Spring is just around the corner and with it comes Spring themed tablescapes. One way to add a little seasonal flair to your table? cabbage ware!

Yup. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Dinnerware and serving pieces shaped like cabbage. Another closely related cousin is lettuce ware. Which is, you guessed it, shaped like lettuce.

While dishes shaped like fruits and vegetables were popular in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, the cabbage ware itself was popularized in the U.S. in the 1960s.

A descendant of the people who first settled the area, artist Dodie Thayer carved out her own place in Florida folklore with her collection of handmade lettuce- and cabbage-shaped pottery. The pieces each took the self-taught artist about two weeks to create and were favorites among the affluent set, including the likes of Brooke Astor, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and even the Duchess of Windsor. 

Southern Living

Southern Living has a great article on the origins and prominence of cabbage ware you can read here.

Design Inspiration

That’s great and all, but how exactly do you use cabbage shaped plates on a table? I have to admit, it sounds a little crazy. However, it mixes surprisingly well with other colors and china patterns. My favorite look is pairing cabbage ware pieces with blush pink for a very Spring-y look. Let’s look at a few inspiration photos.

This setting, from Mario Buatta pairs lettuce ware with bamboo utensils and floral table linens.

This table setting, from British retailer Birdie Fortescue, is a little more rustic than the Mario Buatta table above.

Design icon Tory Burch also uses cabbage ware! I love this pretty, monochromatic tablescape.

Here’s a pretty place setting from Flying Sheep Country. See what I meant about the blush + cabbage ware combo?

And, finally, how fun is this tablescape from Michele Strauts?!

Get the look

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