You know that specific shade of green? The one that looks like a damp forest in the English countryside? If you've ever held one of those Spode Christmas Tree wine glasses, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s not just a glass. Honestly, for a lot of families, it’s basically the signal that the holidays have officially started. You pull that red-and-yellow box out of the attic, hear the clinking of the stems, and suddenly the stress of buying gifts just... melts away.
Spode isn’t some new "fast fashion" homeware brand. This pattern has been around since 1938. Think about that for a second. It survived the 1940s, the disco era, and the minimalist 90s. And yet, here we are in 2026, and people are still scouring eBay and high-end department stores for that iconic green-banded rim.
The Weird History of a Christmas Icon
Most people think Spode is just a generic name, but it’s actually steeped in history. Josiah Spode perfected the recipe for bone china in the late 1700s. Fast forward to 1938, and a designer named Harold Holdway was tasked with creating a Christmas pattern. Fun fact: Holdway had never actually seen a decorated Christmas tree in person—or at least, not the way Americans did it. He drew the gifts hanging on the branches because he didn't know they were supposed to go underneath.
That’s why the design is so charmingly odd. It’s got that little Saint Nick topper on the tree, which is a bit of a departure from the standard star or angel. When they translated this design onto glassware, it changed the game for holiday hosting.
Why the Glass Matters More Than the Plate
Dinnerware is heavy. It’s a commitment. But Spode Christmas Tree wine glasses are the gateway drug to holiday collecting. You can have a plain white tablecloth and standard white plates, but the moment you set down a set of Spode goblets, the table feels "done."
There’s a weight to them. They aren't those flimsy, paper-thin crystal glasses that shatter if you breathe on them too hard. They feel sturdy. You can actually toast with them without worrying you'll end up with a hand full of glass shards. They come in a few different styles, too. You’ve got the classic wine glass, the highball, and even stemless versions for people who—let’s be real—are prone to knocking things over after a few glasses of eggnog.
Identifying the Real Deal vs. The Knockoffs
Because Spode is so popular, there are a ton of "inspired by" versions out there. If you’re looking to buy, you need to check the weight and the clarity of the decal.
Authentic Spode glassware usually features a very crisp green band. The tree itself shouldn't look blurry. If the colors look a bit muddy or the red of the ribbons on the tree looks more like a dull brown, it’s probably a fake. Real Spode pieces also usually have the "Spode" branding etched somewhere or a very specific sticker on the base.
The glass itself is usually soda-lime glass or a lead-free crystal. It has a specific ring to it. Not a high-pitched "ping" like expensive Riedel, but a solid, resonant "thud-ring" that tells you it can survive a dishwasher—though, honestly, I’d still hand-wash them if you want that gold or green trim to last more than a few seasons.
The Versatility Factor
It's a wine glass, sure. But it's also a dessert vessel.
I’ve seen people serve chocolate mousse in these. Or use them for shrimp cocktail during a fancy Christmas Eve dinner. Because the bowl of the Spode wine glass is relatively wide, it’s incredibly versatile. It’s not one of those narrow, snobby glasses meant only for a specific vintage of Bordeaux. It’s a "let’s have a good time" glass.
Modern Variations You Might See
Lately, Spode has been getting a bit experimental. You’ll find:
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- Gold Rimmed Versions: These add a bit of extra sparkle but are definitely NOT microwave safe (not that you'd put a wine glass in there, but you'd be surprised).
- Stemless Designs: Perfect for a more casual vibe or for serving juice to the kids so they feel included.
- The "Sentiment" Series: Sometimes they add words like "Joy" or "Cheer" around the rim. Personally, I find the classic, wordless version more elegant, but to each their own.
Why Collectors Are Obsessed
Go to any estate sale in December and watch people fight over these. It’s wild. The reason they hold their value is the nostalgia factor.
For many, these glasses represent "Christmas at Grandma’s." In a world where everything is digital and fleeting, having a physical object that looks exactly the same as it did 80 years ago is comforting. It’s a tether to the past.
Also, Spode is notorious for retiring specific shapes. If you find a set of the oversized balloons or the specific 12-ounce water goblets, hold onto them. They become harder to find every year. Collectors often talk about "backstamps" or the specific country of origin. While a lot of modern Spode is made in various locations globally, the design remains strictly overseen by the Portmeirion Group, which owns the brand now.
Taking Care of Your Collection
Look, I know the box says "dishwasher safe" sometimes. Don't believe it.
The heat of a modern dishwasher is like a localized sun. Over time, it will etch the glass and fade that beautiful green tree. If you want these to be family heirlooms, use lukewarm water and a mild soap. Dry them immediately with a lint-free cloth.
And for the love of all things holy, don't store them upside down on the rims. The rims are the most fragile part. Store them upright in a padded chest or the original box. If you've lost the box, wrap them in acid-free tissue paper.
What to Look for When Buying
If you're starting a collection from scratch, don't feel like you have to buy a set of 12 all at once.
Start with four. Look for the "Wine Glass" size specifically, which usually holds about 9 to 12 ounces. It’s the most practical. If you find them at a thrift store, run your finger along the rim to check for "flea bites"—those tiny little nicks that you can't see but can definitely feel. A nicked glass is a dangerous glass.
Also, check the transparency. If the glass looks "cloudy," it might have dishwasher damage that can't be fixed. You want that crystal-clear sparkle that catches the Christmas tree lights across the room.
Actionable Steps for the Holiday Season
If you're ready to level up your holiday table with Spode Christmas Tree wine glasses, here is how to do it right:
- Audit your current stash. See if you have enough for your guest list. Mixing and matching with plain clear glass is fine, but having a core set of Spode anchors the look.
- Verify the size. If you’re buying replacements online, measure your current glasses. Spode has made various heights over the decades, and nothing looks weirder than a table of glasses that are all slightly different heights.
- Check for "Seconds." Some retailers sell "seconds" which have minor flaws in the decal. They are cheaper, but if you’re a perfectionist, you’ll want to stick to "First Quality."
- Prepare your storage. Before the season ends, ensure you have a dedicated spot for them. These aren't "everyday" glasses, and they deserve better than being shoved behind the blender.
- Shop early or late. The best deals are usually in January (for obvious reasons) or very early in October before the "Christmas rush" pricing kicks in.
Owning a set of these glasses is a bit like being a steward of a tradition. You aren't just drinking wine; you're participating in a ritual that has spanned generations. It’s about the clink, the sparkle, and that weird little tree that shouldn't work but absolutely does. Every single time.