Blog - Southern Vintage Table

Southern Vintage Table Events – A Bridal Shower for Martha

“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.” – John Ruskin

And, so it was – a bridal shower masterpiece for Martha. A long-standing tradition among women friends is to honor a soon-to-be bride with a celebratory party before they marry. Guests lists include friends of the bride, mothers of the bride and groom, as well as their friends. This event provides a fun gathering for folks to meet each other before the wedding day.

For Martha’s shower, florals were everywhere! When guests entered Casey’s home, they were greeted with Jami’s grand floral arrangement in the hall, petite florals along the mantle and kitchen side table, and along the buffet table. What a glorious treat for everyone! And, since we all love flowers, the petite arrangements became gifts for the guests.

The shower officially began with drinks. Set up on the side table was a mimosa bar with an assortment of vintage pink and green goblets, Prosecco, and juices. In the butler’s pantry, guests could choose water, tea, or coffee. Our vintage clear, green, and pink goblets were lined up here, too.

A key element of any party, including bridal showers, is food. After meeting folks and catching up, it was time to eat. Our vintage silver trays were donned with a variety of sweet and savory treats. Also on the table was a crystal bowl filled with colorful fruit, deviled eggs, and spicy shrimp.

Jami chose an assortment of vintage plates – pink and green glass and green and pink patterned china. Vintage napkins, silverplated forks, and serving utensils completed the table settings. With the beautiful spring floral centerpiece, the final tablescape was perfection!

A shower would not be complete without a game for guests to play. Jami and Casey organized a Jeoporady-esque game to introduce the guests to Martha and Stephen. Categories included “About the Bride, “About the Groom,” “Wedding Trivia, “Wedding Movies,” and “Famous Couples.” The winner was awarded with a bottle of Champagne and, let’s just say, that the winning card was not pictured here.

Opening gifts for the couple was next. Martha unveiled from the beautifully wrapped gifts gorgeous bowls, a set of pots and pans, a cookbook, lemon apron and pot. holder, dishes, tablecloth, and pitcher among other lovely items. It was fun for all to see the nice things the couple will be using soon.

Guests left the shower feeling well-fed, happy to have met Martha and friends, looking forward to the April wedding day, and loving their sweet bouquet of spring florals. C’était magnifique, Casey and Jami!

Scenes from SVT – A Rainbow of Goblets & Blooms for a Spring Garden Celebration

Next spring, Leigha and Winston will celebrate their wedding in true garden party style—colorful, romantic, and full of vintage charm. Their design vision is cheerful and inviting, with every detail chosen to reflect the beauty of the season.

At the heart of their tablescape are our floral vintage plates, each one a delicate canvas of blossoms that perfectly echoes the joy of spring. To complement them, the couple selected an array of pastel goblets—soft yellow, pink, peach, blue, green, teal, and purple—creating a delightful rainbow that promises to sparkle under the open sky.

Stainless flatware brings a timeless, understated balance to the vibrant tableware, while colored napkins were thoughtfully chosen to enhance the hues of both the goblets and the floral plates. Whether they will drape from under the plate or folded to the side, they will look amazing.

Their guests will also enjoy desserts served on vintage dessert plates, another touch that adds charm and personality to the reception tables.

A particularly meaningful detail for Leigha and Winston is their sweetheart table. After browsing through our collection, they each selected a favorite floral plate to use at their place settings—a charming way to make their table feel both personal and symbolic of the new life they’ll share together.

Their wedding design feels fresh and whimsical, yet beautifully refined—just like Leigha and Winston’s love story. With vintage details, a rainbow of glassware, and the natural beauty of spring in full bloom, their celebration is certain to be as memorable as it is magical.

At Southern Vintage Table, we love helping couples like Leigha and Winston bring their unique visions to life. Whether you dream of a colorful garden party or a more classic, elegant look, our vintage tableware collections can set the perfect scene. Let us help you create a celebration that feels timeless, personal, and full of charm.

