Discover the beauty of a thrifted Royal Tara china set, perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day table. See photos of this stunning Irish bone china and get inspired to style your own lucky table!
Whether displayed in a cabinet, used for special occasions, or given as a cherished gift, Royal Tara China pieces are treasured heirlooms that embody the beauty and spirit of Ireland.
It’s a celebration of Irish heritage to enjoy for generations to come.
Thrifted Royal Tara China
Royal Tara fine bone china is a highly collectible Irish china made in Galway, Ireland, known for its delicate craftsmanship and timeless beauty.
Featuring intricate Celtic symbols, shamrocks, and elegant gold detailing, this fine bone china embodies the rich heritage of Ireland and is a true symbol of Irish artistry.
Finding a thrifted Royal Tara Ireland piece is a rare treasure—its quality, history, and connection to Ireland’s traditions make it a must-have for collectors and vintage lovers alike!
Royal Tara Fine Bone China Ltd.
Royal Tara China was produced by Royal Tara Fine Bone China Ltd., a company based in Galway, Ireland. Founded in 1953, Royal Tara became well known for its high-quality fine bone china, often featuring Celtic symbols, Irish shamrocks, and intricate gold detailing.
The company specializes in tea sets, tableware, and decorative pieces, celebrating Irish heritage and craftsmanship.
Unfortunately, Royal Tara ceased production in 2003, making its pieces even more collectible today. Finding thrifted Royal Tara china is truly a lucky find, as it represents a timeless piece of Irish history and tradition.
Symbol of Ireland
One of the distinguishing features of Royal Tara China is its use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns that reflect the beauty of the Irish landscape and Celtic heritage.
This green, white, and gold shamrock pattern represents an iconic symbol of Irish culture.
Let’s set the table together for Saint Patrick’s Day with this thrifted Royal Tara China collection I found while out Thrifting with the Gals in Maine.
See more of this thrifting trip in this 21 Vintage Finds: 4 Days Thrifting in Coastal Maine post.
Saint Patrick’s Day Tablescape Ideas
Setting a table for Saint Patrick’s Day can be a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday.
Here are some ideas for a Saint Patrick’s Day table setting:
- Color Scheme:
- Use a color scheme of green, white, and gold, which are traditional colors associated with Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Incorporate shades of green, such as emerald, lime, and sage, to create a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
- Tablecloth and Napkins:
- Choose a tablecloth in a solid green or a pattern that includes shamrocks or Celtic designs.
- Use white or gold napkins to complement the green tablecloth.
- Centerpiece
- Create a centerpiece using fresh flowers in shades of green, such as green hydrangeas, roses, or paperwhites. Arrange them in a vase or a decorative pot.
- Add small pots of clover plants or shamrock plants as a symbol of luck and Irish heritage.
- Incorporate candles in gold or green candle holders to add a warm glow to the table.
- Place Settings:
- Use white or gold dinner plates as the base of each place setting.
- Layer green salad plates or bowls on top of the dinner plates.
- Place a green cloth napkin on each plate or fold them into decorative shapes, such as a clover or a bow tie, and place them on top of the dinner plate.
- Glassware and Utensils:
- Use clear glassware to showcase the colors of the drinks.
- Add gold or green accents, such as gold-rimmed glasses or green stemware.
- Try mixing up the utensil place settings with sterling silver or wooden handles.
- Decorative Touches:
- Scatter gold or green confetti or small decorative shamrocks on the table.
- Place small pots of gold chocolate coins or small favors in the shape of shamrocks at each place setting.
- Use green or gold ribbon to tie napkins or to decorate the chairs.
Remember, the key to a festive Saint Patrick’s Day table setting is to incorporate the colors and symbols associated with the holiday while also infusing your personal style and creativity.
Have fun with the decorations and create a welcoming and joyful atmosphere for your guests to enjoy.
Pro Tip
You may also be inspired by this St. Patrick’s Day Tablescape Ideas in Green and White post.
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day Every Day
Who says St. Patrick’s Day has to be just once a year?
With my thrifted Royal Tara china, I’ve created a casually elegant Celtic-inspired table filled with Irish charm and meaningful details.
From Irish blessing mugs ready for a cozy cup of tea to delicate Celtic symbols woven throughout, every element on this table symbolizes Ireland—rich in tradition and warmth.
Layered with macrame placemats, wooden-handled flatware, vintage green stoneware, and brass candlesticks, the setting feels effortlessly welcoming.
A pair of little wooden vintage leprechaun shoes, a tipped green leprechaun hat, and a bundle of purple lavender add just the right touch of whimsy, making every meal feel like a celebration of Irish heritage.
Let me take you through all the charming details that bring this Celtic-inspired table to life!
Paperwhite Centerpiece
I picked up an already blooming paperwhite bouquet from Trader Joe’s and displayed the flowers in a vintage green stoneware bowl.
Similarly to the one I made last year, I didn’t grow them this year from bulbs.
See more in the Grow Paperwhites for Saint Patrick’s Day post.
I chose to add a second-side centerpiece, too, with white tulips in a vintage silver pitcher.
