This pattern was first sold in 1775, which is the same year Royal Copenhagen was founded in Denmark. Blue Italian has been continually produced since it first came on the market. Blue-and-white transferware patterns like these have always been favorites with collectors. The four floral designs shown here are Sweet William, Dog Rose, Purple Rock Rose, and Treasure Flower. This pattern, along with others by varied manufacturers, are more affordable alternatives to the luxurious Flora Danica shown below. This dinnerware is quite expensive on the secondary market today with each piece selling for hundreds of dollars. Never fear if that’s beyond your budget and you’ve fallen in love with the look. There are many other more affordable classic botanical patterns available, including Portmeirion’s Botanic Garden. Those wanting to set a festive holiday table have many different Christmas-themed patterns to choose from, including Spode’s Christmas Tree dinnerware and a similar style by Nikko. Lenox also offers other holiday dinnerware including the bird-themed Winter Greetings (available in formal china and everyday versions). Royal Albert is known for producing many dinnerware patterns featuring roses and other flowers. They are all brightly hued and add a touch of romance to a table. The original set, introduced in 1851 at the First World Exhibition in London, was purchased by Queen Victoria herself. Subsequently named for her, this Chinese-influenced pattern demands the skills of Herend’s most talented and experienced painters. This discontinued pattern was made from 1972 through 1998. It still imparts elegance to many tabletops with pieces available through china matching services and vintage dealers. Wedgwood White and Nantucket, also by Wedgwood, are great alternatives for those preferring an all-white place setting sans the metallic rims. The pattern tells the story of a wealthy Chinese girl who falls in love with a commoner. They flee together to elope and are pursued by her Mandarin father. At the end of the story, the young couple transforms into a pair of doves as shown in the pattern detailing. This tale has many different iterations, as noted by International Willow Collectors, and is often passed down from generation to generation as these dishes are used for serving. Many companies made Blue Willow dinnerware, but the Johnson Brothers editions are regarded as among the best versions available. If you want to go all out for Thanksgiving, there’s no better pattern than His Majesty by Johnson Brothers featuring a handsome turkey in all his glory.
