Until recently, holidays didn't mean much to me. I grew up in a family that didn't celebrate, so I really didn't understand what all the fuss was about. But my boyfriend loves Christmas, so I decided to join him in the holiday festivities — last year was the first year that I exchanged Christmas gifts and this year will be the first year I set up a tree. Since I didn't grow up with any holiday traditions, I have been able to start my own-- and purchasing holiday china is one of the ways in which I will do that.
Currently, my top choice is the Iittala Taika Collection. It is beautiful, colorful, and full of whimsy and character. Even though my design aesthetic usually leans toward clean and minimalist, something about these plates just makes me salivate--not to mention that they are beyond cute.
My current dilemma is deciding whether to get all of one color, or mix and match the dishes. Either way, I am sure that I will love them. I cannot wait to incorporate and start even more traditions in the upcoming years.
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I have those white bowls with the owls and I love them. I already had a set of vintage dishes that was missing bowls, so I bought these to complement it. I think it would be great to mix and match the colors.
These are amazing.
I think you should get all of them and mix and match. To me, the white sets can be everyday dishes, but then mix in some of the red and you have holiday. The blue sets are my favorite (for now) because they evoke a more demure and somewhat formal vibe (but not TOO formal.)
Congratulations on getting started on your holiday collectibles. I think tableware is a nice place to start as well.
And have fun "trimming" your very first tree!
I've been ogling at this collection for a year now. I think you've finally given me the push I needed to take the plunge and buy.
PS: Your story made me giggle (boyfriend into Christmas and me not so much but warming up to it with him). I can totally relate. Pretty much the same in my household.
These are beautiful. I like the idea of mixing and matching, but you're right, you'll be happy with whatever you choose.
"My current dilemma is deciding whether to get all of one color, or mix and match the dishes."
Yep. That's exactly my problem, too. I've been debating with myself for a year and still haven't gotten any of them.
I *lurv* these! First saw this collection while on vacation in Helsinki in August. They are gorgeous, and feel curiously modern, despite the folkloric motifs. I bought a couple of the blue mugs but now wish I had picked up the whole set.
I've wanted these dishes for a long while too, but feel like I have enough dishes already. Maybe I could get just a couple pieces for fun! I love the blue and the B&W.
these are lovely!
just an fyi, i have seen this china on gilt groupe (a discount/sample sale website) a few times in the past couple of months. you may be able to find some good deals on there.
Also check Finnish Design Shop out. Prices might differ. They have both Arabia and iittala ceramics, and Taika (Magic) is categorized under iittala.
I'm not big on purchasing & storing china for particular occasions, but those are wonderful.
What about Satumetsä?
I started collecting this pattern about a year ago and like you... was swept away by the 'magic' of it. I'm collecting the blue and the red to mix and match. I started with the 16 oz coffee mugs which I use every day. Absolutely love the extraordinary quality of the porcelain and the 'magical' inspiration of the "Taika" design.