Vintage Feature – Delightful Sedum-Filled Vintage Teacups

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

What do you do with a beautiful vintage teacup that’s lost its handle or has a chip? Drill a hole in the bottom, fill it with an assortment of sedums, and create a beautiful mini garden!

Since they love sun, leave them outside or in a sunny window and when you need something pretty for your table, put them on a pedestal for your guests to enjoy!  These are also available from Southern Vintage Table as a tabletop decor item and fit in perfectly with our Vintage Centerpiece Packages.

And, with today being Mother’s Day, we send wishes of love, compassion, and respect to all mothers and their children. To my mother, thank you for all of your gifts to us – your spirit, strength, compassion, courage, love of family, sassy smile – we miss you.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Event – Katie & Ryan Get Hitched!

It’s true – it’s all in the details and Katie and Ryan didn’t miss a thing with their beautiful wedding and lovely reception! With the help of wedding coordinator, Amy Wurster of Knots ‘N Such and Southern Vintage Table, and after months of planning with friends and family, Katie and Ryan’s vision of a rustic yet elegant celebration was realized. From the big details to the personal touches, it was a memory-making day for all!

It began at Fairview Baptist Church where friends and family witnessed the sweet wedding ceremony officiated by pastor, Hoyt Shuford. From there, guests migrated to the reception at The Big Barn. We all love this place, not only because of the family connection, but because it’s historic and authentically rustic.

While Katie and Ryan embraced the rustic atmosphere, they also wanted it to befit their romantic celebration. After swaths of cloth were draped across the ceiling and cascaded down the interior wall, and market lamps hung, the next step was to add the small vintage details.

The wooden tables are definitely part of The Big Barn’s charm and to showcase their beauty and history, we used an alternating table runner with vintage lace sewn by friend, Cynthia, and a layered doily stream provided by Southern Vintage Table. The decor, although slightly different from table to table, featured vintage treasures from our collection such as brass candle holders, alarm clocks, stacks of books, and frames. The charming petite coral rose arrangements, fashioned by Amy, added that perfect “pop” of color.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

After the table centerpieces were in place, our final preparation was setting up the greeting and card stations. Take notice of the terrific vintage picnic basket, child’s chair, and the baby’s breath tucked in the pockets of the old suitcase, brass goblet, and metal pitcher. Such wonderful vintage details!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

The sweetest details were the personal ones shared by Katie and Ryan. The mantle was bedecked with photos of their engagement, the handmade box that held the engagement ring, the famous “Get’in Hitched” sign made by a friend for their engagement party, and the lighted “J” at the bar.

Perhaps the loveliest displays were the dessert and sign-in tables. Covered with one of our vintage lace tablecloths, the beautiful tiered cake was flanked by photos of Katie and Ryan’s parents and grandparents. Also, note the table next Katie’s exquisite portrait – as a memento of their day, they created a poster with a heart from their thumbprints and guests added a personal message to the couple.

One last touch, added to the tables and in honor of all who came to celebrate with the newly married couple, was a beautiful message. “We feel that the finest gift is one that helps others. We truly appreciate that you are part of this special day! Love Katie & Ryan.”  And, with that came their gift to the Fairview Baptist Church Food Pantry. So thoughtful!  Wishing you two joy, happiness, and endless love!

Southern Vintage Table

Of course, family and friends took part in this special event as well as these amazing individuals and businesses!

Wedding Coordinator & Florist – Knots ‘N Such
Vintage Decor – Southern Vintage Table
Venue – The Big Barn
Officiant – Hoyt Shuford
Catering – Johnny Bakatsias Catering
Rentals – Classic Party Rentals
Photographer – Ginny Corbett Photography
Videographer – Andrew Kennedy Cinematography
Lighting – K2 Productions
DJ – Michael Gay
Cake Designer – Faye’s Cakes
Hair Artist – Lanee Brooks Salon

More to come about this delightful couple’s wedding when Ginny’s photos are available but here’s a preview, capturing the end of a memorable day for all!

