There's nothing quite like gathering around a beautifully set table during the holidays. The twinkling candles, the laughter of loved ones, and yes—the gorgeous china that makes everything feel just a bit more special. But here's a delightful secret: you don't need a complete matching set to create a stunning holiday table. In fact, mixing and matching different Christmas china patterns can make your table even more interesting, personal, and festive.
This guide will walk you through the joyful art of blending different Christmas china patterns to create a tablescape that's uniquely yours. Whether you're working with inherited pieces, thrift store treasures, or a combination of old favourites, we'll show you how to bring them all together beautifully.
Why Mix and Match Christmas China?
Combining different patterns isn't just about making do with what you have (though that's a perfectly wonderful reason!). It's a chance to express your personality and creativity. A table with thoughtfully mixed patterns tells a story—maybe it's the elegant Spode plates your grandmother used, paired with modern pieces you've collected yourself. Each gathering becomes more memorable when your table reflects genuine personality rather than catalogue perfection.
Plus, let's be honest: a table where every piece is slightly different gives your guests something interesting to look at and talk about. It's warm, it's welcoming, and it says "we're here to enjoy ourselves" rather than "please don't spill anything."
Understanding the Basics of Pattern Mixing China Patterns
Before we get into the fun stuff, let's cover a few friendly guidelines that'll help you mix patterns with confidence. Think of these as helpful hints rather than strict rules:
Balance is your friend. You want your table to feel harmonious, not chaotic. Too much contrast can be overwhelming (imagine leopard print mixed with polka dots and stripes—exhausting!), while too little might look like you just grabbed whatever was closest. Aim for that sweet spot in the middle.
Colour is the glue. Choose a colour palette that ties everything together. This could be traditional holiday colours like red and green with gold accents, or something more unexpected like silver and white with pops of burgundy. When your pieces share at least one or two colours, they'll naturally look like they belong together.
Play with scale. Mixing large patterns (big, bold holly leaves) with smaller ones (delicate snowflakes) adds visual interest and depth. It's like creating layers in a painting—much more engaging than having everything at the same scale.
Different styles can be friends. Blending traditional patterns with more modern pieces can be striking, but the key is making sure they share something in common—maybe it's colour, maybe it's a similar level of formality, or maybe they both have a playful quality. Just make sure there's a connecting thread.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Mixing Christmas China
1. Start with a Theme
Having a loose theme gives your table a sense of purpose and makes all your decisions easier. Your theme could be:
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Traditional Christmas (think reds, greens, and classic holiday motifs)
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Winter Wonderland (whites, silvers, blues, and sparkle)
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Rustic Farmhouse (plaids, woodsy patterns, warm earth tones)
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Elegant Evening (rich jewel tones, gold accents, sophisticated patterns)
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Nature-Inspired (botanical prints, forest animals, natural elements)
Don't overthink this part—go with what makes you happy and excited for the holidays!
2. Think About Colour
Here's where the magic happens. Colour is what makes mismatched patterns look intentional and beautiful:
Monochromatic Magic: Use different patterns that share the same colour family. Imagine various shades of blue and white—some with detailed patterns, some simpler—all working together to create a sophisticated, cohesive look.
Complementary Colours: Choose colours from opposite sides of the colour wheel (like red and green, or blue and orange) for a vibrant, cheerful table that practically sparkles with holiday energy.
Neutral Base with Festive Pops: Start with cream or white china as your foundation, then layer in plates with holiday colours. This approach is forgiving and lets you easily swap pieces in and out for different occasions.
3. Choose Your Christmas China Pieces
Now comes the treasure hunt! Here's a smart strategy for selecting which pieces to use:
Statement Pieces: Start by choosing one or two patterns that really sing to you. These are your stars—maybe it's that stunning Royal Doulton Father Christmas plate, or those cheerful Spode Christmas Tree dishes you adore. These pieces set the tone for everything else.
Complementary Pieces: Look for patterns that play nicely with your statement pieces. They should share at least one colour or design element (holiday theme, gold trim, similar style) but be different enough to add variety. These are your supporting cast.
