Cabbageware has been a timeless staple in the home décor world for decades. Now, these seasonal plates, dishes, and bowls are trending in a much bigger way on TikTok and across social media. A new generation has discovered the appeal of these verdant accessories and has started incorporating them into tablescapes, plate walls, and more.

One of the best things about cabbageware is that it’s incredibly versatile—but there are a few decorating tips and tricks that will make these pieces really shine. Here, we spoke to interior designers to get their thoughts on the trend, as well as how they’re implementing it at home.

History

Cabbageware is instantly recognizable for its lush, natural textures and vibrant colors. Today, it’s as coveted and well-known as other vintage classics, like Depression glass and Pyrex dishes. However, it took some time for cabbageware to catch on.

The aesthetic can trace its roots back to the 18th century in Europe and was widely popularized in Portugal in the later 19th century with the wares of Bordallo Pinheiro. It wasn’t until the 1960s that lettuce-shaped plates and bowls became popular stateside. One of the prominent figures behind cabbageware’s push in America was Dodie Thayer, the so-called Pottery Queen of Palm Beach. Thayer’s take on the tableware captured the local imagination, and her pieces remain sought after by collectors and decorators to this day.

Why It’s So Popular

Nowadays, cabbageware has a new proponent: social media. Pinterest-worthy table settings are awash with these leaf-shaped plates and bowls, and Google saw search interest in “cabbageware” double month-over-month in March. So why do people love cabbageware so much—and why now?

The easy answer is that cabbageware never really went away. “It’s timeless because it blends playfulness with tradition,” says Emma Lee, a designer at Huff Harrington Design. “The organic textures and sculptural shapes feel classic yet fresh, making it easy to incorporate into a variety of design styles.”

Additionally, cabbageware’s direct reference to nature feels in line with the biophilic trend, which has become increasingly popular over the last five years. Food-based aesthetics are now a mainstay in the interior design and fashion worlds, too, with “tomato girl summer” trending on TikTok; lemon and strawberry prints have been just about everywhere as well.

How To Decorate With It

One of the best things about cabbageware is that it can pair with almost any table setting. “It effortlessly elevates a tablescape, whether you’re embracing a traditional look or adding a fresh, playful twist,” says Lee. “We love pairing classic cream Bordaello Pinheiro pieces with fine china or a sophisticated, tonal setting. You can also mix vibrant green and pastel hues for a more whimsical approach.”

Playing with color is a wonderful way to layer cabbageware, as the dishes also come in pink, purple, and yellow options, resembling lush radicchio or delicious endives. The tried-and-true green is still, of course, a classic. “It immediately evokes a garden feel,” says interior designer Alexandra Kaehler. “It brings that fresh burst of bright green to the table, and it pairs so beautifully with more formal linens, as well as casual, block-printed ones.”

Harrington recommends experimenting and layering different textures, like rattan or wood, to create a more dynamic look. “We love using our cabbageware chargers to elevate our everyday china,” she adds. “A large bowl on a kitchen island adds effortless charm, while a cluster of plates decorating a dining room wall brings a curated, layered look.”