Desiree Christmas plates, internationally known as Svend Jensen of Denmark or Old Copenhagen Blue, have become a beloved tradition in many Danish homes, bringing H.C. Andersen's fairy tales to life in the most beautiful way every year. Each plate captures a story or special moment from Andersen's universe and presents it in classic blue and white hues. The designs range from famous tales like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling to locations that held great significance for Andersen himself, such as his childhood home in Odense and Fredensborg Castle.
Desiree Christmas plates are renowned for their detailed craftsmanship and fine design. Each of these H.C. Andersen fairy tale plates is meticulously created using underglaze, ensuring that every line and shade brings H.C. Andersen's stories to life. These Christmas plates have not only captured the hearts of Danes but have also gained great popularity abroad, where they are seen as a symbol of Danish Christmas and cultural heritage.
Although the plates are no longer produced, they remain a cherished part of many collectors' Christmas decorations, continuing to bring joy and a magical atmosphere to the holiday season in homes worldwide.
Although Desiree Christmas plates are often associated with Christmas, their enchanting designs and fine craftsmanship are made to be enjoyed year-round. Drawing inspiration from H.C. Andersen's beloved fairy tales like The Flying Trunk, Ole Lukoie, and The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep, these plates bring a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere into the home.
The beautiful designs with H.C. Andersen's motifs are especially appealing to children. Let these enchanting fairy tales make mealtimes even more magical.
The Desiree Christmas plates were first introduced in 1970, during a time when blue-and-white Christmas plates were at their peak in popularity. The Desiree Porcelain Factory decided to create a series that stood out from other Christmas plates producers by choosing a consistent theme inspired by H.C. Andersen's most famous fairy tales and life. The first plate in the series featured the design of H.C. Andersen's house in Odense, marking the beginning of a 32-year tradition of annual Christmas plates.
Over the years, the designs on the plates have depicted both H.C. Andersen's well-known fairy tales, such as The Fir Tree and The Snow Queen, as well as locations meaningful to him, such as the Hermitage Palace and Fredensborg Palace. The series became known for its fine details and beautiful, hand-painted motifs, all executed in the classic blue-and-white color palette associated with traditional Danish porcelain.
The Desiree Christmas plates were produced until 2002, when the final plate in the series was released, featuring a design of Kongens Nytorv and The Royal Theatre. Today, the series is highly sought after by collectors, with the earliest and final plates being especially rare.
H.C. Andersen wrote a total of 156 fairy tales and stories, which have captivated readers around the world. Among his most popular fairy tales are The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Snow Queen, securing his place as one of the world's most beloved authors. Many of his stories have been immortalized through art, with beautiful depictions of his fairy tales featured on Desiree Christmas plates.
Motif: H.C. Andersen's House
Artist: Gerhard Sausmark
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1970 depicts H.C. Andersen's house in Odense, marking the beginning of the Christmas plate series from Desiree Porcelain Factory. The house, located at the corner of two streets in the old town, now serves as a museum.
There was uncertainty about which house Andersen was born in, but in 1968, this small, low-ceilinged house was officially designated as his birthplace based on oral traditions. H.C. Andersen, the son of a shoemaker, never forgot his upbringing in poverty, which he often referenced in his fairy tales.
Motif: The Little Match Girl
Artist: Mads Stage
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1971 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairy tale The Little Match Girl. It depicts the freezing girl taking shelter between two house corners, striking a match to warm herself.
In the glow, she sees Christmas joys, including a beautiful Christmas tree with thousands of lights. But when the flame dies out, the vision disappears, and she must light another match.
Motif: The Little Mermaid
Artist: Edvard Eriksen
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1972 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairy tale The Little Mermaid. It features the sculpture of The Little Mermaid, which has stood at Langelinie in Copenhagen since 1913.
In the background, the spires of Copenhagen are visible, as the mermaid looks longingly towards them. According to the fairy tale, she yearned for the prince she saved from drowning and often surfaced to admire him.
Motif: The Fir Tree
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1973 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairy tale The Fir Tree. It shows the tree decorated with hearts and lights while cheerful children dance around it.
Later, the children are allowed to plunder the tree and listen to stories under its branches. This Christmas Eve marks the tree's greatest happiness.
Motif: The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1974 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairy tale The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep. It depicts the two porcelain figures venturing out into the world to be together.
After climbing up the chimney, the Chimney Sweep proudly shows the Shepherdess the vast world beyond.
Motif: The Ugly Duckling
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1975 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairy tale The Ugly Duckling. It depicts the duckling on a cold winter day in the pond, seeing the majestic swans flying overhead for the first time.
Throughout its life, the duckling has faced ridicule from both animals and its own family. It ventures into the world, still facing rejection, until it approaches the swans expecting to be cast out.
To its surprise, it sees its reflection in the water and discovers it has become a beautiful swan. The swans welcome it, and children by the lake admire its beauty.
Motif: The Snow Queen
Artist: Mads Stage
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1976 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen. It depicts the Snow Queen leading the boy Kay away as the snow whirls around him, blinding him.