Feature – Layers of Style: How Placemats, Chargers, and Napkin Rings Transform a Tablescape

The beauty of a well-set table lies in the details. While plates, goblets, and flatware set the stage, it’s the placemats, chargers, and napkin rings that complete the look. These finishing touches add layers of texture, color, and personality, transforming a simple place setting into a thoughtful design. At Southern Vintage Table, our collection ranges from large sets ideal for weddings to smaller, specialty groups perfect for intimate dinners and parties—each piece carefully chosen to bring charm and character to your event.

Placemats

Placemats are the foundation of each place setting, defining personal space while adding texture and style. Here are the woven ones in our collection.

Rattan round placemats (100+) — a timeless choice, perfect for weddings and large gatherings.

Dark woven placemats (11) — rich and moody, adding depth to intimate dinner parties.

Rectangular woven placemats (12) — classic and versatile, just right for rehearsal dinners, dinner parties, or family celebrations.

Round woven placemats in rainbow hues (50+) — cheerful pops of color that bring a playful, vibrant spirit to your design.

Vintage lace and linen placemats (30+) — delicate, romantic, and utterly charming.

Chargers

Chargers frame the plate and elevate the look of every setting. Our collection includes styles for every mood. From grand events to cozy celebrations, these chargers bring that extra layer of beauty and intention to your design.

Silver trays (50+) — the perfect charger-sized alternative with a vintage twist.

Glass green beaded chargers (8) — a unique, eye-catching option for smaller gatherings or styled tables.

Napkin Rings

Napkin rings are the jewelry of the table—small but impactful accents that bring polish and personality to each place setting. Our collection offers:

Wooden napkin rings (100+) — natural charm in assorted shapes, ideal for rustic or organic designs.
Brass napkin rings (60+) — warm metallic tones that add a vintage glow.
African-inspired napkin rings (24) — bold and unique, perfect for a global or eclectic flair.
Silver napkin rings (17) — timeless elegance for a classic tablescape.
Amber beaded napkin rings (8) — a touch of sparkle and color for smaller gatherings.

Whether bold, simple, or sparkling, napkin rings finish the look with that extra touch of style.

From woven placemats and vintage linens to silver trays, beaded chargers, and an array of unique napkin rings, our collection is all about the details that make your table unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a grand wedding reception or an intimate dinner party, these finishing touches bring personality, texture, and charm to every place setting. At Southern Vintage Table, we believe that every guest deserves to sit at a table that feels both welcoming and beautiful—layered with history, character, and just the right amount of sparkle.

Header, first photo, fourth photo by Amy Ellis Photography.

Styled Shoot – Perfectly Paired: Stationery Meets Tablescape- Part 2

We’re back with Part 2 of our styled series, and this time we’re featuring three new pairings of stationery and place settings. Each design highlights a different mood and personality, showing how thoughtful details—like vintage china, distinctive goblets, and beautifully crafted paper goods—can transform a table into a story. From bold and tropical to soft and refined, these looks celebrate the art of mixing timeless tableware with modern touches.

The first look layers timeless elegance with a playful twist. Our vintage cream-and-gold china pairs gracefully with clear and gray goblets, setting the stage for a refined yet modern table. Beau styled the design with tropical floral menu cards, a delightful nod to the season, while pink ginger jars and gold figurines added pops of color and whimsy. The result? A tablescape that feels both classic and fresh, with just the right hint of exotic charm.

For the second design, the vintage clear and gray goblets return, this time paired with elegant gray-rimmed plates. The muted tones of the stationery—a softly understated menu card—echo the refined palette, creating a cohesive look that feels calm, timeless, and sophisticated. This setting is a perfect example of how subtle details can elevate a table with quiet grace.