Ginny Corbett Photography

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Vintage Decor Rental NC

Vintage Feature – Coral Roses & Vintage Vases

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Last week we revealed a peek at Katie and Ryan’s rustic, vintage wedding reception and had planned to show you more this week but a few gorgeous coral roses got in our way. You see, last Sunday I went to pick up the vintage decor elements used on the reception tables but I left with so much more – bouquets of coral roses, a few white tulips, and even one forgotten bridesmaid’s bouquet designed by Katie’s wonderful wedding planner and florist, Amy Wurster of Knots ‘n Such. What an unexpected treat!  So, I took advantage of these lovelies and started making simple arrangements in some of our vintage vases just to see how much the container played a role in their presentation. I know what you’re thinking; that’s some hard work ahead!

First, the featured photo above is a vintage planter I simply love and couldn’t wait to make an arrangement in it. I cut a small piece floral mesh wire (thank you, Jami!), shaped it inside, and started plopping the roses in between the wire holes. Gosh, I adore this centerpiece!  I then tried two more planters we have in our collection at Southern Vintage Table – a Tiffany-blue and a yellow with little feet. (Incidentally, we have a very nice collection of planters which help create low, lush centerpieces for any table.  And, with the mesh wire tucked inside, it’s pretty easy!)

Next up, the traditional vase – the original milk glass vase with the forgotten bridesmaid bouquet and a table centerpiece with a few small vases. I couldn’t believe how perfectly the marble egg matched the color of the coral roses!

The next set of arrangements are in pots – two topless teapots and a metal pot with an attached lid. From delicate to rustic, a vintage pot makes a wonderful vase!

The final trio of unexpected vintage vases – a perfectly tarnished brass goblet,  a peach cookie jar (thanks, Priscilla!) and a colorful tin – create their own unique look. Don’t you love these? Admittedly, my favorite is the vintage tin. (Psst – the secret to using a tin is to tuck a cup inside to hold the water for the flowers – you’d never know unless I told you!)

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Undeniably, these beautiful coral roses would look stunning in a paper cup, but the container adds another ingredient of beauty, interest, and whimsy – wouldn’t you agree? And, yes, playing with roses and preparing for this week’s post was a bit too much fun to be called work. 🙂

Now, back to Katie and Ryan’s post – I’ll share more of my photos next week but I can’t wait to see and share some of the professional shots when they come in. ‘Till then, have a terrific week!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Event – A Preview Katie and Ryan’s Wedding Day!

Sweet, romantic, and beautiful!  With vintage vignettes down the tables and throughout the venue, the celebration of Katie and Ryan’s wedding was ready to begin. This week’s post features a quick peek of last night before the guests arrived – more coming next week!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Event – An Easter Family Dinner

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Our Easter surprise came as a last minute request to set the table for a Sunday family dinner – sweet!

Our design began with a vintage floral printed tablecloth, layered with bright green placemats and yellow napkins. We chose vintage stoneware patterns that featured green, yellow, and brown, and the sparkling jewels of the table were Sharon’s amber thumbnail tumblers – so gorgeous in the afternoon sunlight!

The centerpiece vignette included an eclectic mix of vintage gems – brass candle holders with yellow candlesticks, a mixed bouquet in a vintage vase, moss-covered egg cups and china purse, a vintage Easter postcard poised on a fork stand, and a cute ceramic basket filled with colorful jelly beans – so many fun, delightful touches to this stunning table!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Sharon absolutely loved her beautiful table and knew her Easter dinner guests would, too.  As I am in the moment, writing this post about this intimate family dinner and thinking about our upcoming wedding this weekend, I realize once again why I love our business.  Each event, dinner, affair, and occasion, small or large, grand or casual, is an opportunity for Southern Vintage Table to create a beautiful, unique, vintage-inspired table atmosphere for the most important guest list – yours!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Vintage Tip – Reviving a Thrift Store Mirror Frame

 Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NCI had an epiphany this week worth sharing with any or all procrastinators out there – need something to motivate you to start that project that’s still on your list and has been for some time? Here it is – publicize your list and commit yourself to a weekly blog. Sound too extreme, a little wacky?  Well, I can personally attest it has worked for me!

It was Thursday and I hadn’t settled on my weekly blog post topic. The week had been especially busy getting ready for three weddings coming up this month – ironing napkins, packing dinner plates, polishing silver – and I kinda lost track of time. I had to get going on something that day – especially if it was a project that might take a little time.

As I was mentally running through my long list of restoration projects, I experienced the epiphany – if I didn’t have this weekly self-imposed commitment, I wouldn’t be worrying about getting a project done in the next two days. Whoa. My blog is more than a way to share our adventures, new inventory, and events – it’s my push, my inspiration, and maybe more importantly, my reason to get things done.

