Happy Mother's Day

News – Happy Mother’s Day, Christine!

Happy Mother’s Day! My mother, Christine, was the most extraordinary person I have ever known. She endured incredible hardships and celebrated many triumphs, and her children greatly benefited from her love and wisdom. As a tribute to her, I’d like to share three of the many lessons I learned from her and give an example of how they have been helped me as a small business owner.

1. Only the boring get bored.

Ouch! Yep, this is classic Christine. We lived in the country on a dirt road, had one kinda-working car that mom drove to work, and 3 channels on tv. But, since there were 8 of us, we usually found something to do (or not to do, like housework!) We read, watched tv, listened to records, played outside, and, my favorite, searched for those good luck four-leaf clovers in the front lawn under the dogwood tree. If we got bored, it was our fault, or as mom would say, it was because we were boring, then she’d find something for us to do, like wash the dishes or help fix supper. So we learned not to be bored, or at least not tell mom. As an adult, yes, I sometimes get bored, but I mostly know how to keep busy, which has come in handy these past months during our quarantine.

Never be bored, and you will never be boring.  Eleanor Roosevelt

2. Go for it!

Recently my daughter said I was fearless because I had cut down some small trees using a chain saw. Even though it was not big deal since it was a small battery-operated saw, I loved hearing those words! After giving some thought to her comment, I realized that this can-do attitude was a gift from my mom. For those who knew her, her courageous spirit was contagious..

Southern Vintage Table began with this mantra. When my sister suggested that I start a vintage china rental business, I just knew this was a perfect fit for me. I had recently retired from teaching middle school and was ready for a new challenge. Did I have experience running a business or did I know anything about china? Nope and nope, but I didn’t want to regret not trying. Now, seven years later, I know my mom would be proud of me for “going for it.”

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” = Nora Ephron

3. There is always a silver lining.

As I think of the countless conversations I had with mom about situations, predicaments, or hardships, she would always see that silver lining. She would magically dissect a negative and transform it into a lesson, opportunity, or gift to be revered.

While my business has come to a halt this spring, I have not faltered in my belief that things will work out, whatever that might mean. I’ve taken this time to work on projects at home, spend time crafting, and catching up on movies that I always meant to watch. I’ve gotten closer to my children, family, and friends via texts, phone calls and FaceTime, and have relaxed on the back deck with my morning coffee. I’m eager to get SVT up and running again, but I have also savored this quiet time at home.

There are always flowers for those who want to see them.  Henri Matisse


Three of the many lessons taught by my spunky, sassy, smart, and strong mother, Christine.
Happy Mother’s Day.


SVT Logo

News – 3 Reasons We Are Grateful This Week

Fernrock Farm flowers

Reason 1 – Spring is here! So happy to see new growth on the trees, bright flowers, and longer days. Yay!

Reason 2 – We had a surprise delivery from Fernrock Farm! What a wonderful treat to find this assortment of blooms on our porch Monday morning. This floral package is a sample “make your own bouquet kit” that will be offered soon. Be sure to follow Fernrock Farm for the lastest in classes and offerings.

Fernrock Farm flowers
Fernrock Farm flowers

Reason 3 – We are planning to be busy soon because most of our spring and early summer clients have been able to reschedule their weddings. Thank goodness! Although we’ve had cancellations – all with good reason and sincere regret – we will be okay and even more ready to help you create a memorable, eco-friendly, vintage event!

We know you have reasons to be grateful, too. Take care and stay well.


SVT Logo

Client Visit at Southern Vintage Table

Vintage Feature – We Love Client Visits and our Clients Do, Too!

Have you been considering using vintage tableware for your wedding or dinner party and wondered how to create the perfect vintage tablescape? We want to show you just how easy and fun it is for you to see firsthand how it’s done at Hillsborough’s Southern Vintage Table’s studio.

Not only do we have all the dishes, glassware, and flatware you can possibly imagine, we have all the fixings’, too – candleholders and candles, fake flowers, vases, tablecloths, doo-dads – and we are here to help you see the many options. Ready to sign up? Read on!

First, we make an appointment for us to meet at the studio. We don’t have regular hours, but we are very flexible and try to meet at your convenience. We can meet after noon on most days – including weekends and early evenings – whatever suits your schedule.

After we chat about basics – date, venue, guest count, etc – the conversation turns to your vintage vision. We tour the studio rooms and highlight pieces that might suit your vision. Following our tour, the round or rectangular table is covered with a tablecloth of your choice, and the fun begins – you start setting that beautiful table that will wow your guests.

