“The love you feel in life is a reflection of the love you feel in yourself. “
Deepak Chopra
Today we wish all a Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether it be celebrated with your sweetheart, friends, family, or just yourself, this day is all about love – that inexplicable gift we both receive and give to others. But, perhaps the truest meaning is that love begins with knowing, celebrating, and loving yourself.
We love and thank our clients who participated in our Share the Love offer. We enjoyed planning, collaborating, advertising, and executing the details for you. We are so pleased that you enjoyed the experience, too!
Happy Valentine’s Day and thank you for making ours unique and special! Shelly, you could not have chosen better for us. I am in love with these plates!
AA
These clients have been instrumental in the planning of a new endeavor – offering intimate vintage “To Go” packages. The first to be launched will be a Tea Party To Go package. We are working on the details so you easily can host a magical and traditional tea party!
While in the midst of our daily life, we most likely aren’t thinking about the memories we are locking away. Sometimes, however, we can foresee a moment, like a holiday, for which we want to always remember. This year, Valentines 2021 may be unlike any yet celebrated; a day we will want to preserve.
If this day has meaning for you, cultivate your soon-to-be memories with something unique, out-of-the ordinary, special. Remember to use your senses and save keepsakes.
Southern Vintage Table, along with Fireside Farm and Happily Desserted, want to provide that something special for you. Serving your home-cooked meal or takeout dinner and dining on our vintage wares will cultivate memories. The taste and smell of the gourmet cupcakes as well as the long-lasting beauty of the dried florals in a handcrafted bottle-vase will delight you for years to come.
Keepsakes from Valentines 2021
If you are interested in cultivating your 2021 Valentines memories, go here to complete your order and thanks for supporting us.
Valentine’s Day is three weeks from today! How will you celebrate with your sweetie, family, or friends this year? Do you need something that will brighten this day of love and create an everlasting memory?
We can help you put together an experience that will inspire sweet memories of love, beauty, and togetherness.
Our “Share the Love” Valentine’s package has everything you need to set a romantic tablescape. We will provide carefully selected vintage place settings for two (or more) , vintage table decor with a handcrafted bottle-vase filled with beautiful, everlasting dried florals, coordinating napkin rings, and 4 gourmet cupcakes. Prepare your special meal or order takeout from your favorite restaurant and the memories begin.
Intrigued? Here are four reasons why “Share the Love” is perfect for you!
Reason 1 – Everything included is eco-responsible. The dishware is vintage, the dried flowers are organically and locally grown, and the gourmet cupcakes come from a local baker.
Reason 2 – Three different vintage themesfrom which to choose! Elegantly Classic has sweet, fancy plates; Boldly Botanical features place settings with big, vibrant florals; and Naturally Neutral incorporates earthy tans, beiges and brown. All coordinated pieces complement each package.
Elegantly Classic
Boldly Botanical
Naturally Neutral
Reason 3 – Three local, eco-minded women-owned businesses have collaborated to bring you this collection.
Lisa of Fireside Farm grows organic flowers here in Orange County. Happily Desserted‘s owner, Shrimi, bakes speciality cakes and and uses locally and seasonally available ingredients. Shelly, owner of Southern Vintage Table, curates vintage tableware for rent. The three of us partner with the Green Wedding Guild, an organization whose goal is to help clients choose sustainable options.
Reason 4 – You also will be sharing the love with us! Our businesses have been affected by the pandemic. If you add takeout from a local restaurant, you’ll be helping four businesses! Your participation supports us during this time until we can safely gather once again. We all will be most appreciative!
Encouragements, questions, or comments? Please let us know! [email protected]
A bit of cheer was sent to us to start our new year!! The delightful news was the publication of an article that appears in the January/February 2021 issue of Southern Lady for which we were consulted. The article is beautifully presented in this lovely publication and we are so pleased to be mentioned.
The Legacy of Lace Touting both a rich history and perennial popularity, heirloom lace is unwavering in its versatile appeal. Written by Elizabeth Bonneer Czapski Styled by Melissa Sturdivant Smith Photographed by Stephanie Welbourne Steele.
Here’s an excerpt from the article which mentions us:
At Southern Vintage Table, an antique tableware rental company in Hillsborough, North Carolina, owner Shelly Heath shares a fascination with lace that she’s acquired for her events. But, she also believes that much of its draw, especially in our region, lies in nostalgic merit. “I think folks appreciate vintage lace because of the delicate and intricate designs as much as its personal history,” Shelly explains.
“If it has been handed down from previous generations, it carries a sentimental value that is priceless. Lace is also versatile – as a table covering, a hankerchief, or an embellishment on {clothing}.”
Southern Lady Magazine, Jan/Feb 2021, pages 45-50.
Of course, we are truly honored to have been asked about our deep appreciation for vintage lace. Our collection at Southern Vintage Table includes lace doilies, tablecloths, handkerchiefs, napkins, and even a boho-inspired lace curtain-backdrop. Let us know if you’d like to add a bit of lace to your next event!
Her soul overheard and replied, “It’s about time.”
As I read this quote I had an epiphany – I have loved creating, decorating, transforming, and arranging all of my life and haven’t given much thought as to why. Now, I understand.
My heart and soul need to create.
Our offerings of handcrafted items have brought us joy to create and now even more joy to share. They are all eco-friendly, natural, and repurposed – the hallmarks of a good steward of our planet. We hope you can imagine how they might be the perfect item for your next occasion!
Wood Rounds – Pedestals – Boxes
Wood may be the most versatile natural element. The live-edged rounds, purchased from a local vendor, were first dried and sanded. We then decoupaged one side with vintage newsprint and slightly stained the other with coffee to provide two different looks. Two have been decoupaged with blue & white paper. With these, you can define a space, elevate decor pieces, or hold dishes such as desserts.
Currently we are cutting fallen branches to make pedestals for small items. As seen in the opening photograph, these can hold votives, small plants, or simply be an architectural addition in a grouping.
Our favorite creation are these wooden boxes fashioned from old ceiling fan blades. Two of the same size were matched up for the sides, and the ends and bottoms were cut from recycled wood. The pieces were sanded and nailed together. So far, they have been used to hold cupcakes on the dessert table, stacked as steps to display individual pastries, and filled with florals as a centerpiece. How do you see them used at your event?
Top photo – Mylina Russell; second – Autumn Harrison; third – Rose Trail
Macrame Bottle Votives – Bottle Vases
Macrame was a big hit in the 1970s and now making a comeback with the boho style. These recycled bottles have been covered with a macrame wrap and look so hip! Some can be used as votives and others as vases.
Photo by Mylina Russell
Lace, Cloth, Macrame Boho Backdrop Curtain
As our linen collection grew, several overlays were put to the side for reuse. We weren’t quite certain what that might entail, but we knew they would be perfect for a project. Well, here’s that project – a boho backdrop curtain. Along with cut strips of overlays, we added strips of vintage cloth, ribbon, lace, toile, and macrame rope. Crafted for a fall porch wedding, it is now hanging in our studio. Perhaps you can see this at your wedding or event?
Decoupage Bottles – Vases – Rocks – Rounds
Decoupaging is an amazing craft because you can totally transform something ordinary into a work of art. Most of these have been covered with paper napkins, but we have used vintage book pages and crafting paper as well. These days our glass bottles and jars don’t make it to the recycling bin – they are destined to become a decoupaged treasure!
Our handcrafted recycled and repurposed decor items are at our studio along with our vintage wares. These two blend together perfectly and belong in each other’s worlds.
“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul ” – Dieter F.Uchtdorf
Last month SVT was chosen to contribute to an article about celebrating Thanksgiving on Redfin’s Blog – how exciting! Here’s the full article with some great advice from “notable experts” about decorating and setting your Thanksgiving table.
As Thanksgiving is approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll decorate this year’s table. From dinner plans to table decor, you may have a lot going on. That’s why we have gathered tips from experts from New York to Sacramento to share their ideas and tips for creating a beautiful Thanksgiving table this holiday season.
