The Decades-Old Tableware That's Making A Trendy Comeback In Kitchens

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The popularity of vintage dishware varieties, patterns, and brands come in and out of fashion every few years, making certain designs very much in demand. Cabbageware, a distinctive variety of ceramic dishware that takes its inspiration from the natural world, is one that is landing in more and more kitchens. This reemergence makes sense with the rise of colorful, layered décor seen in aesthetics like maximalism and grand millennial, which revel in texture and a decidedly vintage vibe. These unique dishes, which resemble cabbage and lettuce leaves in their design, are a perfect way to introduce a bit of spring-worthy botanical and vintage charm into your own table settings.

Cabbageware designs can be found in everything from delicate tea sets to larger pieces, like enormous serving platters and soup tureens. Cabbageware, however, truly hit its stride in 1960s kitchens, when ceramic artists like Dodie Thayer designed unique and colorful pieces highly praised by celebrities and diplomats. While more modern trends have favored simpler and streamlined designs, many of these older pieces are highly prized by collectors even today.

The best place to find vintage cabbageware is via secondhand venues like thrift stores, antique retailers, estate sales, and flea markets, where you can find individual pieces or entire sets of these unique dishes. If you love the look but haven't found any out in the wild, a quick search of online auctions sites like eBay and 1st Dibs may yield great results. There are also many manufacturers making dishes in this style today, including options available from retailers like Target's Stoneware Cabbage with Bunny Dessert Bowl, and the Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Oval Platter from Williams-Sonoma. Amazon also some cabbageware pieces, like the KXZ Cabbage Serving Bowl Set and the Creative Co-Op Hand Painted Cabbage Bowls.

To bring your table retro charm, mix these unique pieces with other vintage or new floral dishware, as well as pretty patterned napkins and tablecloths. They look particularly beautiful on colorful and whimsical cottagecore tables, but could also be used as a nature-inspired statement piece in more neutral settings. While most cabbageware comes in various shades of green, it can also be found in pastel shades like pink and yellow. Like many vintage glass pieces, you can also flip this old dishware into adorable bird feeders and other upcycling projects. Many homeowners are also putting these gorgeous vintage plates on their walls as décor.