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I’d say I’m on a lettuceware kick, but the truth is I’ve been collecting these kitschy-cool dishes for some time now. Originally brought to the U.S. (Palm Beach, to be specific) in the 1960s from England, the circa-1700s style lends a simultaneously traditional and nonsensical vibe to the table. I couldn’t tell you why there’s an entire tabletop market that resembles fanned-out cabbage, but I am grateful that the category exists. As a style editor, there’s nothing I do better than force my own homewares obsessions onto everyone in my life, which is one of the reasons it will be my go-to gift this holiday season.
While I’ve had some luck sourcing the ceramics at vintage stores, Bordallo Pinheiro still manufactures lettuceware (and tomatoware, if that’s your thing) today in its 130-year-old factory in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. Matches Fashion sells it in sets, so naturally, I’m snagging some to divide and distribute among my friends and family.
Petite 7-inch-wide bowls, perfect for olives or nuts, come in $66 sets of four, which means I can get away with $16 gifts for each member of my friend group. Alternatively, substantial 14-inch-wide platters are sold as a pair for $68, equaling just $34 per gift. Below, you’ll find the two-birds-one-stone sets I’m picking up ahead of time.
Get Ahead on Gifting
Cabbage Earthenware Bowls by Bordallo Pinheiro (Set of 4), Matches Fashion
Cabbage Earthenware Platters by Bordallo Pinheiro (Set of 2), Matches Fashion
Cabbage Earthenware Cheese Plates by Bordallo Pinheiro (Set of 2), Matches Fashion
Cabbage Earthenware Bowls by Bordallo Pinheiro (Set of 2), Matches Fashion
