The Ultimate Guide to Lettuce Ware!
If you followed the Mario Buatta auction awhile back, I'm sure you were also drooling over his substantive collection of lettuce porcelain. Sure, you've seen those whimsical plates and bowls, taking the forms of lettuce and cabbage leaves on Instagram or your favorite home magazines. But what's the story behind these seemingly timeless bowls and plates? My mom had a set of these pretties that she brought out at Easter to set the outdoor table on our back patio every year after church. They always seemed so festive and paired beautifully with all her bunny and egg decor. I've been very much looking forward to carrying on this tradition soon with my own boys (once they can sit at the table like civilized human beings...assuming that will happen one day).
In the late 1960's, the iconic lettuce ware became a popular pick with the preppy set, including Jackie Kennedy and C.Z. Guest. Originated by Palm Beach native Dodie Thayer, each piece was sculpted by hand and we're cast from actual lettuce and cabbage leaves. Her large tureens could take up to 2 weeks to create.
An example of a Dodie Thayer tureen. The detail is incredible!
Now that you know the backstory, I thought I'd share all the fabulous Lettuce Ware and inspired goods that I'm currently digging!
1. Lettuce Ware Placemats - Lemon House Design
These handmade-to-order fabric place mats also serve as chargers, creating the perfect perch for blue and white dishes! As if these couldn't get any better, the reverse side is bright pink!
2. Vintage Yellow Cabbage Plates - Chairish
These vintage plates are the sweetest shade of yellow (if you know me, you know lemon shades are life in my house). How pretty would these be mixed with pink or green?
3. Gold Cabbage Earrings - Laurence + Usher Ceramics
How adorable are these earrings? Created by hand by third and fourth generation ceramicists. Features 22K gold lustre top and a cabbage leaf drop. Since they're handmade, each pair is completely unique! Did I mention these are available in berry????
4. Lettuce Ware Dinner Plate - Set of 2- Pale Pink - Tory Burch
Thayer collaborated with Tory Burch a few years back to create a new line of mass produced lettuce pieces, making this iconic design accessible to a new generation (and a better price point than the vintage originals). I'm pretty obsessed with the pale pink color!
5. The Kathleen Collection Pillow Covers- Katie Herman Art
I'm pretty sure I need one of these in every color. So fun!
6. Cabbage Print Fabric- Spoonflower by storylinecaroline
This fabric is sold by the yard and is also available in wallpaper! How amazing would this be sewn into an apron or a spring tablecloth?!? So many possibilities (as if I didn't have enough sewing projects to tackle...)
7. Vintage Dodie Thayer Jupiter Lettuce Leaf Earthenware Porcelain Luncheon Plates - Chairish
No list would be complete without some Dodie Thayer originals! That shade of green is oh so dreamy.
8. Cabbage Chandelier- Bordallo Pinheiro
Cabbage Ware meets light fixtures, need I say more....
9. Vintage Lettuce Divided Platter- Lemon House Vintage on Etsy
This 1960's era serving dish is just the right accent for the mid-century tablescape! How perfect would this be for serving appetizers?