In the tale, an evil troll creates a magical mirror that shows only the worst in people. The mirror shatters, and its splinters spread across the world. Kay is struck by a splinter in his eye and heart, making him cold and cruel. The Snow Queen takes him to her palace, where he remains until his friend Gerda rescues him with her love and tears.
Motif: The Snowman
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1977 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairy tale The Snowman. It depicts the snowman on his second day of life, gazing through basement windows.
Around him leaps a chained dog, who tells him about other snowmen that melted when they got too close to the stove inside the house. The snowman dreams of warmth and love but ultimately melts with the arrival of spring.
Motif: The Last Dream of the Old Oak Tree
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1978 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairy tale The Last Dream of the Old Oak Tree. It depicts the oak tree standing on a cliff by the forest, reflecting on its 365-year life on Christmas Eve.
As it dreams, the wind rustles across the land, and waves crash against the cliff. In the dream, the tree's roots break free, and it ascends to the heavens with all its old friends. On Christmas morning, the ship's crew finds the tree has fallen, losing the landmark they had always relied on.
Motif: The Old Street Lamp
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1979 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairy tale The Old Street Lamp. It shows the street lamp, which has become too old to light the streets, being lit by the lamplighter one last time.
The story reflects on aging, memory, and the value of the past. The street lamp cherishes its many years of service as it bids farewell to the streets it once illuminated.
Motif: Ole Lukoie
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1980 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairy tale Ole Lukoie. It depicts Ole Lukøje holding his umbrella over the boy Hjalmer.
Ole Lukøje has two umbrellas: one with pictures to give good dreams to good children and another without pictures for naughty children who receive no dreams. Hjalmer, being a good boy, enjoys sweet dreams under the picture-filled umbrella.
Motif: By the Utmost Sea
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1981 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale By the Utmost Sea. It depicts ships near the North Pole searching for the edge of the world and a passage through the ice.
The illustration includes locals in fur clothing arriving on sleds to trade pelts with the sailors, who use the furs to stay warm in their igloos. From these igloos, the sailors gaze out at the majestic but perilous icebergs in the distance.
Motif: The Twelve by the Mail Coach
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Hans Christian Andersen plate from 1982 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale The Twelve by the Mail Coach. The story describes the twelve months of the year arriving as guests on New Year's Eve shortly after midnight, riding a mail coach into town.
The plate shows the mail coach entering the city gate, with each passenger representing one of the year's twelve months. They bring glimpses of the weather they will deliver. Only at the end of the year can the townsfolk see what each month has brought.
Motif: The Year's Story
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1983 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale The Year's Story. It shows sparrows freezing in the winter cold as they long for the warmth of spring and the return of leaves on the trees.
The seasons come and go, bringing joy and challenges to the birds, with summer warmth giving way once again to the struggles of winter snow and frost.
Motif: The Nightingale
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1984 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale The Nightingale. It shows the little nightingale perched on low-hanging branches by the sea near China.
Each night, a poor fisherman pauses in his boat to listen to the bird's enchanting song. The nightingale becomes famous worldwide for its voice, even performing for the emperor, but always returns to its home by the sea.
Motif: Kronborg Castle
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1985 is Kronborg Castle, inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale Holger Danske. The plate shows the castle under winter skies.
In the tale, Holger Danske sleeps deep in Kronborg's cellars, dreaming of all that happens in Denmark. On Christmas Eve, an angel assures him that his dreams are real and the land is safe. Though the castle cannons welcome foreign ships, Holger Danske remains asleep, ready to awaken only when Denmark is truly in need.
Motif: The Bell
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1986 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale The Bell. The plate shows a forest with a faint sound of a church bell ringing deep within its quiet, fragrant surroundings.
In the story, no one knows the exact location of the bell that produces heavenly tones. Only the animals of the forest know where it resides, adding an air of mystery and enchantment to the tale.
Motif: Thumbelina
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1987 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale Thumbelina. It shows Thumbelina floating down a stream on a water lily leaf after the fish have bitten the stem to free her.
Having escaped the toad who planned to marry her to her son, Thumbelina ties her belt to a butterfly to make the leaf travel faster with the current.
Motif: The Bell Deep
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1988 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale The Bell Deep. It depicts the great church bell of Saint Alban's Church, lying at the deepest point of Odense River.
The story tells how the bell rings from its underwater resting place, recounting its time in the church tower, including the murder of King Knud, later known as Knud the Holy, after whom Saint Knud's Church (Odense Cathedral) was named.
Motif: The Old House
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1989 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale The Old House. It depicts the house, standing alongside newer, grander buildings but retaining a special charm.
The house features a wide staircase, carved window frames, and a bay window that blocks the view of the newer houses. The story tells of a boy visiting the old man who lives there, who shares stories about the house and its many treasures.
Motif: Rosenborg Castle
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1990 is Rosenborg Castle, inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale Godfather's Picture Book.