Accent Pieces: These are the finishing touches—salad plates, bowls, or serving dishes that bring it all together. They might be simpler or more subtle, giving the eye a place to rest between bolder patterns.
How many patterns are too many? Here's a helpful guideline: stick to 3-4 different patterns maximum. More than that, and your table starts to feel scattered rather than curated. Remember, each place setting could include 2-3 patterns when you layer plates, and that's plenty!
4. Build Your Table Setting
This is where your vision comes to life! Here are some tried-and-true approaches:
The Art of Layering: Start with a charger plate or placemat in one pattern (or a solid colour), add your dinner plate in a different pattern, then top with a salad or dessert plate in a third coordinating pattern. Each layer should complement the others—imagine looking at it from above and making sure the colours and styles flow nicely.
Serving Pieces Tell a Story: Your serving dishes and centrepieces are perfect opportunities to introduce additional patterns or reinforce the ones you're already using. A beautiful Christmas-themed serving platter becomes part of the overall design, not just functional.
Alternate for Interest: Here's a fun secret—not every place setting needs to be identical! Alternate between two or three different plate combinations around the table. Your guests across from each other might have different patterns, and that's wonderful. It keeps things dynamic and interesting.
Starting from Scratch? If you only have one china pattern right now, don't worry! Start with what you have and add in solid-coloured pieces to create variety. A white salad plate on top of your patterned dinner plate instantly gives you that layered look. Then gradually add coordinating patterned pieces as you find them.
5. Add Textiles and Accessories
The china is the star, but the supporting elements make everything shine:
Table Linens: Your tablecloth, runner, or placemats can either provide a neutral backdrop that lets the china take centre stage, or they can add another complementary pattern to the mix. A simple rule: if your china is busy, keep linens quieter, and vice versa. Don't forget napkins—they're a wonderful place to bring in a pop of colour or a coordinating pattern!
Drinkware and Flatware: These can be understated (clear glasses, simple silver flatware) to let the china shine, or they can add another festive layer. Coloured wine glasses in red, green, or gold can be stunning with the right china patterns.
Decorative Touches: This is where you can really have fun! Candles (varying heights add drama), fresh greenery, holiday ornaments scattered down the table, pinecones, ribbon—these elements tie everything together and make your table feel festive and inviting.
6. Add the Personal Touches
Remember, you're not just setting a table—you're creating an experience for the people you love. Here's how to make it truly special:
Family Treasures: Weave in family heirlooms or vintage christmas decor. Maybe it's your great-grandmother's silver serving spoon or that quirky vintage creamer you found at Around the Block. These pieces add layers of meaning and story to your table, and they often become conversation starters that connect generations.
Handmade Magic: Consider adding something you've made yourself—hand-lettered place cards, DIY napkin rings using natural materials, or a homemade centrepiece. These personal touches show your guests how much you care and add genuine warmth that store-bought perfection can't match.
Little Surprises: Small gifts at each place setting, a handwritten note, or even a conversation-starter question tucked under each plate can make your gathering feel extra thoughtful and engaging.
Set the Mood with Lighting: Never underestimate the power of good lighting! Soft, warm candlelight makes everything look more beautiful and creates an instant cozy atmosphere. Mix tall candlesticks with tea lights, or string some warm fairy lights around your centrepiece for a touch of magic.
7. Embrace Imperfection (This Is the Best Part!)
Here's something wonderful: the beauty of a mixed table setting lies in its imperfection. It's not about creating a magazine-perfect display that nobody dares to touch. It's about celebrating the joy of bringing together different elements to create something that's harmonious, welcoming, and distinctly yours.
Your grandmother's slightly worn china mixed with newer pieces tells a story. That vintage plate with a tiny chip on the back that nobody can see? It adds character. The fact that not every place setting matches exactly? That's what makes your table interesting and real.
