Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

Vintage Feature – Planning a Bridal Shower with Friends

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Getting things ready to take to Louise’s house for our bridal shower!

It was Friday and I started to panic. Usually by now I had decided on my weekly post topic, taken all the photographs, edited and uploaded them and written the first draft. Well, with all the preparations for our Yaya bridal shower, I kept pushing blog stuff to the back burner. I know next week’s post will be about our lovely shower, but what about this Sunday? Then it came to me – I should set the stage for next week’s post by sharing a little about my friends and our shower planning. Won’t be as many photos but next week there should be a plethora of images, thanks to Katherine Jones Miles, who is coming to take photos!

My friendship with this wonderful group of women goes way back to when we were young teachers. Most of us worked at one school together for years and when the new school opened, we all followed our incredible principal, Charley. That was 1994 – 20 years ago – and as our working relationship strengthened, we also became very close friends. Somewhere in there we officially became the Yayas.

We love spending time together – whether we are lounging at Louise’s beach condo, eating dinner at Margaret’s Cantina or Dick & Jane’s Martini & Tapas Bar, savoring our Christmas feast at Mary’s home or planning one of new adventures, we love sharing our lives with each other. Now two of us have retired, two more will retire this year and in the next few years, the younger two will join the rest of us. We all look forward to spending more time together!

When Mary told us her daughter was engaged the rest of us were so excited for her and for us, too, because we knew we would be planning a bridal shower together! Cis got on her computer and our first email was entitled “Initial Delegation of Duties for Melanie’s Shower.”  Classic Cis – getting us organized and ready! Knowing Mary, the quintessential Southern lady, we easily came up with the menu – country ham biscuits, pimento cheese and cucumber sandwiches, chicken salad, cheese straws, vegetable tray, fruit salad and deviled eggs. Our drink list included iced tea and a mimosa bar.  Desserts featured Jami’s key lime tarts and Pat’s top-secret-recipe chocolate cake. Yummy!

Our duties were divvied out – Pat, Cis, Jami and Louise had the food covered, I would handle the tableware and decor, and Jami would design our flower arrangements. Louise offered hers and Pete’s beautiful country home as our venue and she and I would take care of the invitations. It may not take a village to host a bridal shower but it’s definitely more fun when you have good friends!

With help from Pete, Van, Carrie and Bill, we were ready for Saturday’s “Linens, Lace & Lingerie” bridal shower.  Check in next week to see how our Country Farmhouse decor theme works out. As Louise would say, we are sooooooo excited!  Right on, Louise!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

 

Southern Vintage Table Event – Mixing & Matching with Family Heirlooms

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Recently Sarah called Southern Vintage Table to help set her table for her family’s traditional Passover feast. She also had an enchanting request – to include her grandmother’s china and her husband’s grandmother’s crystal in the eclectic place settings.  I instantly loved her idea!  Including Ann’s vintage china pattern and Thelma’s crystal from the 1930s was a wonderful tribute to their blended family at their Seder table.

After Sarah and I shared ideas, I borrowed pieces of Grandmother Anne’s beautiful china, Phyllis by Noritake.  For this important family ritual, I wanted each guest to have one piece of Anne’s china so I designed the table settings in pairs. The first pair had Anne’s dinner plate, the second had the soup bowl and the salad plate was used in the third.  Using this schema, I mixed and matched the place settings down the table.

To further accent with Sarah’s grandmother’s china, we tucked saucers under the sedum teacups provided by Southern Vintage Table and arranged them down the table. We also placed Grandmother Thelma’s delicate wine glasses at the adult place settings. With Sarah’s tulip centerpiece, the lovely Seder table was ready for her family and friends.

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

Sarah’s family dinner was filled with tradition, history, beauty and love.  Invite Southern vintage Table to help you set your table for your next family occasion – we’d love to mix your family’s heirlooms with our vintage collection for a beautiful and personalized table!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Event – A Sweetly Vintage Wedding

It was a radiant April day at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville. The lovely grounds were covered in colorful spring blooms, the sun was shining, a gentle breeze was blowing and two people were ready to share the rest of their lives together. What a joyful day for a wedding!

Photo by Faith Teasley

I first met Ashley via email last October when she told me she found Southern Vintage Table‘s website and wanted to know more about our vintage china.  We corresponded through the months about her wedding and shared different ideas about the table setting. I knew she and I were planning something very special.

During this time I had discovered the charm of vintage postcards from my friend, Priscilla.  We used them at her Christmas party and I fell in love with the look.  I found a way to make a stand from vintage forks and started a collection of vintage cards.  When I asked Ashley if she’d like to feature some on her table she was delighted because she also collected vintage postcards. It was a serendipitous moment!

With mixed and matched vintage patterns, we set the table with a dinner plate, salad plate, silverware, goblets and a trio of sweet vintage postcards.  Ashley’s choice of flowers, wedding favors and linens completed a stunning table display for her guests.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Flowers by Owens Florist

The myriad of place settings featured soft hues of green, blue and pink.  Vintage goblets of green, blue, pink and clear accented the vintage china.  The vintage silver flatware also included different vintage patterns.  As I gazed at the beautiful, cheerful tables I envisioned the many dinner tables these pieces had once graced. I believe their individual history brings eloquence to such a joyful day.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

We also provided vintage dessert plates and forks to serve this gorgeous wedding cake. Love the flowers and the Precious Moments couple on top!

Wedding Cake
Cake by Sweet Tooth Bakery

Thank you, Ashley and Jamie, for inviting Southern Vintage Table to be a part of your special day.  Wishing you two endless happiness and sweet love!

Photo by Faith Teasley

 

PS – Here are the vintage salad plates I mentioned in last week’s blog – the pattern name is Cherry Blossoms by Diamond China.  This week I happened upon a dinner plate in this same pattern!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

 PPS – Thanks, Alexandria, and happy birthday!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

 

Vintage Glass Pitchers

Vintage Feature – A Medley of Vintage Pitchers and Teapots

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Yes, they are utilitarian but they can also be delicate, bold, pretty, artistic and fun! I’m talking about pitchers and teapots, of course. Ceramic, glass and even metal – they span a variety colors and styles and are available at Southern Vintage Table.

Let’s start with our classic vintage amber and avocado green glass pitchers. Like vintage goblets and tumblers, the textures and shapes make them all so interesting!

The clear glass pitchers in our inventory are also varied and beautiful!

Teapots were first designed in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when leaf infusion became a popular way to drink tea. Typically made from porcelain, they can have many shapes, colors and designs. Here are some in our collection!

 

 

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

 

Serve up your iced and hot drinks with our vintage pitchers and teapots from Southern Vintage Table!  Be sure to check out more of our lovely inventory on our new Pinterest Board!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NCHere are a few articles about pitchers and teapots!
Pitchers – Wikipedia
A History of Teapots
A Brief History of Teapots
Teapot – Wikipedia

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

 

Vintage Rental NC

A Vintage Adventure – Bartering for Vintage!

The first time I stepped into her shop, I didn’t meet Elma but I did meet her daughter who was minding the store for her.  It was on a Saturday afternoon and my friends and I were on one of our many adventures together.  Our agenda this time was to start at Dick & Jane’s Martini & Tapas Bar for lunch and well, a martini,  and then browse the eclectic shops on Clay Street in Mebane. When we walked into Elma’s shop, The Copper Awning, I realized that I couldn’t slow my friends down to give me time to look through her interesting collection, so I made a mental note to return the next week to see what vintage things I could get for Southern Vintage Table.

Elma was there on my next visit and I explained to her that I was looking for miscellaneous vintage china and tableware. She told me she had some terrific finds in her back room but she needed to get it organized before I could take a look. One peek at that back room and I knew she was right – I would come back later.

The following week I returned and when Elma saw me, she smiled.  “Well, I haven’t had a chance to do much back there but I’ll make a path for you.”  More than a few things were moved out of the way and then she left me to look.  I started making a pile of a few things – a wooden box, milk glass goblets, vintage books – and as I am surveying the room filled with stacks, boxes and bags of “stuff” as Elma calls it, my plan came to me. I walked back into the front. “Elma, I said, “you need help getting that room organized and I would like to offer my services.” I suggested a bartering deal – my organizing skills for vintage things. She loved the idea and so did I!

I’ve been there several times, sorting, organizing, opening boxes and cleaning in that back room and basement. We have carried things from the back room to the basement and from the basement up to the showroom. We have moved cabinets, shelving and bins. I’ve been there one week to return the next to find a room in the shop totally restaged. This past week she had a gorgeous wedding dress displayed on a table complete with matching shoes and bouquet!

So what treasures have been added to our vintage inventory?  First, we have more beautiful goblets –  milk glass, crystal, pink and blue – and a few dainty teacups. We also now have a nice collection of vintage tins to add to a tablescape – love these!

My favorite addition, however, is a gorgeous set of vintage china called Forget Me Not by Myott china. This set is perfect – cream colored with a swirl rim and sweet blue flowers. I love the pattern but mostly I love how they came to Elma’s shop. Scott and Elma bought them at an auction for me.  Such an act of kindness!  Look for an upcoming “mixing & matching” blog with this beautiful pattern.

This chance meeting has flourished into both a business arrangement and a friendship. I’ve met her husband, daughter, granddaughter, son and daughter-in-law when they have stopped in at the shop as well as her friends and helpers, Scott and Patsy. I have learned that her story is even more interesting than the collection of “stuff” she has in her shop – she’s a retired civilian Marine, she volunteers at her granddaughter’s school, she sings in her church choir and she was in the Pentagon on 9/11. 

Check out The Copper Awning on Clay Street in Mebane.  Not only will you find something you will love, you’ll meet the delightful, generous Elma.  Be sure to say hi for me!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Vintage Milk Glass Vase with Dried Flowers

Vintage Feature – The Beauty of Vintage Milk Glass

Milk Glass Vase Rental

I remember the first time I heard the term “milk glass.”  My dear sister-in-law, Cathy, was packing up her house to move to the Outer Banks.  She showed me a vase and explained it was hobnail milk glass.  I recall thinking “what a cool name” and I think I even had her spell it since I had never heard “hobnail”, but it wasn’t love at first sight for me.  Of course, I said something like, “hmmm, that’s interesting” but I didn’t quite understand why anyone would collect a knobby white vase.  Like many twists in life, I never imagined I’d be building a collection of milk glass today for my business, Southern Vintage Table!

Since then I’ve educated myself a bit on this classic vintage glassware. I’ve learned that milk glass has been around since the 1500s but the term “milk glass” wasn’t coined until the twentieth century.  Although “milk glass” was popularized by the white milk-like color, the word “milk” doesn’t necessarily mean white; it means the glass isn’t transparent, but translucent. Here’s a little bit of chemistry trivia – they use either tin oxide or bone ash (yep, ashes of real bones) to give the glass that milky white color!

“Opal glass.” as it was called, comes in white, brown and black as well as in hues of green, yellow, pink and blue. It was invented in Venice in the 16th century, spread to France and England and then to America.  First considered collectables by the wealthy, many American companies began making less expensive milk glassware for the masses.  One highly, collectable and popular variety is Jadeite, which has a beautiful light green color.  Our collection is only white but I’m always on the lookout for the other colors.

Probably all of us have seen the many styles of milk glass vases. I’ve collected small bud to large bouquet vases, with wonderful designs and textures. Here are some from our collection!

Milk Glass Vase Rental NC

Milk Glass Vase Rental

I love the vintage compotes and serving dishes in the milky white color.  Food just looks extra delicious against the pure white of the dish!

Milk Glass Compote

Vintage milk glass goblets and small compotes are also lovely and can be used as either vases, planters, or small serving dishes!Milk Glass Compotes Rental

The purity of white vintage milk glass is a classic choice for so many special gatherings such as weddings, receptions, showers, anniversaries, and dinner parties. Invite Southern Vintage Table to help you set the table with this charming vintage accessory! More of our collection can be seen on our Pinterest Board.

Milk Glass Vase Rental

For more about milk glass, check out these resources!
Milk Glass Kitchen
Wikipedia
About.com Antiques

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Vintage Feature – New Additions to Southern Vintage Table

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

It’s time to catch up with some of our new additions to our inventory here at Southern Vintage Table!  We have found a little bit of everything and we know you’ll love them all!

We added three new teacups to our growing collection of lovely china.  This one is gorgeous, inside and out, with its purple flowers and gold trim. This vintage set is by Royal Sealy China of Japan.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

Here’s a version of the Blue Willow pattern that I had not seen before. This pair of teacups were made in Occupied Japan, making them a bit of a collector’s item, and this dates them between 1945-52. I didn’t notice that detail until I brought them home because I was taken by their beautiful cobalt blue color with gold trim. What a nice surprise!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

It was an amazing week as far as pink glassware!  I found three Jeannette Glass Cube footed tumblers from the early 1930s.  The pair of pink embossed goblets are a little less vintage.  The pattern, Arbor by Noritake, was discontinued in the late 1990s.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

The next three finds are now in our vintage decor collection.  One is a vintage jug that would be perfect for a spray of flowers and the another is a vintage flour sifter. They belonged to Belle and they are probably from the 1930s-40s. The vintage wooden box is from a thrift store nearby – I love the rough, darkened wood!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

Found this trio of charming dessert plates at a flea market.  I love the hand-painted dogwood, something I can’t walk away from since the dogwood is our state’s official flower!  The pattern is Dixie Dogwood by Joni and although they’re a bit crazed, I appreciate their beauty.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

We added to our milk glass collection with these three vases.  Their regal design is a new one for me!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

Perhaps my favorite find is this beautiful, hand crocheted lace overlay.  It’s incredible!  I found it at a local thrift store so I do not know anymore than what I can see – but that’s saying a lot!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China RentalThese and other unique vintage items are now available at Southern Vintage China.  Add a bit of beauty and history to your next happy occasion!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Vintage Feature – Small Vintage Goblets are Perfect for the Wedding Toast

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental

We love vintage glassware!  The feel, the look and the history embodied in a tumbler or goblet speaks to us. So when a client asked if Southern Vintage Table had one hundred small clear vintage goblets for the toast at her wedding, we told her, “not yet, but we will!”  With this request from Rebekah an extra element of fun had been added to our vintage adventures.  Every thrift store and antique shop we have visited in the past month has been very focused as we search for the perfect collection of small vintage goblets.  Here are just a few we have found so far.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental
This vintage Jenkins pattern is pre 1920!

We are almost there, Rebekah, with your one hundred small clear vintage goblets and we must admit, we’lll probably still be looking way beyond that count.  We definitely will be ready come September!

If you have an upcoming wedding, please contact Southern Vintage Table.  We have an extensive inventory of vintage china, silverware, glassware and linens, and if we don’t have exactly what you want, we’ll do our best to find it!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Event – Bass Family Thanksgiving Reunion

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

My first memory of our annual Thanksgiving family reunion is from the 1960s. The 9 of us, my mom and 8 children, piled into the car. With food dishes in our laps, we headed to Dunn to meet up with the rest of the Bass family. Grandma Susie and Grandpa Wiley lived in Dunn and we gathered at their church for our feast. As years passed, we have moved the location several times, from Durham to Efland to Chapel Hill and now Rolesville, but more than 40 years later, the gang continues this wonderful family tradition.

Since I started collecting plates for Southern Vintage Table, I envisioned using stoneware at a Southern family reunion. As my sisters and I planned this year’s gathering, I suggested we use this collection from the 60s, 70s and 80s to set our tables. With the array of vintage stoneware patterns in blues, golds, greens, browns and yellows, the table setting would also include vintage textured glasses, placemats and cloth napkins.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Rowena, Sandy and I arrived at the Masonic Lodge late Wednesday morning and many hours later, we transformed the rustic meeting room for our 70 Bass relatives and friends. With help from Sandy’s friend, Rose, we covered the tables with brown paper and used placemats to color block the stoneware patterns. Between the sets of 6 plates we designed a simple, natural tablescape with magnolia leaves, pine cones, sweetgum balls and moss. With the striking orange lilies from Fernrock Farm, a cluster of magnolia leaves, twigs and vintage Mason jars, our tables were ready.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Vintage stoneware dessert plates ready for pie, cake and other yummy goodies!

Here’s a collage of photos of the Bass family and friends before, during and after our Thanksgiving meal. After the meal and with everyone’s help, we quickly got the tables cleared, the dishes washed and packed, the floors swept and the furniture moved back into position. Thank you, Russ and Cait, for sharing your photos!

Since our first Thanksgiving reunion, several dear members of our family have left us and each time we get together, we honor them – Susie and Wiley, Jack and Neva, Toot and Maeline, Chester and Lois, Bill, Gerrie and Mike. To the folks visiting other relatives and to the ones who got snowed in, we missed you and hope to see you next year.

Once again, the Bass Family came together on Thanksgiving. We hugged, we feasted and we parted, feeling content and connected. ‘Till next year, Bass Family and Friends!

Planning a family reunion or a rustic wedding?  Consider using our stoneware collection at Southern Vintage Table!

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Vintage Feature – The Feel of Vintage Glassware

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Amber, green and blue textured vintage glassware

Armed with nearly a hundred receptors in each, your fingertips perceive your personal environment – soft or hard, cold or warm, pain or pleasure. While pain receptors help us know when we are hurt, receptors also help us feel pleasure – like when you pick up a textured vintage goblet or glass.

One distinguishing feature of many vintage patterns of glassware is texture – it can be cut or pressed glass, bumpy, or cubed. Vintage colors span the rainbow, with greens, yellows, blues, pinks, reds, and clear.  There are many, many patterns and here are some of our favorites of amber, green, and blue glassware at Southern Vintage Table.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
The green and gold are Milano and the blue is Driftwood.

I call this crinkle glass and have seen it described as lava glass, bark, or bumpy, but two official pattern names are Milano, manufactured by Anchor Hocking, and Driftwood by Seneca.  Both patterns come in varied colors and Southern Vintage Table has many in green, gold, blue, and clear.  I love the way this glass feels in my hand and how the light shines through it.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Beautiful vintage blue glassware

Both the color and texture are noticed in these beautiful blue vintage glasses. The first pattern is Tartan by Anchor Hocking and the other goblet is Facets by Libbey/Rock Sharpe glassware.  The pattern names of the two circular tumblers are unknown.  Wouldn’t these all be lovely with vintage blue and white plates?

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Vintage Whitehall glasses

One of my favorite patterns is Whitehall Colony glassware.  It’s heft and cubed texture make it just perfect to sip any cold beverage.  The colors are also varied – harvest gold, amber, avocado green, light blue, emerald green, and clear.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Country Garden in blue and amber

This happy vintage pattern is called Country Garden made by Libbey/Rock Sharpe.  Discontinued in the mid 1970s, this embossed flower pattern embodies the saying “flower power.”

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Colony’s Crown tumblers have rich hues of green, amber and blue.

One style of glassware that fits perfectly in your hands has a “thumbprint” indentation.  Colony’s Crown pattern is one and we have this lovely glassware in green, gold, and blue.  We also have goblets in green and bowls in amber.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Provincial by Imperial Glass
Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
We have Old Williamsburg in green and clear.

Imperial Glass has several patterns that use the thumbprint feel.  Two are Provinicial and Williamsburg.  Their green and amber colors are rich and the feel of the glass is impressive.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Recent additions to our collection!

The final set of featured goblets are our most recent additions.  I found them at a thrift store and both the owner and I had never seen these!  They are very substantial and unusual with the coolest feet and pedestal.  The citron green goblet was manufactured by Franciscan Crystal in the 1970s and the pattern is called Madeira.  I cannot find the dark green goblet with the bark-like texture but I haven’t given up just yet!  It’s full of details and I’m certain I’ll eventually find out more.  Any help out there identifying is welcomed!

The sparkle on the table is the glassware and vintage glassware patterns give you much more – texture, heft, deep colors, and history!  These patterns and more are available at Southern Vintage Table for your guests’ pleasure and enjoyment!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC