Transforming Your Space with Cabbageware Decorations
Spode's Christmas dishes got nothing on Blue Willow china: that's how iconic cabbageware is in the South. These leafy dishes have graced Southern tables for ages, and they're sure to be your family's favorites for years to come. Here's all you need to know about these beloved cabbages, plus where to find 'em.
Cabbage-what now?
Cabbageware, or lettuce ware, creatively resembles our leafy greens. Although they're mostly green, these dishes pop in shades that'll light up your spring table - white, pink, blue, and even yellow. They legit look like they've jumped straight outta your grandma's garden!
Where's it from?
While it's a staple in the South, these veggies-on-a-plate originated across the pond, buddy. Ceramics specialists at Sotheby's believe that back in the day, potters in England and Europe were slinging naturalistic veggie-shaped table wear like hot cakes. But it was a fellow Floridian who catapulted our love for cabbageware in the U.S. in the '60s.
The Palm Beach Pioneer
When Lilly Pulitzer burst onto the scene, splashing juice on her frocks and launching her massively successful line of vibrant, patterned dresses, she wasn't the only one making waves in Palm Beach. Dodie Thayer, a local aristocrat with a talent for pottery, was crafting her own Florida legacy.
Thayer created each piece by hand and caught the fancy of the affluent set, including big names like Brooke Astor, Jackie O., and even the Duchess of Windsor. So, the next time you put down your margarita at your Palm Beach soiree, remember the talented artisans who have come before.
How to Style Your Cabbage
While these dishes are usually reserved for fancy feasts, their beauty makes them a worthy addition to any space. Put them on display in your dining room hutch or china cabinet, or style them as artful plate walls. You can also use a cabbageware bowl as a catch-all on your nightstand or a candy dish on your coffee table. Even the powder room sink deserves a touch of cabbage loveliness!
Where to Score Your Leafy Luxury
Thayer's passed on, but you can still find her treasures on sites like 1stdibs and Chairish. Just be ready to drop some serious dough – a 107-piece collection from Mario Buatta's estate sold at auction for a cool $60,000!
If you're not quite ready for that level of commitment, a collaboration with Tory Burch might be more your speed. These pieces will set you back a bit less, but they're still fitted with Thayer's classic styles in some truly eye-popping hues.
Love treasure hunting? Keep your eyes peeled at your local antique shops, thrift stores, and estate sales. With a bit of luck, you'll have your own cabbageware collection in no time!
Cabbageware is an investment that'll bring style and soul to your springtime table for years to come – an heirloom-worthy purchase that's sure to create memories you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Note: This article is purely for entertainment purposes, and the information contained within should not be taken as fact.
Behind the Scenes:While cabbageware is popular in the South, the specific origin of the style is not well-documented. European influences may have played a role in the creation of cabbageware, given the historical trend of naturalistic vegetable-inspired ceramics in Europe. The exact history of cabbageware remains somewhat obscure, and it may be necessary to explore historical ceramics collections or literature on European pottery traditions for a more in-depth understanding of its origins.
- Cabbageware's vibrant shades, reminiscent of springtime, can add an artful touch to your display, whether it's in your dining room hutch, china cabinet, or even used as a standalone plate wall.
- Southern Living magazine might offer entertaining ideas and tips on how to showcase food and recipes using cabbageware, making your holidays and occasions more memorable.
- With sentimental value and style, these beloved dishes are worth the investment, becoming heirlooms that create memories for a lifetime.
- Speaking of origins, it's interesting to note that while cabbageware is synonymous with the South, it originally emerged across the pond in England and Europe, where potters were known to create naturalistic veggie-shaped tableware.
