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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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!
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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I 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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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
Here are three ideas for a bright, cheery look for a table featuring yellow!
Step 4 – List the items needed by their three groups.
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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It’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…)
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.
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?
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!
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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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.
Although 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:
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!
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?
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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.
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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One of life’s happiest events is a wedding and right up there with it is the traditional celebration for the upcoming nuptials – the time-honored wedding shower. And, Katie and Ryan’s shower was even more special because Katie is our delightful niece. She and our daughter, Taylor, grew up together which means this day was pretty special for many of us!
The event took place at the Schley’s Grange Hall – a wonderful facility north of Hillsborough that is an affiliate of the NC State Grange and National Grange organization. Their mission is to serve the local farming community and their building is available for groups to use and rent. It was perfect for our large gathering of 60+ friends and family who wanted to share their good wishes with Ryan and Katie.
To add extra sweetness to the occasion the date for the shower was set for Valentine’s day. Our color scheme featured pinks and blues with a splash of Valentine’s. Katie’s sister, Lauren, sewed light blue base cloths to peek through our beautiful, vintage laced overlays. Bouquets of roses, baby’s breath, and tulips added a fresh spring look in our vintage milk glass vases. Final decor touches included vintage frames, postcards, votives, glass candle holders, and – yum – Hershey’s kisses.
The tables were set with mixed and matched vintage china teacups with a tea napkin tucked underneath, and our lovely vintage patterns of silver-plated flatware. Vintage blue, clear, and pink goblets added the colorful sparkle. Since the delectable treats were served as a buffet, our vintage luncheon plates were beautifully stacked and ready for guests.
As a “Thank You” to her guests, Katie baked sweet favors and shared their personal meaning with us. Last Valentine’s Day on the way to a game, Ryan presented her with a box of chocolates. Now, this was no ordinary box; it contained dark chocolate turtles! As Katie shared in her story, she had mentioned how much she loved dark chocolate and Ryan remembered this. But, the other part of Ryan’s choice is they were in the shape of Katie’s beloved animal, a turtle. So, as you might guess, Katie loved his sweet gesture! This is one of their favorite memories together, and now it is also one of ours!
“Best shower EVER!! Everything was elegant and so beautiful! Shelly did a great job picking out the right china and glasses for the shower; all of the colors worked perfectly together. The Valentine’s Day theme came across well in a subtle way while still feeling like a bridal shower. I loved everything about it! Shelly even remembered a few of the pretty vintage post cards that I like and she included them in the centerpieces as well! It was a perfect bridal shower and I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family that each worked so hard to help bring it all together. I had a great time celebrating with and seeing so many of my friends and family! After seeing how beautiful everything was at my shower, I’m even more excited to see the final outcome of the centerpieces at our wedding reception. I know Shelly will make it just as lovely! Can’t wait for our Big Day!” – Katie
My pleasure, Katie, and thank you! I join Katie in thanking all who put together this joyous occasion – bridesmaids, Heather, Katie, Sarah, Brittany, Krystle, and Megan – sisters, Lauren and Andrea – mother, Joy – and family friend, Cynthia. More photos will be forthcoming from photographer and friend, Jenny Swanson, and we’ll be sure to share!
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The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing. – Unknown
The sweetest of all holidays brought a wonderful request from Sarah – an invitation for Southern Vintage Table to help with her Valentine’s Day dinner party. She loved our vintage place settings and decor when we set the table for her family’s Seder dinner last year and we were thrilled to be asked back again.
We packed mixed and matched vintage dinner and salad plates, silver-plated flatware, water and wine glasses, and decor items for her 40 guests. Since her dinner was buffet-style, our main setup mission was to create beautiful centerpieces for her tables. With Jami, Priscilla, and Sarah’s gorgeous selection of flowers, we did just that!
Our centerpieces began with our assortment of vintage silver-plated trays. Lush bouquets of roses and tulips along with accents of vintage frames, tins, votives, and bowls filled with chocolate kisses completed our Valentine’s look. On the coffee bar, stacked with vintage teacups, and around the room, Priscilla and I created sweet vignettes with Jami’s adorable moss-covered purse arrangements.
Thank you, Sarah and family, for inviting us to be a part of your family celebration! And, many, many, thanks to friends, Jami and Priscilla, for our delightful evening together! Any occasion with friends and family alongside is always magical, wouldn’t you agree?
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It’s been a fun weekend for Southern Vintage Table! We helped with Sarah’s Valentine’s dinner and Katie’s bridal shower – two sweet occasions filled with joy and love. After packing, delivering, setting up, cleaning up, repacking, unloading, unpacking, cleaning, and putting away, there was little time left for our weekly blog but here are a few photos from these two lovely affairs. More details and photos coming soon!
Many thanks to Katie’s friends and family for helping set up, clean up, and pack! And, I am so grateful for the creative talents of my friends, Jami and Priscilla, for arranging centerpieces, matching teacups, and making it such a fun evening getting Sarah’s dinner party ready for her guests!
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