Spode Decorates A Tree

May 23

In 1784, Josiah Spode perfected the process of blue underglaze printing on earthenware, which, as the history books record, was not only enough to ensure his reputation for posterity but was the essential catalyst for the phenomenal development of English tableware that was to follow.

In May of 1938, Spode designer Harold Holdway was first asked to draw a Christmas tree design for a series of china. He had to be rather inventive as he had never seen one. In his first sketch, all the presents were suspended from the tree. The design was changed when managers explained to him that in America people put presents under the tree and just hung shiny ornaments on the branches.

Harold also had no idea what they put at the top of the tree, which is why the Spode Christmas Tree has a Santa.

Lenox Holiday China

April 13

Even though Congress had decreed that all furnishings for the White House be manufactured in the United States, it was not until the Theodore Roosevelt administration that any china was deemed worthy for the State Dining Room. Walter Scott Lenox changed that. In his determination to devise the perfect porcelain, the ambitious potter created wares that were indeed fit for Presidents, and Lenox became the first American china to be used in the White House.

Between 1918 and the present, five Presidents have commissioned Lenox to issue new State services, each reflecting both period tastes and the timeless beauty of Lenox's renowned ivory china. The most cherished seasonal pattern, Holiday™, has become one of the most familiar and beloved family traditions of the holiday season. “Holiday” is distinguished by its graceful holly- and-berries motif.

April 12

Sand Tarts

1 c. butter
5 tbsp. confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 c. finely chopped pecans
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. vanilla

Cream sugar and butter. Blend in flour, vanilla, and nuts. Flour hands well and roll out 1/2-1 teaspoons each into balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 12 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool.

ICING:
1 stick butter
1/2 box confectioners' sugar, sifted
1-2 tbsp. water, more if needed

Combine in double boiler. Remove from heat. Dip top half of sand tarts in icing. Icing may be tinted pink or green or may be left white.

April 11

Little worlds of winter scenes are common themes in snow globes, which first appeared at the Paris Universal Expo in 1878. It is believed that they are an offshoot of the interest in glass paperweights, which were popular in France in preceding years. They grew in popularity in England around the turn of the 19th to 20th century, when decorative items depicting nature and small scenes were considered chic. They became popular advertising items in the 1940s, and those with religious themes, such as Christmas, were popular gifts to children. In 1941, their influence on pop culture obtained cinematic status as a key ingredient to the visual imagery in Orson Welles’ famous picture, "Citizen Kane." Fiona on "Burn Notice" collected them, but lost them all when her house exploded. And Desmond, one of the captive survivors in the cult TV phenomenon, "Lost," believes no one can ever escape because their island is inside a snow globe.