Spode Christmas Tree 2005 Annual Collector Plate

Christmas Tree was originally introduced in 1938, designed specifically for the American market. It is the oldest holiday pattern in the US today, and is loved by collectors for its nostalgia and warm recollections of past Christmases.

Since 1938 Spode's Christmas Tree pattern has delighted families and collectors world-wide. Every year Spode brings out an eight-inch, limited edition Christmas Tree plate inscribed with the current year. Bells are the theme of 2005; four pairs of golden bells alternate with evergreen boughs to create a festive border. In the center of the plate, above the date, stands the famous Spode tree, fully ornamented and topped by a tiny Father Christmas.

All Spode dishes are made in England of exceptionally high-quality earthenware, known as Imperialware, which is safe for both the dishwasher and microwave. Perfect for serving cookies and holiday treats, or honored by itself on a mantelpiece, the annual plate makes a superb gift for the Spode Christmas Tree collector. Spode packages the plate in its signature red holiday box. --Ann Bieri