Create a gorgeous chandelier wreath
I think creating a gorgeous chandelier wreath above a table setting can really take the whole tables cape to another level. Simply adding Fall foliage to your chandelier by draping garland with colorful leaves or corn stalks around the light fixture (or around the hanging stem) can take a tables cape from drab to fab. To create more of a rustic farmhouse look, cedar greenery with berries is a fan favorite, and adding black velvet ribbons or pattern bows and even string lights to the chandelier wreath can also add a peaceful and cozy ambiance. -Tammy Leonard, The Gifted Wreath
Add greenery into the mix
Add extra depth to your table by adding some greenery. It can make for a great contrast to the traditional orange colors of fall. Bundle together a bunch of leafy greens and you’ll have a fantastic seasonally-inspired centerpiece that your guests will enjoy. -Freddie Chatt, Decor Blueprint
Get creative with your centerpiece
Take a deep glass bowl, any size will do, but the more impressive – the better. Put some vibrant orange and red maple leaves on the bottom of the bowl. Place an assortment of grapes on top of the leaves. Feel free to add orange and lemon slices or slices of any other citrus fruits. Once you are happy – fill the bowl with water and add a few drops of essential oils of your choice. We recommend bergamot, ginger, and cinnamon to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere at the table. As a final touch, you can use floating candles on the water. –Mcdonald Paper & Restaurant Supplies
Opt for vintage wildflower stoneware decor
Photo by Live View Studios
We love to see mixed and matched table settings and our favorite pattern this family holiday season is vintage wildflower stoneware. Add vintage green, amber, and brown goblets along with mixed patterns of cloth napkins. For decor, our advice is to forage outdoors for the many treasures of autumn. Sprinkle pinecones on the table, perch them atop of brass or wood candleholders, or use them to hold place cards for your guests. Complete the table with vases filled with greenery and tree branches with colored leaves from your yard. See an example of our work below. –Southern Vintage Table
Consider one-of-a-kind, multi-purpose pieces
Consider one-of-a-kind, multi-purpose pieces that showcase your style and turn into conversation starters. Spicy, warm colors like cinnamon and persimmon work well for serving pieces giving a warm and festive look and allowing dinnerware to be more solid flexible colors. After menu planning, consider the largest serving pieces first before adding the seasonal decor, and don’t forget to add pops of bright cheery colors. –Sunset Canyon Pottery
Let your cooking speak for itself
Use your covid-19, lockdown, cooking skills, and let the food be the color and spark at your festive table. –Contextus
Go global
Add warmth and color to your holiday table with artisan wares from around the world. Africa and India, for example, are known for creating tableware using warm, natural materials like olive wood salad bowls, sisal grass breadbaskets, or block print dinner napkins which would add a lot of style and spark conversations at your dinner table. -Anita Terrell, Reflektion Design
Use beautiful paper goods
It may be surprising, but there are beautiful paper goods in stores to use for Thanksgiving. I have found Spode and Lenox china patterns on paper plates. Pair them with beautiful chargers and napkins, and no one knows the difference until they feel them. Makes for easier cleanup after the big feast” -Danielle Keller, Faith and Farmhouse
Take the Thanksgiving fun outdoors
Tis’ the season to give thanks and be together as one, don’t let new norms get in the way of your festive fun. Why not take your turkey outdoors with a quiet bonfire? This Thanksgiving, set up an outdoor dinner by a fire pit using individual place settings to set up a socially distanced dinner. Use small side and end tables with an assortment of chairs for the seating and add rustic decor elements like fresh flowers, candles & little baskets for essentials labeled with guest names at each table. Create a festive vibe by adding some lanterns and string lights. Don’t forget a spot for the laptop in case you need to connect with a loved one, and keep a few throws handy in case it gets cold. -Rahul Agrawal, Styldod
Hire an event company to help
Don’t waste valuable storage and cabinet space on specialty holiday china, flatware, and glassware when you can rent your table settings and linens. We, as an event rental company, stay on top of all of the latest trends so you, in turn, will wow your guest year after year and, as a bonus, we do the dirty work by cleaning and sanitizing all inventory before and after your event so you get to spend more quality time with your family. –All About Events
We did it! That scary decor and linen room is now freshly organized, thanks to some solid, used store shelving we found on marketplace. With its basic framing, we added more shelving to fit our vintage decor inventory. The total time for this redo was, well, a lot of hours and sore arm muscles, but we are quite pleased with the final results. So, come on in!
Pretty impressive, huh? Here’s a quick tour!
Most of the shelving is devoted to our extensive vintage candle holder collection. With an assortment of glass, brass, silver-plated, pewter, wood, and speciality taper holders, we provide clients with many options to consider. We also have candelabras, pillar columns, peg votives for taper holders, as well as glass votives.
Our vintage linens now have a place to be; however, there’s more sorting to do. We are happy there is space to pull the bins from the shelves and easily view what we have!
The vintage kitchen decor may be one of our favorite collections – scales, sifters, graters, hand mixers, and rolling pins. Vintage books, easels, clocks, and cameras are also fun decor items to incorporate into an event theme. Using these takes some creative thinking out-of-the-box and we’d love to brainstorm with you!
Most of our vintage silver-plate collection is now organized here – and easily seen on the new shelving. Teapots and creamers are in the main front room, and together, our collection is quite substantial for those of you who love this vintage look.
One huge benefit to the additional shelving is getting our vintage suitcases separated on shelving. We really tried to curate this collection but couldn’t cull anything! Maybe someday we’ll have to pass some on but not today. (BTW – Those trumpets have an interesting story behind them – yep, it was a crazy day at the auction!)
What’s next on our list? The workroom area needs a bit more work since it became the place “where you put stuff you don’t know what to do with just yet.” 🙂 Look for that update coming soon! Thanks for visiting!
Last summer we were contacted by Elizabeth Czapski, an editor with Southern Lady magazine, to share our experience with vintage linens. They were working on an article that embraced their history, beauty, and repurposed uses for today. We corresponded several times about Southern Vintage Table and specifically about linens we offer to our clients. We shared photos that illustrated how they can be displayed and used, pointing out how we love to mix and match vintage patterns, whether it’s tableware or napkins. Were we thrilled to be interviewed? Heck, yeah!
Turns out the adage, “good things come to those who wait,” would apply here when we found out that article’s publication date had been moved to the fall of 2020. No worries, we thought. Next year will be great. Little did we know that this year couldn’t have been more perfect – the delay translated into a huge morale booster for us!
So, this week we received a copy of the September 2020 issue of the Southern Lady magazine. As we flipped through the gorgeously photographed pages and corresponding features, we found our article on page 99- “New Life for Old Linens.”
Two of us were interviewed – Lois Lamb of Vintage Linens by Lois and moi, Shelly Heath of Southern Vintage Table. Wow. Reading the article and seeing our name in print with advice about vintage linens was surreal – and quite wonderful! Here’s one excerpt:
“These time-honored, regional customs created a market that allowed Shelly Heath, a retired middle school teacher, to start Southern Vintage Table. Based in Hillsborough, North Carolina, her company rents out antique tableware – including napkins, doilies, and tablecloths – for weddings and other events.” “We specialize in mixing and matching patterns, colors, and styles for out clients,” Shelly says, a practice she recommends applying to your own home entertaining.
“As far as not having enough matching napkins, no worries,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to mix them up for your guests. Use several different patterns.” Lois echoes this sentiment…
Both women agree that you should cherish heirloom linens for their aged appeared and storied imperfections, not in spite of them. “Embrace the history of the vintage linen,” Shelly says. “Little tears and holes need not be fixed – they represent a loved item.”
Czapski, Elizabeth. “New Life for Old Linens,” Southern Lady Magazine, September 2020, 99-102. Print.
Shelly reading about Shelly is quite an experience! We are sincerely grateful that Elizabeth found SVT online and included us in her article. Vintage linens are delightful to share, through words and with the real thing.
This week we found our mojo for giving our studio an organizational redo with the help of some used heavy duty shelving we found on Marketplace. Yay! With the new shelves in place (which first had to be cut down a few inches with a reciprocating saw because it was too tall), we now have room to get our vintage dessert and saucers out of boxes and stacked on the shelves.
For two days, we handled every dessert and saucer while we played a china pattern matching game. And, yes, it was actually fun! Now stacked on the shelves and sorted by pattern and color, our plates are beautifully organized.
Before
After
Another major redo was to create a better display for our growing inventory of blue and white decor pieces. Doesn’t this look impressive!
These classic and timeless pieces can be used in so may ways. Here’s just a few ideas to help you imagine what you can create.
In the next room, we pulled out our collection of sweet little dishes that can be used in so many ways – white jugs/creamers, egg cups, and gravy boats. All of these have so much design potential and now they can be easily seen as clients come through our studio..
We are working on our work room and then we’ll tackle the last space – the scary linen and decor room. The good and bad news is that we have some open time in the months ahead. 🙂 Have a good week!