Some of the most memorable holiday tables are the ones where everything isn't perfectly matched. They're the tables where you can tell real people live and love and gather—where the focus is on connection rather than perfection. So if your patterns don't match exactly, or if you only have four of one design and need to fill in with something else, that's absolutely okay. In fact, it's better than okay—it's authentic.
Give yourself permission to experiment. If something doesn't work quite right, adjust it. Switch out a plate, try different napkins, move things around. The beauty of mixing patterns is that there's no single "right" way to do it. Trust your eye, follow what makes you happy, and remember that your table is meant to be used and enjoyed.
8. Stay Flexible Throughout the Season
One of the best things about a mix-and-match approach is how adaptable it is. Your Christmas Eve dinner table might look different from your Boxing Day brunch table, even using many of the same pieces. Maybe you swap out the red napkins for gold ones, or you use the same plates but change up the centrepiece.
Don't be afraid to evolve your table throughout the holiday season. What works for a formal dinner might feel too stuffy for a casual gathering, and that's fine. Move pieces around, try new combinations, and let your table reflect the specific occasion and mood.
Beautiful Christmas China Combinations to Inspire You
Need some concrete ideas to get started? Here are a few festive combinations that work beautifully:
Classic Christmas with a Twist: Imagine starting with Spode's beloved Christmas Tree dinner plates—that cheerful, iconic pattern that's been gracing holiday tables for decades. Layer them over red tartan charger plates for a cozy, traditional foundation, then top with creamy white dessert plates edged in gold. Add gold flatware and deep green wine glasses, and suddenly you have a table that's traditional yet interesting, familiar yet fresh.
Winter Wonderland Elegance: Picture this—white plates scattered with delicate silver snowflakes as your base, paired with royal blue salad plates that make the whole setting pop. Polish it off with silver flatware and cobalt blue stemware. The result? A table that feels like a sophisticated winter evening, elegant but not stuffy.
Rustic Farmhouse Charm: Mix woodland creature dinner plates (think deer, foxes, and winter birds) with cozy plaid salad plates in reds and greens, then add solid cream or brown dessert plates to ground it all. Use wooden serving pieces, copper flatware, and earthy-toned napkins. This combination creates a warm, welcoming table that feels like a cabin in the woods—perfect for a relaxed, intimate gathering.
Vintage Holiday Mix: Combine several different vintage Christmas patterns—maybe a holly-patterned dinner plate with a poinsettia salad plate and a solid red dessert plate. Add in some vintage glassware in ruby red or amber, and you've got a table with genuine character and nostalgic charm.
Creating Your Perfect Christmas Party Table
As you plan your holiday table this season, remember that there's no Pinterest-perfect ideal you need to achieve. The most important thing is creating a warm, welcoming space where people feel comfortable and cherished. Your mixed-and-matched china isn't just about aesthetics—it's about celebrating the beautiful collection of pieces you've gathered over time, each with its own story.
So gather your favourite pieces, play with different combinations, experiment with colours and patterns, and create a holiday table that's as unique and special as the people who'll gather around it. Let your creativity shine, trust your instincts, and most importantly, have fun with it!
The holidays are about connection, warmth, and joy—and your table should reflect that spirit. Whether your china is all family heirlooms, all flea market finds, or a happy mix of both, it's perfect because it's yours.
Find Your Perfect Christmas China at Around the Block
Looking for beautiful china to add to your holiday collection? Around the Block in Toronto is a treasure trove for anyone who loves setting a special table. Our consignment shop features an ever-changing selection of tableware from beloved makers like Spode, Royal Doulton, Herend, Kate Spade, Lenox, Paragon, Rosenthal, and Wedgwood—perfect for building your mix-and-match collection.
Whether you're searching for that one missing piece to complete a cherished set, starting a new collection, or just looking for something special to add festive flair to your table, you'll find wonderful options among our tableware, serveware, and both formal and casual dinner sets.
Visit us this season and discover the joy of finding that perfect plate or serving piece that makes your holiday table feel complete. Our inventory changes regularly, which means there's always something new to discover—and you never know when you'll stumble upon exactly what you've been looking for.
Happy holidays, and happy mixing!