For the third design, our vintage clear water goblets from the first two looks joined Beau’s collection of clear goblets for a layered glassware effect. The stationery featured a simple menu card, letting the florals take center stage. Flower Patch’s glorious, colorful bouquet became the undeniable star of the table, its vibrant hues playing beautifully against the white and gray plates. White taper candles, set in clear hurricanes, added a soft, glowing finish to this elegant, garden-inspired scene.

Each of these three designs shows how a thoughtful pairing of vintage tableware, distinctive goblets, and carefully chosen stationery can set the mood for a celebration. Whether accented with playful tropical touches, refined muted tones, or vibrant florals, these tablescapes remind us that beauty is in the details. We are so delighted to share this collaboration and hope it inspires you to dream up your own unforgettable settings.

Beau Papiere – Stationery
Bess and Beau – Design and Planning
The Durham Exchange – Venue
The Flower Patch – Florals
Best Party Rentals – Rentals
Stradley-Davidson – Linens
Nuage Linens – Linens
Southern Vintage Table – Vintage Tabletop Rentals
Mylina Russell – Photography

Styled Shoot – Perfectly Paired: Stationery Meets Tablescape, Part 1

At Boone Square, inspiration is always close at hand. For this styled shoot, we partnered with our neighbor, Terry Smedley of Beau Paperie, to showcase the perfect pairing of vintage tableware and bespoke stationery. Terry created six unique stationery suites, each with its own personality, and together we matched them to our curated collection of vintage china and glassware. Adding the perfect finishing touch, The Flower Patch provided glorious, complementing florals that brought each tablescape to life. In this post, we’re highlighting three of those designs—including two featuring our beloved purple goblets and one with timeless gold and cream details. Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll reveal the remaining looks and even more creative combinations.

The second tablescape radiated classic elegance in gold and cream. Vintage plates with delicate gold accents and rims set a luxurious foundation, paired with gleaming gold flatware that elevated every detail. A crisp white tablecloth provided a clean, timeless backdrop, while gold napkins added warmth and sophistication. Beau Paperie’s coordinating table numbers and menu card completed the design, tying the tabletop together with understated refinement and a touch of glamour.

The last design brought us full circle with a return to our beloved vintage purple goblets and lilac napkins, this time tied in a graceful bow and placed atop each plate. Vintage floral plates added layers of delicate charm, while vibrant, colorful blooms filled the table with richness and joy. Beau Paperie’s floral menu card and coordinating table number echoed the beauty of the flowers, creating a look that felt romantic, fresh, and delightfully timeless.

These first three tablescapes showcase just a glimpse of the creativity that happens when vintage tableware meets Beau Paperie’s stunning stationery. From romantic purples to elegant gold and white, each setting tells its own story—full of texture, color, and thoughtful details. We can’t wait to share the remaining designs in our next blog, where even more playful palettes and inspired combinations bring Terry’s stationery to life on the table.

Southern Vintage Table Events – Margot & Evan’s Romantic Spring Wedding at the Honeysuckle Tea House

On a sunlit spring day at the enchanting Honeysuckle Tea House, Margot and Evan celebrated their wedding with a tablescape that perfectly captured their romantic vision. Their design combined vintage charm with soft, graceful details, creating an atmosphere both welcoming and timeless. Guided by planner, Events by Rebs, with exquisite florals by Fireside Farm, and gorgeous photographs captured by Amy Ellis Photography, you can see that this wedding was truly special.

The tables featured a sweet pairing of vintage gold and cream plates adorned with delicate pink florals. At each place setting, vintage glass salad plates caught the light and shimmered over the dinner plates, adding a touch of sparkle. Pink goblets brought a gentle blush to the table, complemented by silverplate flatware. Brass candleholders, topped with light blue candles, cast a soft glow as the day turned to evening.

Thoughtful décor completed the look — table numbers nestled in vintage frames, while other frames displayed the guest lists and personal photographs, adding an intimate and personal touch. Bread baskets offered a rustic element, and the dessert table showcased our vintage cake stands and tiered stands, beautifully displaying their sweet treats.