So, it was time to tackle our final goal set at the start of the new year – restoring, distressing, and repurposing some of our vintage finds.  I am pleased to reveal our first restoration and here’s the before and after. Not only does it have a new paint job, it’s structurally improved as well!

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Two years ago I found this metal mirror frame at a local thrift store. I covered the black metal with blue chalk paint, distressed it, and inserted a blackboard piece.  It looked pretty good but the blackboard kept slipping out and it was so lightweight, it easily toppled over. So, I wanted to add a little heft, re-paint it, and glue the blackboard to the frame. It was time to check this one off!

To add the weight, I unscrewed the base and added kitty liter to the base using a funnel. Yep, clay kitty litter.  I didn’t have any sand and didn’t want to go buy some so I used what I had.  To keep the kitty litter from spilling out, I cut a wine cork – one of my favorite fix-it solutions – and stuffed it in both ends. I screwed the frame back together and painted it using three shades of gold, first painting with the antique gold color and then adding the lighter two here and there. After a light sanding in key places to the reveal a little black, I added a light coat of gold.

Before gluing the blackboard and to dress it up, I glued a strip of wall paper to the back of the blackboard piece. Some time ago, I picked up a few rolls of left over wall paper at a thrift store. It was a terrific purchase because not only did I use it in this project, I have used it several other times as well. My final step was to prevent the backboard frame from swaying.  My solution was to add a few hooks to the back and create a twine design, connecting the two pieces of the frame.

 

So, one restoration project finished as well as our weekly blog posted. Done and done. Already thinking about what project to tackle next ’cause next week comes up pretty quickly!  Here are two ways you might use this restored, and steadier, gold blackboard stand now in our inventory at Southern Vintage Table!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

 

 

Vintage Feature – Sunshine Yellow Tablescape Vignettes

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Hues of yellow and gold inspire a new set of centerpiece vignettes!

In last week’s post we unveiled our new Vintage Centerpiece Packages!  I must admit, I am super excited about this concept because now our wonderful collection of vintage decor can more easily harmonize with each other in unique table vignettes. After refining the concept last week, I wanted to design another set and it didn’t take me long to find my inspiration  –  my favorite signs of spring, forsythia and daffodils!

I love the color yellow – it’s warm, bright, and evokes happiness. With this joyful color of spring in mind, I gathered our vintage items of yellow and gold, picked flowers, cut sprigs, and began creating. Let’s test the steps from last week’s post with our new spring-inspired vision:

Step 1:  Determine how many clusters you’ll need for your vignette.
3-5 clusters on each table.

Step 2:  Decide on the number of different groups of vignettes.
8 tables with 3 different designs – Group A – 2 tables; Group B – 3 tables; Group C – 3 tables.

Step 3:  Create a formula for each vignette grouping.
Goal – Gold metals, two sets of flowers/greenery in each setting, candle lighting at each, ceramic vases, yellow candlesticks

  • Group A (5 items) – Metal – brass candelabra, clock, brass vase, small brass frame; Organic – two flower bouquets; Ceramic/Glass – medium ceramic vase
  • Group B (6 items) – Metal – 3 brass candle holders of different heights,  medium framed picture; Organic – flowers, sedum plant; Ceramic/glass – large porcelain vase, glass coaster with gold trim, sedum teacup planter
  • Group C (5 items) – Metal – brass candlestick holder, pillar candle holder (metal or ceramic); Organic – small flower bouquet, sedum plant, large/small twig ball; Ceramic/glass – ceramic vase, sedum ceramic creamer/pitcher planter

Here are three ideas for a bright, cheery look for a table featuring yellow!

Step 4 – List the items needed by their three groups.

  • Group A – 2 Tables – 2 Each
    1 brass candelabra, 1 large procelain vase featuring yellow, 1 vintage clock, 1 brass vase, 1 small brass frame with yellow insert
  • Group B – 3 Tables – 3 Each
    3 brass candle holders of different heights, 1 medium porcelain vase featuring yellow, 1 gold/yellow teacup with sedum, 1 glass coaster, 1 medium brass frame with yellow insert
  • Group C – 3 Tables – 3 Each
    1 brass candle holder, 1 tall yellow or cream ceramic vase for small bouquet, 1 ceramic/metal gold pillar candle holder, 1 gold/yellow creamer/sugar dish/teacup with sedum, 1 large/1 small twig ball

Step 5 – Let Southern Vintage Table select, pack, and deliver your items!

