies and snails that embellish the edges of each plate.
Shop Now: Cathy Graham for Christopher Spitzmiller Salad Plate, in Rabbit, $175, reedsmythe.com.
Contemporary Garden
Here's a fresh take on a traditional garden china pattern: the Secret Garden Collection at Land of Belle. "These bring nature to the tablescape with romantic scenes of tropical and garden landscapes, which feels fresh and perfectly fitting for a spring holiday," explains Moehlmann.
Shop Now: Laboratorio Paravicini Green & White Secret Garden Collection Dinner Plate, $115, landofbelle.com.
Modern Cabbage Plates
Want a contemporary twist on classic cabbage-inspired place settings? Griffin suggests the Foglia Stone collection by Vietra. "This china pattern provides a modern take on the traditional cabbage pattern, that adds a seamless nature-inspired spring touch to an Easter tableau," she explains.
Shop Now: Vietri Foglia Stone Dinner Plate, $56, amazon.com.
Fresh Florals
For a budget-friendly floral china pattern that will brighten up any spring table, Meacham says to look no further than the Maria Luisa plates by Carolina Irving & Daughters. "This tableware is unexpected and fresh at a price point that's much more affordable than porcelain."
Shop Now: Carolina Irving & Daughters Maria Luisa Dinner Plate, $75, ci-daughters.com.
Elevated Dessert Plate
Simple yet sleek, Liu says the Golden Elegance china pattern at Herend has a restrained color palette that's every bit as versatile as it is unique. "The pattern allows the Easter table to be decorated in a number of ways—youthful, playful, serious, or sophisticated."
Shop Now: Herend Golden Elegance Dessert Plate, $215, berings.com.
Hermés Plate
Bring a fresh dash of foliage to your traditional Easter table with A Walk in the Garden chinaware from Hermés."The various pieces in the collection each have their own colorway and pattern, with leaves mixed with geometric motifs in sweet hues ranging from clementine and lemon to aquamarine and grass green, which all comes together beautifully for an unexpected and lighthearted collection," Moehlmann explains.
Shop Now: Hermés Paris "A Walk in the Garden" Dinner Plate, $160, hermes.com.
Heirloom-Worthy Platter
For an heirloom-quality china pattern that can double as an Easter table centerpiece, Meyer says to consider serveware by Anna Weatherley. "If you want to really splurge, the hand painted serving pieces from Anna Weatherly are works of art and an investment you will treasure for generations," she explains.
Shop Now: Anna Weatherley 960 Double Tulip Extra Large Serving Platter, $575, annaweatherley.com.