Margot and Evan’s celebration was a lovely blend of spring romance, vintage elegance, and personal storytelling — a day as charming as the couple themselves.

~ The Vendor Team ~
Events by Rebs – @eventsbyrebs
The Honeysuckle Tea House – @thehoneysuckleteahouse
Amy Ellis Photography – @amyellisphoto
Southern Vintage Table – @southernvintagetable2
American Party Rentals – @americanpartyrentals
Fireside Farm – @firesidefarmnc
Mena Garcia Beauty – @menagarciabeauty
The Commissary by CM – @thecommissarybycm
Cupcakes d’Amour – @cupcakesdamour
Zim Zoom Photobooth – @zimzoomphotobooth

Scenes from SVT – From Law Books to Love Notes: A Spring Wedding Preview

Lauryl and Michael—future lawyers, present-day romantics—visited our studio to curate their dream spring 2026 wedding tablescape. Their vision? A graceful light blue theme brought to life with our soft floral vintage plates, silverplate flatware, and sky-blue goblets.

To add a touch of vintage glow, they selected assorted votives to encircle their centerpiece display. And yes, dessert will be served in true heirloom style—on our charming collection of vintage cake stands. A classic case of love, light, and lovely details!

Thank you, Lauryl and Michael, for spending time with us at the studio and thoughtfully crafting such a timeless and elegant design. We loved seeing your vision come to life and can’t wait to see your light blue dream unfold next spring. Wishing you joy in every step as you plan your big day—and your bright future together!

Scenes From SVT – A Blue & White Vintage Dream in the Making

Last month, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting Gabriella, a lovely bride-to-be who’s tying the knot next spring. She came with her wonderful planner, Rebecca of Events by Reb, and her sweet mom—three women with impeccable taste and a shared vision for a beautifully curated wedding day.

After a thoughtful tour of our vintage inventory, Gabriella was drawn to the timeless charm of our blue and white classic collection. The pairing of delicate vintage china with rich blue goblets and elegant gold flatware was an instant favorite. We can already picture the graceful tablescape they’re planning—vintage plates resting atop natural woven placemats and a centerpiece layered with stacked books, soft candlelight from peg votives in brass candleholders, and touches of lace from our vintage doilies.

To top it off, Gabriella also selected a beautiful mix of dessert and appetizer plates, along with vintage cake stands for her sweet table—because no celebration is complete without a stunning display of desserts!

It was a delightful visit filled with inspiration and laughter, and we are honored to be part of Gabriella’s wedding journey. We can’t wait to see her vision come to life next spring!

Southern Vintage Table Events – Vintage Pastel Perfection

Jacey and Jack’s wedding day was everything we love about spring—fresh, joyful, and bursting with color! Set against the backdrop of blooming gardens at the Honeysuckle Teahouse and sunny skies, their celebration was an enchanting nod to the season of new beginnings.

The heart of their reception design was a trio of pastel color schemes, with each table dressed in one of three stunning hues: blush pink, powder blue, and buttery yellow. These soft palettes created a dreamy patchwork of springtime beauty across the venue.

To complement each table’s theme, we hand-selected vintage china with floral patterns and paired them with matching colored goblets—rosy pink, soft blue, and sunshine yellow. It was a painterly display of color and charm, inviting guests to sit, sip, and soak in the love all around.

The pink tables felt romantic and whimsical, the blue added a serene and elegant touch, and the yellow brought a warm, cheerful glow to the setting. Each table had its own personality, yet together they told one beautiful, cohesive story.

To ground these romantic pastels, Jacey and Jack added rustic wooden accents that brought warmth and texture to the design. Rolled white napkins were tucked into handcrafted wooden napkin rings, echoing the simplicity of nature. Centerpieces rested on round wooden charger-style plates, showcasing vibrant floral arrangements that looked as though they had just been gathered from the garden. Even the cake sat proudly atop a wooden stand, tying the theme together with rustic elegance.