We’d love to help you create your unique table centerpiece!  For yellow lovers, check out last year’s post, Happy Yellow Vintage China,  And, for beautiful, locally grown NC flowers, check out the flower offerings at Fernrock Farm which provided the lovely daffodils in our arrangements. Thank you, Carrie and Bill!

This was way too much fun – look for another set of vignette inspirations coming soon!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Vintage Feature – Announcing Our Centerpiece Packages!

Vintage Decor Rental NCIt’s time to check off the second of our three goals we set at the start of the new year!  Southern Vintage Table is now offering our collection of cool and wonderful doodads and small linens in a “per table” package so you can customize your own vintage look.  Announcing… (Drum-roll, please…)

 ~ Southern Vintage Table’s Centerpiece Packages! ~


You have your guest list finalized and now you’re ready to design your vintage table centerpieces.  You want something different for each table but you also want the tables to look coordinated and you don’t have time to scour the thrift stores for cool vintage stuff. No worries!  We’ve got you covered in 5 easy steps with an example to boot!

Step 1:  Determine how many clusters you’ll need for your vignette.
To follow the decorating rule of odds, you’ll need 1, 3, or even 5 clusters depending on the size of the table and the size of the bouquet.  Of course, the rule of odds can be ignored but it’s a good place to start.
~ For our example, we are using a small bouquet in a milk glass vase as one cluster and need 2 more.

Step 2:  Decide on the number of different groups of vignettes.
This step is to help you get organized with the details. If you have 3 tables, maybe you want a different vignettes for each table. But if you have 8 tables, maybe 4 different vignettes times 2 would work best.
~ For our example, we have 9 tables and we are going to use 3 different groups of vignettes (Groups A, B, and C).

Step 3:  Create a formula for each vignette grouping.
Here’s where the creativity comes in! To help focus choices, we have categorized our vintage items by the material they are made of – metal, organic (wood, paper, cloth), and glass/ceramic.
~ For our example, the goal is to represent each material category and vary the heights. We also want to include a small bouquet and some form of candle lighting. Here are our example formulas. Note that each grouping has a different number of items but still have three clusters in the vignette.

  • Group A (5 items) – Metal – Brass candleholder; Organic – Doily and small wooden stand; Glass/Ceramic – Milk glass vase and sedum teacup
  • Group B (5 items) – Metal – Brass candle holder and silver box; Organic – Doily and dried rose; Glass/Ceramic – Milk glass vase and votive insert
  • Group C (7 items) – Metal – Picture frame and short pillar stand; Organic – Book stack, small doily, large doily; Glass/Ceramic – Votive and milk glass vase

Vintage Decor Rental NC

Step 4 – List the items needed by their three groups.

~ For our example, we’ll need the following for our 9 table centerpieces. Although we are using the same basic items in the groupings, each vignette will be a little different! How wonderful is that?

  • Group A – 3 Tables – 3 each
    small wooden pedestal, teacup sedum, medium doily, short milk glass vase, tall brass candlestick holder
  • Group B – 3 Tables – 3 each
    small metal box or similar item, dried rose/flower, medium doily, short milk glass vase, tall pedestal candle holder
  • Group C – 3 Tables – 3 each
    book stack, low pedestal candle holder, small/medium frame. small doily, tall milk glass vase, glass votive

Step 5 – Let Southern Vintage Table select, pack, and deliver your items!
Ready to get started?  We can help you create your own “formula” and suggest items for your unique, fun, and charming centerpieces!


~ Items ~

Metals – frames; postcards on fork stands; candle holders (brass and silver); candle stands; small metal boxes; small metal pitchers; alarm clocks; sifters; kitchen scales; decorative tins; brass animals; silver-rimmed coasters; small silver trays; sad irons and trivets

Organics – books; doilies; wooden boxes; wooden frames; sedum teacups; baskets; pine cones; shells

Glass/Ceramics – milk glass vases; blue, green, and clear glass vases; ceramic vases and planters; votives; bottles; glass candle holders; ceramic figurines and boxes; salt & pepper shakers; petite teacup & saucers

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Vintage Adventure – A More-Than-Century-Old Thrift Store Treasure

The snow is gone, spring is almost here, and it’s time to do the thrift store circuit to uncover vintage gems for Southern Vintage Table.  And, what would make a great day even better?  Browsing my favorite thrift stores with Jami!  Little did we know we would find something really, really wonderful.

