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!

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.

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

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.

News – Taking a June Pause…

We’re pressing pause on the blog for the month of June to tend to some personal joys—organizing the studio, sprucing up our space, working outside, and yes, even indulging in a favorite childhood pastime: searching for four-leaf clovers. 🌱 (Do you see one in the above photo?)

This little break is our way of slowing down, finding inspiration in the simple things, and letting creativity bloom again.

We’ll be back with fresh stories and vintage charm on July 6. Until then, may your days be filled with sunshine, sweet memories, and maybe even a little luck.

Warmly,
Southern Vintage Table

News – A Mitford Tea, Part II – A Table Set for Storytelling

Last week, we shared the inspiration behind our Mitford-themed tea—a gathering steeped in charm, community, and the spirit of Jan Karon’s beloved series. Today, we’re excited to continue that story with a few more images from that day.

As we look through this second collection of images, we’re reminded of what made this tea so special—not just the beautiful dishes and thoughtfully steeped teas, but the shared love of a good story, a slower pace, and the joy of being together.

Thanks for coming back! If you’re feeling inspired to host your own “Mitford Tea,” we’d love to help you curate a table that feels like home. Photos courtesy of The Mitford Museum Facebook and Sarah Thomas, Museum Director.

Vendors:
The Mitford Museum
Allard Bakery & Bistro
The Farmhouse Gardens (Large floral arrangement)
Southern Vintage Table

News – Tea with Jan Karon: A Mitford Tradition Continues

Earlier this month, we were delighted to be part of the annual Mitford Tea Party, a cherished event hosted by the Mitford Museum. This year, over 150 guests gathered to celebrate beloved author Jan Karon and get an exciting preview of her upcoming book, My Beloved, set to be released this October.

We’ve had the pleasure of being part of this special event for the past three years, and this year was truly a grand success! From the elegant table settings to the joyful conversations, every detail reflected the heartwarming spirit of Mitford.

Today, we’re sharing just a few lovely moments from the day, with photos courtesy of the Mitford Museum’s Facebook page.

As more photos from this lovely afternoon come in, we’ll be delighted to share them with you—there’s so much more Mitford charm to enjoy!