It was a joy to help bring Jacey and Jack’s colorful vision to life. Their thoughtful details and joyful spirit made this spring wedding a day to remember—and one we won’t soon forget.

Here’s to the sweet newlyweds, whose love bloomed just like the season!

Dreaming of a spring wedding with vintage charm and natural elegance?
Let us help you set the perfect table for your love story.

~ The Vendor Team ~
Events by Rebs – @eventsbyrebs
The Honeysuckle Tea House – @thehoneysuckleteahouse
Amy Ellis Photography – @amyellisphoto
Southern Vintage Table – @southernvintagetable2
Triangle Sound Service – @trianglesoundservice
Mad Hatter – @madhatterdurham

Scenes from SVT – Planning the Perfect Pink Vintage Tablescape

Amanda was positively tickled pink as she dreamed up her enchanting tablescape. With a palette of rosy hues and elegant touches, the final look was a vision of vintage charm. Dainty pink florals danced across the table, paired perfectly with gold-rimmed white plates and an array of pink goblets in varying shades—because when it comes to pink, more is more! Coordinating salad plates along with vintage gold flatware will complete her romantic theme.

The dessert table was just as delightful, featuring two-tiered stands for sweet treats, a petite pink bowl at each table for sweet goodies, three pink floral platters for sharing, and a pink-tinged cake stand ready for the grand finale. It was a setting fit for a queen—or at least for a fabulously blushing bride-to-be.

Every detail spoke of Amanda’s joy and vision—sweet, stylish, and oh-so-pink. It was more than a table setting; it was a celebration of her personality, brought to life through vintage charm and thoughtful touches. Proof that when you follow your heart (and your favorite color), the result is simply unforgettable.

Behind the Scenes – The Vintage Tablescaping Process

Step through the door, and you’ll feel it—the charm, the history, and the joy waiting to be set at your table.

When folks arrive at our studio, we begin where all good things start: around the table. We sit down together and get to know you and your event—whether it’s a wedding, shower, dinner party, or celebration “just because.” We’ll talk about your date, guest count, venue, and other vendors. But most importantly, we’ll listen to your vision—how you want your guests to feel when they sit down.

For Launa and Luke, with friend Brittany as Luke’s stand-in, the occasion is a fall wedding at a charming historic home in Youngsville, NC. We sat down to chat about all the lovely details—wedding date, guest size, and the vendor team already in place. But most importantly, we talked about their vision: cozy elegance with vintage flair.

Then, it was time to tour the treasure trove.

We started in the studio, where they browsed our vast vintage plate collections, held up different glassware to the light, and admired the delicate details that make each piece one-of-a-kind. Next stop: the decor or “doo-dad” room—candlesticks, silver plated items, vases, brass pieces, milk glass, and all those charming accents that add heart to a table. As we walked, we pointed out pieces that spoke to their style—some they might’ve dreamed of, and some they didn’t know they needed until now.

Then, we set the stage for them. A tablecloth in their chosen color became the blank canvas on the pedestal table, and from there, they began building their tablescape. They mixed plate patterns, tried different goblet colors, and changed the plate theme several times. We checked in and offered a bit of advice, and stepped back again.

As you see in the photos below, their ideas evolved as they explored several ideas. Stopping to take photos as you design is a key step in tablescaping. Don’t know exactly why, but a photo “magically” reveals more than the eye.

When they were absolutely smitten with the look, we gathered once more at the table to finalize the rental list—every plate, goblet, and garnish noted with care. We also marked a few “maybes” to revisit as the big day draws closer.

We closed our tablescaping session, took photos for our files, and a few days following, rental documents were sent for approval. That’s it! We are so happy that we’ll be helping Launa and Luke with their fall wedding.

Vintage tablescaping isn’t just setting a table. It’s an experience—a blend of creativity, storytelling, and Southern hospitality. And for Launa and Brittany, it was the first chapter in a truly unforgettable celebration.