So, it was our third stop and as soon as we opened the door to the old-house-turned-thrift-store, I spied these cups on the table. Neither of us could read the mark without our glasses, but even with our blurry vision, it had that distinctive vintage look.  I bought them and couldn’t wait to find out more.

Bodley StampAlthough I couldn’t find a photo or pattern name, I did discover more about the company that made them. Here’s a bit of their story.

The pottery company is Edwin J.D. Bodley from Burslem, England.  Edwin was the son of Edward Fisher Bodley and originally the two worked together but later the father retired and Edwin took over.  According to thepotteries.org, these are key dates for Edwin’s company:

  • In 1875 the father retired and the son carried on on his own accord. 
  • In the 1881 census the company is recorded as having 140 employees. 
  • In 1892 the company was declared bankrupt. 

So, using a little bit of math, this means these teacups are at least 123 years old!  Holy moly!  This advertisement from The Pottery Gazette, American and Canadian Edition, January 1st, 1880, also from thepotteries.org site, gives some insight into the company’s business plan. I definitely appreciate Edwin’s quest to create “fancy goods” for the American market!

bodley+edwin

My guess is these were made for the American market in the 1880s, with all their fanciness, shape and decorative style, and bought somewhere here. Who bought them, where they lived and how many cups of tea were stylishly served in them – alas – that’s all left to our own imagination. But, we do know they now reside at Southern Vintage Table for all to joyfully admire!  Aren’t they fabulous?

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

 

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Event – An Elegant Business Dinner

Southern Vintage Table

Raffle tickets, a silent auction, delicious food and drink, awards, and people you love to be around – yes, it was Rolesville’s Chamber of Commerce‘s Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet!  We were very excited to be a part of this fun event, especially because this was our first business dinner and we had the opportunity to meet a terrific group of business leaders in the Rolesville community.

With lots of on-site help, Southern Vintage Table set the tables using our elegant china collection, silver plated flatware and vintage goblets. The whimsical centerpieces, designed by Flower Creations, signified the construction of the 401 Bypass through Rolesville, complete with toy cars and a billboard ad. As shared in Brian Pate’s remarks, Rolesville is rapidly growing as more folks discover this charming, caring, and very connected community.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

The evening began with a reception and silent raffle with items generously provided by Chamber businesses. After a delicious meal catered by Catering by Design, Jenny Rowe, President of the Chamber, kicked off the program and a delightful crew of presenters followed. Speakers included Brian Pate, Pate Realty-Keller Williams; Allen Mitchell, Mitchell Heating & Cooling; Sherwood Bobbitt, Chairman of the Chamber Board; and, Frank Eagles, Rolesville Mayor. The evening ended with the announcement of the four honorees, presented by Sandy Young of June-Neri Financial and Jenny Rowe. They were:

Ambassador of the Year – ‎Daralyn Sacarello, Mary Kay Consultant
Volunteer of the Year – Greg Rowe
Business of the Year –  Jeremy Dimmitt, State Farm of Rolesville
Rising Star Award – Katherine Wiessner, Music Funatic

What a fabulous night to mingle with business leaders in the up-and-coming community of Rolesville! (Special thanks to Melanie Diehl, Your Social Media Gal, for the “people” photos!)  As witnessed, many folks helped with this lovely event and special kudos go out to:

Annual Dinner Committee – Scottie Hundley, Affordable Creative Framer; Kathy Fuerst, Rolesville Buzz; Amy Lin, Catering by Design; Jenny Rowe, Chamber President // Dinner Sponsors – Ace Hardware of Rolesville; Dirty Dogs Spa and Boutique; Mitchell Heating & Cooling; Sandy Young, June-Neri Financial Services // Master of Ceremonies – Brian Pate, Pate Realty-Keller Williams // Entertainment & Sound System – Ron & Derek, The Patio Party Men, Brian Pate, Pate Realty-Keller Williams // Dinnerware – Southern Vintage Table // Caterer – Catering by Design // Flowers – Flower Creations // Program – The Rolesville Buzz // Venue – The Mill Room at The Factory in Wake Forest

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC