We trust everyone celebrated Thanksgiving with gratitude, kindness, and optimism! Now onward to more winter holiday festivities while we continue to keep each other safe and healthy.
Today’s post shares images from a styled shoot at the Bill Scott Pavilion in Raleigh. This nature -filled venue inspired Primrose + Lily‘s design and Alicia Hite Photography snapped beautiful images. This venue is open and airy, with an updated shelter, a stately stone fireplace and mantle, and a gorgeous view of a tree-lined lake.
The incredible florals were created by Event Flouret. We love how fall berries and colored leaves embellished the flowers and greenery. Our vintage tableware and decor, including plates, flatware, glassware, candleholders, and peg votives, look splendid amongst these natural elements.
As we happily browsed through the photo gallery, we noticed that Primrose + Lily played with several different designs. Notice how the napkin presentation and place card vary in each of the place settings below. With so many options, how does one choose?
Lily + Primrose also explored different centerpiece arrangements. There’s a classic floral centerpiece, a vintage candelabra with candles, and the same candelabra with vintage peg votives. Since different venues have their own requirements regarding an open flame, these options are great to have.
Well done, Primrose + Lily! The styling variations showcased your talents beautifully. We look forward to our next collaboration!
Happy Thanksgiving! With this vintage embossed postcard from 1912, we extend good wishes and good health to all of you. This year’s family holiday will be one we will remember and serves to underscore how vital it is to be mindful of the wellbeing of others.
But, we’d like to tell what we learned about this vintage postcard that’s over 100 years old. There are two interesting details – a bit of information underneath the corn and the handwritten message to Miss Sanford from Isabella.
And, after much research, here’s what we know about “Design Copyrighted Only 1912 by Heymann.” First, we couldn’t find anything except that there’s quite a few Heymann vintage cards for sale. We had assumed the artwork was created by Heymann but that’s not the case. Heymann was part of Heymann and Schmidt, a luxury paper and printing company in Berlin. In addition to printing postcards, they produced calendars, posters, greeting cards, and packaging. Their items were shipped across the world. According to one source, the printing portion of the business operated from about 1904-1930. These postcards are highly collectable today. We still have two questions – who was the artist and why does it say “only 1912”? If anyone knows, do tell!
Now for the message. You can see that it was not mailed because there is no stamp or postmark. Why, we wonder? But, Isbella really wanted her friend, Miss Sanford, to come and spend Friday night with her, perhaps the day after Thanksgiving. We hope she did!
Dear Miss Sanford, I want you to spend the night before you goes home. Can you come Friday night or not and if you can, come visit come Friday night. Please send me word what night you wish to stay. I am looking for Delia and Fannie. Robert won’t be here Friday night he is going to the large (lodge?) so Please send me word From Isbella Trotter. by Hand
Thanksgiving will be different this year for many of us, including the Bass-Heath-Roberson clan. For over 6 decades we have gathered together sharing our speciality dishes to celebrate this day – aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews, cousins, children, sisters, brothers, and friends. It became our yearly family reunion and the time we caught up with other’s lives and families.
This year we’ll be at our own homes and we’ll be okay. That’s because we will be keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe so we can return to this family tradition next year. The good part is we’ll have even more to share with each other!
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.
Thanksgiving Table Décor Ideas for This Holiday Season
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
Oh me oh my – this gallery of wondrous images are going to delight you! Captured by Mylina Russell Photography, Shrimi of Happily Desserted has fully and completely displayed her incredible baking talents. We can personally attest that these treats are even more delicious than they look!
When we were invited by Emily of Emily Katherine Events to provide the cake stands, serving trays, handcrafted boxes, decor, and other items for this styled shoot, we were all in. Two styles were created -a rustic outdoor dessert spread and an elegant indoor display.
As you will see, Shrimi baked, Emily styled, and their joint talents are amazing!
Rustic Outdoor Dessert Table
Elegant Dessert Table
Bravo to all of these talented vendors! What a joy to be a part of such a yummy shoot!
Intimate gatherings have become the norm in these days of COVID; however, couples are recognizing the gifts a smaller wedding can bring. Beyond being more budget-friendly, the smaller guest list brings together family and close friends, who know the couple the best, to share this day. Spending quality time means more lasting memories for both the couple and their guests.
These photographs, courtesy of Rebecca Ames Photography, portray the beauty of the intimate wedding of Ashley and Ian. Held at The Parlour at Manns Chapel this August, their wedding was exquisite with lovely details and touches. Be sure to see the final photogaph – it’s divine!
