Christmas Porcelain Figurines Collection

Two nativity scenes, chalets and fir trees from the Ginger family, winged angels: this porcelain collection is built around a central scene rather than a single piece.

Start with the nativity scene

The nativity scene sets the theme, and everything else accompanies it. Place it first, where the eye falls as you walk in, then arrange the chalets and fir trees around it like a landscape. The angels go further back, a little higher if a shelf allows, to round off the composition.

Stay within one family

The Ginger pieces share the same design and come in several heights, from the 9-centimeter chalet to the 21-centimeter fir tree. Staying within a single family avoids a mismatched set: the sizes change, the design stays the same. Two chalets with a taller fir tree behind them are enough to create a village.

Porcelain and light

A porcelain piece only comes alive through what lights it. In front of a window, it stands out as a silhouette; under a warm lamp, its reliefs and lacework deepen with shadow. The light-up models bring their own glow, and you then only need to dim the direct lights for the scene to come into relief.

Frequently asked questions

Where should a porcelain nativity scene go?

On a clear, stable surface, away from busy walkways. A console table, a sideboard or a wide mantelpiece works better than a dining table that gets cleared every day.

Can finishes be mixed?

Yes, as long as it is a deliberate choice. A majority of pieces from the same family with one or two gold roofs as accents makes a cohesive set, whereas an even mix blurs the effect.

How do you dust the reliefs?

A soft paintbrush or a soft-bristled brush reaches cutouts and folds better than a cloth, which catches on the edges. Finish with a dry cloth on smooth surfaces.