Four: Let it Spode, let it Spode, let it Spode!

If you don't know the story of the Spode Christmas tree, it is a pretty cute one. In the 1930s, one of the designers for the British ceramic company's dinnerware was asked to create a Christmas tree design. The man had never seen an American Christmas tree before and at first drew the tree with presents hanging off the branches! Upon learning that this was not how the presents were placed, he moved them to their traditional spot underneath the tree and drew the tree with decorations of ornaments.

He also didn't know what trees were topped with, hence the santa claus figurine drawn atop the tree where a star or angel would normally go.

If you don't already own a set of these plates and/or glasses from Spode, just remember that it's never too late to add on to your wish list!

(Images courtesy of Spode - order straight from the website!)