We are recognizing this patriotic holiday with our red, white, and blue vintage wares available at Southern Vintage Table. Hope your Memorial holiday is fun-filled and safe!
America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor. =Paul Tsongas
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.
Large or small, a gathering of friends and family is always memorable. This event was especially so because the family’s first grandchild was coming to visit her grandparents! Of course, folks wanted to meet this sweet little girl so grandmother Sherry and aunt Ashley hosted a ‘greet and meet’ Evie party. With vintage tiered and cake stands filled with scrumptious desserts, tea cups ready for coffee, and vases filled with flowers, the hosts were ready to greet their guests!
And, here she is! Cutie-pie Evie perched on her grandmother’s lap. Notice that her pink outfit matches her grandmother’s hair! How cool is that?
The Tea in Wonderland styled shoot, creatively orchestrated by Stephanie of Beauty and The Budget Events and Ariel Kaitlin Photography, is colorful, playful, and truly delightful! We loved seeing Ariel’s photos as did the editors of The Carolinas Magazine because they chose this shoot to be featured in their magazine!
When Stephanie contacted us, we invited her to visit our studio to “go shopping” for the vintage pieces she’d like to use. We love seeing how our vintage decor is sprinkled in these photos and are thrilled to share them with you!
The hot, humid, summer weather of beautiful NC has settled in and, with the first of July arriving tomorrow, we’ll be taking this month off from our weekly blog. The opening to this year has been incredibly busy for Southern Vintage Table and during July we’ll be resting, reorganizing our new space a bit, but continuing with our rental services.
So far this year we have shared our vintage wares with 29 clients for their showers, luncheons, birthday parties, corporate celebrations, styled shoots, tea parties, and, of course, wedding receptions. (Photos by Ana Teresa Gailzes, Krista Piper, Kelley Deal, September Photos, Casie Weathers, Magnolia Photography, Stephanie Batten. )
We’re looking forward to the second half of 2019 and the many occasions our vintage treasures will be enjoyed! See you in August!
An October lakeside evening in NC may be the most perfect setting for a wedding celebration. As shown through these divine photos taken by the talented Ashley Steffens, we definitely agree! Ashli and Matt’s beautifully styled vintage boho wedding was held at the Sunset Lake Lodge in Holly Springs guided by the expertise of wedding planner, Emily Katherine Events. We are so excited to share these with our readers!
We joyfully provided many elements for this vintage boho gala. Vintage dinner plates, jewel-toned goblets, silver-plate flatware, and several of the crocheted overlays. Our charming vintage dresser mirrors framed the gorgeous florals of Springwell Garden.
With our sincerest gratitude, Ashli and Matt, thank you for inviting us to your wedding day. Setting your guests’ tables with our vintage tableware pleased us so much! Best wishes for many happy days, months, and years ahead!
We end our post with this wonderful review from the bride’s mother. Thanks, Kathy, for your kind words!
My experience with SVT exceeded all expectations!My daughter’s dream wedding style was vintage/boho! SVT provided us with the perfect pieces which topped off the decor which exceeded our expectations. Give SVT a call to find your perfect pieces too! We rented vintage dinnerware/glassware and vintage gold trays!
I was doing a photo shoot featuring our new doilies and decided to use some vintage books as an accent. I chose this one off the shelf, and not looking at the title, I placed it on top of the stack and took a photo. Then I noticed the title – Anything Can Happen by George and Helen Waite Papashvily, copyright 1940. Wow, I instantly hought, a message from the cosmos!
Haven’t read it but, of course, I love the sentiment! Sending you wishes for your “Anything Can Happen” dreams in the new year!