Ashley and Ian, thank you for entrusting us to provide our vintage tableware for your wedding. We truly enjoyed working with you and we loved seeing Rebecca’s photographs. Also, we are extremely grateful for your 5 Star Review on Wedding Wire. It was marvelous!
I cannot say enough good things about Shelly and Southern Vintage Table; she was so helpful and wonderful to work with! We planned our wedding from afar, and really appreciated how responsive and detail-oriented she was in helping us figure out our tablescape, the items/amount of items we needed, how we wanted our napkins folded, etc. Her inventory is extensive and charming– I’m pretty sure any style (modern, retro, classic) can be accommodated. Our china, linen, and cake stand rentals were beautiful and truly helped “make” our wedding!
As you can see from these glorious photos by Rose Trail Images, Kacye beautifully designed a sweetheart table fashioned on Windy Hill’s wooden spool. This romantic visage, complete with a vintage lace tablecloth, vintage blue & white layered place settings and decor, and a dessert vignette set on our vintage trunk and suitcase, was strategically positioned under a lovely, old tree.
Well done, Kacye! We are so pleased you made your way to Cedar Grove from Maine to participate in this eco-wedding challenge. The final two table designs will be coming soon!
Brass, silverplate, pewter, glass, wood, milk glass, and ceramic – Southern Vintage Table has vintage candleholders and candelabras in every possible flavor! Today we are sharing images taken this year spanning our varied collection. First up, the classic look of brass.
Brass, polished or aged, is always popular. The gold tone suits different styles and our collection has small, medium, and tall sizes as well as many candelabras in brass.
Stephanie Batten Photography
Jaclyn Auletta Photography
Emma Branch Photography
Our brass collection includes many different styles of candelabras. These three images come from two different styled shoots – one elegant look and one vintage lounge – and both terrific!
Top photos – Jaclyn Auletta Photography; bottom photo – Mylina Russell Photography
Hands down, our wooden candleholders were the most popular this year! The rustic, natural, and rich brown complements many different looks.
Top left – Kivus & Camera, top right and bottom – Lily & Vine Photography
Glass candleholders are timeless and our collection includes candleholders and candelabras in clear glass. Although not included, we also have a few vintage amber, green, and pink glass candleholders. We continue to add to our vintage milk glass candleholder collection and currently have at least 10.
Bottom photo – Autumn Harrison Photography
Vintage ceramic candleholders are also in our shelves from blue and white to rustic. Our blue and white decor collection is pretty awesome and includes vintage candleholders, pillar candle holders, and votive holders. Wouldn’t they look amazing with the vintage blue and white dinner plates? (In our opinion, you can’t have too much blue and white, right?)
Top photo – Rose Trails Photography: bottom – Naomi Turner Photography
Now, for our favorite look – peg votives. They come in clear and a variety of colors – amber, green, pink, blue, and red. We have over 65 clear and a good number of amber and green, and some pink, blue, and red. As many venues won’t allow open flames, these peg votives are the perfect solution. They can sit onto candleholders of any height, hold a votive, tea light, or even a small bouquet, and look so lovely!
Lastly, we have loads of clear vintage votive holders as well as a nice selection of pillar stands. And, yes, silver and pewter candleholders are in our inventory. We are waiting for the day when they will come back in style because we’ve got them, too!
Top left – Autumn Harrison Photography
Let us help you add the light to your tables – we’ve got so much to offer!
The Green Guild gauntlet was thrown down! Member planners of the Green Wedding Guild were challenged to style a table with sustainability as a key consideration. This friendly competition, brainchild of the Green Wedding Guild directors, Emily of EKEvents and Maria of KaraMia Events was held at Windy Hill Farm in Cedar Grove. Four planners, joined by partner Guild members, excitedly picked up that gauntlet and designed their styles using these guidelines:
Green Guild Challenge Guidelines
~ Flowers must be sourced locally and seasonally, and no floral foam may be used. ~ No “new” items may be purchased for this shoot. Decor may be rented, borrowed, or thrifted. ~ Attire & accessories may be pre-loved, from a rental company, or from a sustainable designer. ~ Food (if used) should be seasonally & locally inspired. ~ Stationery (if used) should contain recycled content, be sourced from sustainably managed forests, or in some other way promote sustainability (eg: seed paper, bamboo paper, etc.)..
Today we share the first of the four styled tables. Planned by Maria of KaraMia Events and captured by Kivus & Camera, this style features natural wood elements, vintage tableware, and fall florals.
Southern Vintage Table shared our vintage lace runner, wildflower stoneware, stainless flatware, and amber goblets along with the wooden candleholders. With American Party Rentals‘ table and chairs and Event Flouret‘s lovely florals, the tablescape beautifully meets all the sustainability guidelines!
We adore this dessert table display with Happily Desserted‘s beautiful cake on our wooden cake stand, Sage & Swift‘s macarons stacked on SVT’s woven and iron tiered stand, and, of course, our vintage microscope. The florals in the vintage tin perched on top of the tiered stand is a delightful touch!
Well done, Maria! We really dig your vintage style and Elyssa’s incredible photos! Thank you for inviting us to help with your entry!
The second styled shoot from the Burke Manor Inn & Pavilion in Gibsonville is featured today! Kerri of Bess and Beau Event Design created a light and airy look with our elegant vintage floral china in delicate blues along with vintage pink goblets. Surrounded by a custom arbor adorned with greenery above and flowing down the table an intimate, elegant look emerged. These photos come to us courtesy of Tory Bass Photography!
Thanks again, Bess and Beau Event Design along with Tory Bass Photography. The best image has been saved for last! This adorable flower girl emanates beauty and happiness that we wish for all of you!
Participating Vendors BESS AND BEAU EVENT DESIGNS – @BESSANDBEAU NAOMI TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY – @TORYBASSPHOTO BURKE MANOR – @THEBURKEMANOR FLOWER PATCH – @FLOWERPATCHNC BLUSH BRIDAL – @LOVEBLUSHBRIDAL SOUTHERN VINTAGE TABLE – @SOUTHERNVINTAGETABLE2 WICKED SWEET CAKES – @WICKEDSWEETCAKES BUMBLE & BRANCH – @BUMBLEANDBRANCH GENERATION TUX – @GENERATIONTUX CAKE COUTURE – @CAKECOUTURE_NC CHALK BY AW – @CHALKBYAW BRITTANY LACKS – @HAIRBYME_B AMAKA’S INTERNATIONAL HAIR – @NATURALAMAKAHAIR MICHELLE CLARK MAKEUP ARTIST – @KMICHELLECLARK PARTY REFLECTIONS – @PARTYREFLECTIONS POPPY & CO – @_POPPY_CO_ EARTHQUAKE PRODUCTIONS – @EARTHQUAKEPRODUCTIONS EMMA GRACE BATH & BODY – @EMMAGRACESOAP BADGLEY MISCHKA – @BADGLEYMISCHKABRIDE
It was a busy, busy day at the Burke Manor Inn & Pavilion in Gibsonville. The rain did not deter the enthusiasm for this multi-styled shoot designed by Bess and Beau Event Design because there was so much to see and do!
The shoot was comprised of four different looks with each designer at Bess and Beau showcasing their talents. Today we are so excited to share Norma’s boho look, a style we absolutely love, complete with bold vintage midcentury plates, stainless and bakelite flatware, macrame jars and bottles, and pillow seating at Norma’s handcrafted pallet table. These photos by Naomi Turner Photography might just turn you into a bonafide boho fan, that is, if you aren’t already as enthralled as us!
More to come in the coming weeks, when we share Eva’s vintage lounge and Kerri’s soft and airy tablescape. Thanks to all the vendors who participated and a special shoutout to Bess and Beau for inviting us to share our vintage wares!
Participating Vendors BESS AND BEAU EVENT DESIGNS – @BESSANDBEAU NAOMI TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY – @NAOMITURNERPHOTOS BURKE MANOR – @THEBURKEMANOR FLOWER PATCH – @FLOWERPATCHNC BLUSH BRIDAL – @LOVEBLUSHBRIDAL SOUTHERN VINTAGE TABLE – @SOUTHERNVINTAGETABLE2 WICKED SWEET CAKES – @WICKEDSWEETCAKES BUMBLE & BRANCH – @BUMBLEANDBRANCH GENERATION TUX – @GENERATIONTUX CAKE COUTURE – @CAKECOUTURE_NC CHALK BY AW – @CHALKBYAW BRITTANY LACKS – @HAIRBYME_B AMAKA’S INTERNATIONAL HAIR – @NATURALAMAKAHAIR MICHELLE CLARK MAKEUP ARTIST – @KMICHELLECLARK PARTY REFLECTIONS – @PARTYREFLECTIONS POPPY & CO – @_POPPY_CO_ EARTHQUAKE PRODUCTIONS – @EARTHQUAKEPRODUCTIONS EMMA GRACE BATH & BODY – @EMMAGRACESOAP BADGLEY MISCHKA – @BADGLEYMISCHKABRIDE