In the story, Andersen reflects on the construction of Rosenborg Castle by King Christian IV as a "pleasure house" in 1606. The castle later became the site where King Christian IV spent his final days and now houses the Danish Crown Jewels and royal collections.
Motif: The Windmill
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1991 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale The Windmill. It shows an old Dutch-style windmill on a hilltop, as described in the story.
Motif: To Be or Not to Be
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1992 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's novel To Be or Not to Be. The design depicts the Round Tower in Copenhagen, whose viewing platform lies almost 35 meters above street level.
Visitors ascend the platform via a wide, spiral cobblestone ramp originally built for horse-drawn carts to reach the library. The final meters to the platform are accessed via stairs.
Motif: What the Old Man Does Is Always Right
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1993 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale What the Old Man Does Is Always Right. At the beginning of the story, Andersen describes a small farmhouse, which Svend Otto S. captures on the plate.
The plate shows the idyllic farmhouse in winter, complete with a thatched roof, low windows, an old tree, and a chained dog.
Motif: A String of Pearls
Artist: Svend Otto S.
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1994 is Roskilde Cathedral, inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale A String of Pearls. Andersen described landmarks along the Copenhagen-Korsør railway line, including Roskilde Cathedral.
The cathedral is known as the burial site of most Danish kings and queens. It has hosted various churches over the centuries, the first erected by Harald Bluetooth, while the current cathedral was built under Bishop Absalon, both of whom are buried there.
Motif: Everything in Its Place
Artist: Lis Torbøl
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1995 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale Everything in Its Place. It shows a manor house in the background, with a young goose girl walking down the road with her geese.
In the story, she hears galloping hooves behind her and quickly moves the geese out of the way to avoid the manor lord and his hunting party.
Motif: The Snowdrop
Artist: Lis Torbøl
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1996 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale The Snowdrop. It shows snowdrops breaking through the snow and frost, just like in the story. The sun's first rays give them strength to grow, even as winter still holds its grip.
Motif: The Fairy Tale of My Life
Artist: Lis Torbøl
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1997 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's autobiography The Fairy Tale of My Life. It depicts Amalienborg Palace Square in Copenhagen, with guards and the equestrian statue of King Frederik V.
In his autobiography, Andersen recalls his time spent at one of the royal palaces, where he stood by the window gazing out over the square. This memory inspired the plate's design.
Motif: The Gardener and the Manor
Artist: Lis Torbøl
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1998 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's tale The Gardener and the Manor. The design shows a man loading a Christmas tree onto a wagon, with one of Denmark's many manors in the background.
Motif: The Two Baronesses
Artist: Lis Torbøl
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 1999 is inspired by H.C. Andersen's novel The Two Baronesses. The story explores life on manors, contrasting the older, conservative Baroness Gøthilda with the young, curious Baroness Charlotte.
Motif: The Hermitage
Artist: Lis Torbøl
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 2000 is The Hermitage, a hunting lodge in Dyrehaven (The Deer Park). Andersen often visited this area during his stays at the Melchior family's estate "Rolighed."
The lodge was used during royal hunts and continues to host the annual Hubertus Hunt to this day.
Motif: Fredensborg Palace
Artist: Lis Torbøl
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 2001 is Fredensborg Palace. Andersen often stayed here as a guest of the king, making the location a significant part of his life and work.
Motif: The Royal Theatre
Artist: Lis Torbøl
The motif on the Desiree Christmas plate from 2002 features Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Square) and The Royal Theatre. Andersen often sought recognition in the theatre world as a singer, dancer, and playwright.
The plate design celebrates these aspirations and depicts the iconic square and theatre. Production issues made this plate extremely limited in availability.
If you are looking for beautiful and meaningful H.C. Andersen products, Desiree Christmas plates are an excellent choice. Produced from 1970 to 2002, these plates are decorated with motifs from H.C. Andersen’s beloved fairy tales, such as The Little Match Girl, The Snow Queen, and Thumbelina. Each year represents a new story, and they were designed by renowned Danish artists like Mads Stage, Svend Otto S., and Lis Torbøl. As with Christmas plates from Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Groendahl, certain Desiree plates can be challenging to find. The first and last plates in the series are especially sought after due to significantly lower production in those years.
At DPH Trading, you can find the entire series of Desiree Christmas plates, which have become popular in Denmark and internationally—especially in the USA and Italy, under various names such as H.C. Andersen Christmas Plates, Svend Jensen Christmas Plates, and Desiree Christmas Plates. Whether you are looking for a specific plate for your collection or a special gift, we offer a wide selection that brings a touch of Danish cultural history into any home.
Desiree Christmas plates are not only beautiful collectibles—they also make perfect gifts for any occasion, whether given alone or paired with the matching cup:
Give a gift with meaning—Desiree Christmas plates combine art, history, and storytelling, bringing joy for years to come. Even though they are pre-owned, this shouldn’t deter you from using them as gifts! Each plate has its own story and charm, making them truly unique. When you choose a Desiree Christmas plate, you’re not just giving a gift—you’re sharing a piece of cultural heritage that can be cherished for generations.
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