For one thing, because it’s cold outside right now, the wind is blowing strong, and we’ve had loads of snow and rain.
The two centerpieces just feel right, also from Trader Joe’s. I just love their flower selection.
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
A bouquet of dried lavender adds a different color pattern outside of this green and white-themed Saint Patrick’s Day tablescape.
A recent Christmas gift from a Vermont neighbor.
Pro Tip
You may also enjoy the Vintage Crocks and Antique Jugs Spring Home Ideas post.
Brass Candlesticks, White Soup Tureen, and Cake Stand
To accompany the centerpieces, essentials like brass candlesticks with white candles, a vintage soup tureen for the main course, and a thrifted cake stand entertain our Irish-themed table.
And one of Dawn’s “Fakery Bakery” Pecan Pies.
You may see more in the Fall Dessert Table with A Pecan Pie Surprise post.
Vintage Royal Tara China Place Setting
The vintage Royal Tara place setting is all about showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of the porcelain.
Keeping the overall look elegant and refined and letting the intricate details of the china take center stage.
Enhance the vintage Royal Tara place setting by adding small details like macrame placemats and unique vintage utensils.
Favor vintage-inspired accessories, such as glassware or small trinkets, to add charm and character to the table.
Consider Irish linen napkins, which have become a symbol of refinement and good taste.
They are often passed down through generations as cherished heirlooms, a testament to their durability and timeless appeal.
Whether used for formal dinners, casual gatherings, or as decorative accents, Irish linen napkins elevate any dining experience.
How to Care for Vintage Linens
See how to care for vintage linens in this How to Safely Bring Age Stained Textiles Back to Life post.
Thrift Store Finds
Don’t discount your local thrift stores and Dollar Tree stores either.
You will indeed find green top hats, white knitted sweater pillows, silver pitchers, wooden stem utensils, and vintage glassware there.
And maybe the luck of the Irish will bless you, and you will find a Royal Tara China table setting.
Pro Tip
See this fall’s vintage silver utensil haul in the Order of the Eastern Star Amidst This Vintage Market Haul post.
I added a house favorite, Overland sheepskins, for our dining room chairs for a cozy March vibe.
In addition, you could also add knit blankets and pillows for that classic Irish decor style.
With a knit Irish cap or two…
Irish Stew’s On…
Stew
We’ll be serving up a mouth-watering Guinness beef stew. “Cooler weather means all the cozy meals, and this Guinness beef stew is at the top of the list! It’s savory and rich, truly best served over creamy mashed potatoes,” says Jenny of “So Much Food.”
And we’ll use every cream soup bowl and dinner plate from our thrifted Royal Tara china to indulge in this hardy Irish feast.
Dessert
My husband brought home a large platter of cookies from an office meeting that we will enjoy for dessert. These shamrock-shaped shortbreads would be a great option, too!
Simple, yet perfect for a snowy Saint Patrick’s Day luncheon.
Saint Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, is a festive occasion that honors the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick.
It is a day filled with parades, green attire, and merriment.
If you plan to host a Saint Patrick’s Day gathering or simply want to create a festive atmosphere at home, a beautifully designed tablescape can set the perfect ambiance.
Remember, balance and attention to detail are the key to a beautiful tablescape.
Consider the size of your table and the number of guests when selecting your decorations, ensuring they don’t overwhelm the space.
With a well-designed Saint Patrick’s Day tablescape, you can create an enchanting atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the holiday. Sláinte!
And it all started with a thrifted $59 set of Royal Tara china…
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
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This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Hi Ann! These dishes were such a great find! And I love all the details of the table setting!
Thanks so much Molly, me too!
Ann
Love these dishes. I’ll share a link on DRA tomorrow
Thanks so much Rachel aren’t they such a nice find?
What a lovely find and beautifully layered out table. My mom loved fine Irish porcelains, crystal, linens and woolens. I have a large Royal Tara flower vase that was hers. I never thought of using it with lace placemats and have some white crocheted lace ones so now I’m looking forward to St Patrick’s Day dinner adding in her crystal pieces.. I usually make corned beef and cabbage but this year may try the Irish Stew. As much as she loved Irish things I love Irish food!
Hi Pamela, I bet the vase is gorgeous! I’m from Irish heritage and both my parents loved the Irish decor especially the Waterford. And I should have added some of that to my table, shoot! But I’m glad you you enjoyed it and were inspired today. And yes to the Beef Stew, haha.
We have been to Ireland several times. The first time we went with a tour company. My Royal Tara purchase then was a beautiful teapot which I still have. The only problem was I had to carry that boxed teapot everyday to and from the hotel to the tour bus! I’m surprised it arrived back home in one piece.. Another visit we spent 5 weeks on our own in beautiful Ireland. We got to see things that we never saw on a tour. I keep all the Royal Tara pieces on a shelf in my kitchen, and they remind me of our travels.
Hi Lyn, your travels sounds amazing. I’ve been to Ireland once many years ago. And Royal Tara is my new favorite from this beautiful countryside. Thanks for your sweet note!