To help create the total look, we have an assortment of tablecloths, fake florals and greenery. and candles of almost every color. We want you to be able envision that final look!

The visit concludes with a listing of items you’d like to rent. In the following days, we’ll submit a rental proposal and contract for you to review. After approval, we ask for the signed contract and a fifty percent deposit to hold your pieces for your event date. Don’t worry if things change between signing the contract and the date – we’ll happily adjust the order accordingly.

So, connect with us either by phone, email, or through our contact page, and we’ll make a date. And, as you can see in our photos, you will have fun!

919 428 4502 – shelly@southernvintagetable.comContact

SVT Logo

Vintage Silver Tray Display

Southern Vintage Table Events – Styled Shoot at The White House on Washington

Stephanie Batten Photography

A “new” historic venue in Mebane, NC has recently opened its doors after an extensive renovation by its new owners, Celine and Aubrey Meador. Now known as the The White House on Washington, this beautiful home was once the home of the owners of the renowned White Furniture, a company that made fine furniture in downtown Mebane starting in the 1890s until the 1990s. Although White Furniture is no longer in business, this factory building, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, has a new purpose as chic industrial apartments called The Lofts of White Furniture. Two wonderful legacies were left by the sons of Stephen White, a co-founder of the town itself!

These photos, courtesy of Stephanie Batten Photography, were taken at the very first shoot of The White House on Washington. We love how she styled our vintage wares on the tables and look forward to our first celebration as a vendor!

Learn more about this stately historic venue at this Southern Bride and Groom’s feature story. Also, read about the White Furniture Company on NCPedia and more about Celine and Aubrey Meador’s Mebane Historical Museum’s Preservation Award in the October 23rd edition of the Mebane Enterprise.

Here’s the group of vendors who were involved in this beautiful shoot!

Event Planner/Designer– Bess and Beau @bessandbeau and Stephanie Batten Photography @stephaniebattenphotography
Venue– The White House on Washington (7920 E. Washington Street, Mebane NC 27302) @whitehouseonwashington
Bridal Dresses– Oak City Bridal @oakcitybridal
Hair– Kristan Osoria @kristanosoria.brides
Makeup– WINK Hair & Makeup @winkhairandmakeup
Florist– Knots ‘N Such @knots_n_such 
Styling Boards– Styling Unmatched @styling.unmatched
Tableware– Southern Vintage Table @southernvintagetable2
Invitation Suites & Place Settings
Ivy + Linen Design Co @ivyandlinendesign 
Brown Fox Creative @brownfoxcreative 
Works of Harte- @worksofharte
Models
Megan Morales @meganmoralesphoto
Jessica Martinez @jessieluvulots
Alison Howell @nobleviolet321
Dillon Nyman @DillonNyman
Candace Long @candace_jane
Chelsea Lopez @cholito.burrito
Carly Hinson @carlyhinsonphoto
Jewelry– Poppy & Co. @_poppy_co_
Cake– The Sweetest Things NC- Melanie Brown @thesweetestthingsnc
Bridesmaid Dresses– Southern Bride @southernbride
Groom’s Tux– Southern Bride @southernbride


Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Vintage Pink Place Setting

Southern Vintage Table Events – The Pink of Perfection!

Last May Carrie and I drove down to White Lake’s FFA Center to deliver 325 vintage pink-themed dinner plates for Madison and Paul’s reception. As we pulled in and saw the moss-covered trees, clear, calm water, and rustic pier and boardwalk, we knew this was going to be one beautiful, romantic celebration. Under the guidance of wedding planner extraordinaire, Gina Myers of La Cosa Bella Events, and captured by the talented Faith Teasley, the photos revealed that every detail was perfect as pink!

Thank you, Gina, for inviting us to help with the reception, and Faith, for sharing these amazing photos. And, of course, thank you, Madison and Paul, for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your wedding celebration. Best wishes for a wonderful, beautiful life together!


Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Event – Kristin & Glenn’s Wedding at Forest Hall

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Kristin and Glenn
Forest Hall at Chatham Mills
Vintage Goblets Rental NC
Vintage Rentals NC
Vintage Weddings NC

Our 2019 wedding season opened with the wedding of Kirstin and Glenn at the historic Pittsboro venue, Forest Hall at Chatham Mills. When viewing these romantic photos from Magnolia Photography, we instantly felt the happiness and joy of spring, perfect for their wedding day.

From our collection, the couple chose our vintage goblets in light blue, pink, purple, and turquoise – hues of a gorgeous spring day. The tables light up with their colors and help radiate the anticipation of Kirstin and Glenn’s exciting new life together.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Kristin and Glenn
Forest Hall at Chatham Mills
Vintage Goblets Rental NC
Vintage Rentals NC
Vintage Weddings NC
Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Kristin and Glenn
Forest Hall at Chatham Mills
Vintage Goblets Rental NC
Vintage Rentals NC
Vintage Weddings NC
Magnolia Photography
Forest Hall at Chatham Mills

Thank you, Kirsten and Glenn, for including us in your wedding celebration! We loved seeing and feeling the joy captured by Magnolia Photography! For a more complete gallery of this happy wedding, see Magnolia’s blog post showcasing this blissful day.

Ceremony: Westminster Presbyterian Church 
Reception: Forest Hall at Chatham Mills 
Planner: A Swanky Affair 
Florist: Mews Designs 
Caterer: Donovan’s Dish 
Rentals: CE Rental
Vintage Rental Goblets: Southern Vintage Table 
Lighting: Get Lit Special Event Lighting 
Videographer: Honey Dew Films 
Hair and Makeup: Wedded Kiss 
Cake: Confectionate Cakes
Bridal Gown: Gilded Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie 
Tuxes: The Black Tux 
Band: Affirmative Groove 
Transportation: Carolina Livery 
Stationery: Hello Tenfold 


Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Events – Luncheons & Dinner Parties, Vintage Style!

Today’s post was inspired by this beautiful photo, shared by a client who hosted a sparkling wine tasting party this week for her wine club. Falling close to Valentine’s Day, she chose a palette of pinks and reds and the final result is stunning! Her 11 guests loved her tables and, of course, thoroughly enjoyed the evening, tasting 10 varieties of Champagnes and sparkling wines. Who wouldn’t, right?

Hosting a luncheon, casual get-together, or dinner party is a wonderful way to entertain your friends, co-workers, and family. Whether it’s at your home, in the office meeting room, or at an event space, we can help you design a memorable experience for the special folks in your life. Need a little inspiration? Here are a few photos from past luncheons and dinners we have had the pleasure to help coordinate.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rentals NC
Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Whether your guest list is for 315 or 11, we’d love to share our extensive collection of vintage tableware so you can treat your guests to an unforgettable luncheon, dinner, or get-together!


Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Vintage Feature – It’s Movie Time!

Today’s post is more than just words – it’s a full length one-minute movie! We gathered some, and we mean only some, of our favorite photos and seamed them together into a video that we hope captures the depth of our vintage table setting collection. 

So, get the popcorn ready and enjoy!  (Click on the photo below.)

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China  Rental NC
The table conversation starts here!  – Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

Vintage Feature – Three Client Reviews and Three Vintage Views

Natalie E Photography

For wedding professionals, there’s nothing more delightful than receiving kind reviews from their clients. Because we are passionate about our vintage wares and what they represent, we truly love sharing them with others. We strive to do our best to be accommodating, polite, and timely with all of our interactions and events. These three client reviews from Wedding Wire help us know that our collection and efforts are appreciated!


Emma –  April, 2018

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Kelsey Rae Photography

“Shelly was great to work with and I really enjoyed getting to visit her studio to try different colors and patterns for my wedding reception tables. The mix-and-match blue china and glasses were whimsical yet classic and added a nice touch of color to my tables. There were tons of options to choose from! She was flexible with pick up and drop off.”


Renée – April, 2018

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Natalie E Photography

“If you are looking for vintage place settings and rentals for your wedding or other special event, look no further! Southern Vintage Table has everything you can imagine! Shelly is wonderful to work with and was so accommodating through the whole wedding planning process. Shelly and her team did a fabulous job and went above and beyond to make my daughter’s wedding reception even more beautiful than we could have imagined!”


Mallory – May, 2018

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Shelly Heath Photography

“I got the most compliments on my wedding about the table settings and the dishware! Everyone LOVED the eclectic pieces and creativity! The staff was very professional, timely, and accommodating. Would recommend Southern Vintage Table to anyone! Thank you for making our wedding so beautiful!”


Thank you, Emma, Renée, and Mallory, for your lovely reviews and for trusting us to be a part of your wedding day! To read more client reviews, go to Wedding Wire and our newest collaborator, The Knot.


Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Sometimes Life Gets in the Way

“You don’t plan life, it just happens. And you sure as hell can’t control the things that happen to you. They just do.”
Ines Vieira, When Life Gets in the Way


We hope you have missed us and we’ve certainly missed sharing vintage news with you!  We plan to be back next Sunday.


Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC