7 Things You'd Like to Know

Features – 7 Things You Want to Know!

We’ve just marked 10 years as a company! Such a milestone of great pleasure meeting so many different folks at one of their happiest moments. We are grateful and humbled by you!

Though we have a FAQ page to answer many questions you may have, we are extending this information to include more things you’d like to know.


First, when the event is over, we’ll be sending you a request for a review from Wedding Wire and the Knot. These two prestigious companies house all of our reviews for prospective clients to read. At the end of the year, they award companies that have a certain number of high ranking reviews. When we make this request, we are thrilled to hear how the event went and what aspects you enjoyed regarding our rentals. We consider it an honor when you do this for us.

Second, we also ask for photographs to share on our blog post and social media. We love sharing this happy moment with our followers and they often refer to your photos when they are making decisions about their own event. Most photographers allow us permission to browse the online gallery. We select photos that showcase our wares and also like to have a few of clients. When this request comes, please consider and if there are any photos you’d like us to not share, let us know. We will ask for names of the collaborating vendors including the photographer, so all of us can enjoy a shout-out.

Third, a word about the cleanup. If rinsing is available, we’d love to receive them in this condition. If not, then we want all the plates to be wiped down with little or no food debris. Please consult with your caterer regarding which they can do. One other little request that goes along with this – all the dishes are wrapped in plastic after the sanitation rinse. It is important to leave the bags on the plates so food debris doesn’t get tracked into the vehicle or studio. We tie the bags, you untie, leaving the bag on the sides. Once the rack is full of wiped down plates, pull up the bag and retie.

Fourth, please do not use our napkins to clean up spills, especially red wine. Many stains remain that we cannot remove and then the napkin is relegated to a dish cloth. Sad…

Fifth, to fill an order we first select and then pack items in specialized crates to avoid breakage. Crate by crate, they are placed in the sanitizing, energy/water efficient dishwasher. After drying, they are wrapped in food-grade plastic bags. Items are then either loaded up and delivered, or the client picks up and returns. If picked up, we’ll have everything on a cart, you’ll drive around the back of our building, and park near the back door covered by an awning. We will roll the carts to the door. Clients have commented that this is made easy for them. After noon is our best times for both deliveries and pickups; however, we can work out times if needed.

Sixth, if you choose to pick up and return (which we appreciate so much!), we can extend our rental window as needed, up to 5 days rather than 3. A typical order will be more than what a small car or SUV can hold so a van or large SUV will be needed. If you are unable to secure the larger vehicle and you still want to pickup/return, look into renting one.

Front Window at SVT

Lastly, and our most important, number 7th thing-to-know is that we want you to be happy with every choice. We don’t charge by the crate but by the piece. We welcome all studio visits and love helping you with your vision!


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Couples 2023

Vintage Features – Creative Client Designs 2023

Vintage Tablescape Designs

Southern Vintage Table
Vintage Tablescape Designs
2023

Slide 2 - Vintage Wildflower

Vintage Wildflower Stoneware, Amber & Green Goblets,
Stainless Flatware

MKM Photography
Slide 3 - Blue and White

Vintage Blue and White, Clear Goblets,
Silverplate Flatware

Jenna Corley Photography
Slide 4 - Vintage Mix

Vintage Mix of Plates, Goblets,
Napkins, Flatware

Indie Bird Photography
Slide 5- Green Florals
Vintage Florals with Green, Green Goblets
Silverplate Flatware
Jo Lindsey Photography
Slide 6 Gold, Orange, Pink
Vintage Gold & White Plates, Pink Glass Salad,
Pink Coupes, Orange Goblets, Gold Flatware
Rae Marshall Photography
Slide 7-Pastel Florals

Vintage Floral Dinner & Salad Plates,
Pastel Goblets, Silverplate Flatware

Dakota Hershey Photography
Slide 8 White Stoneware

Vintage White Stoneware, Pink Goblets,
Silverplate Flatware

Laura Memory Photography
Slide 9 Greens

Vintage Green Dinner, Salad, Bowl, Goblet

Client Photo
Slide 10 Vintage Mix with Amber/Green Goblets

Vintage Mix-Blue/White, Gold/White, Green Florals,
Green & Amber Goblets, Stainless Flatware

Kendall Bailey Photography
Slide 11 Vintage Tea Party

Vintage Tea Cups, Clear Goblets, Gold Flatware,
Tea Pots, Serving Dishes, Table Cloth & Napkins

Client Photo
Slide 12 Different Table Designs

Vintage Mix of Plates & Goblets, Stainless Flatware

SVT Photo
Slide 13 Soft Blues, Milk Glass

Vintage Mix of Soft Blues, Milk Glass Salad,
Light Blue Goblets, Silverplate Flatware, Napkins,
Milk Glass Vases, Votives

Client Photo
Slide 14 Vintage Mix with Centerpiece

Vintage Mix of Plates, Goblets, Gold Flatware,
Centerpiece & Bottle Bouquets

Amanda Sutton Photography
Slide 15 Final

We look forward to helping you with your design!

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Note to Mobile Users – To move forward, slide to the left.

We are always amazed at the creativity of our clients! After working on this slide show for several days, we are excited to share with you some of the designs from 2023. We hope you enjoy their artistic tablescapes!

PS – Thank you, clients and photographers, for allowing us to share your work!


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Hello, New Year

Hello, New Year – 2024!

Header – Indie Bird; Photo above – Laura Memory

To 2023, you have been filled with excitement, joy, and new beginnings. Thank you for bestowing us with many, many wonderful client memories and a successful year. To our clients, we sincerely thank you for choosing our company for your happy occasions and we wish you the very best in this new year.

“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.” Taylor Swift


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Vintage Whitehall Goblets

Vintage Feature – A Celebration of Numbers: 2021 Update

Seven years to the date, June 13, 2014, Southern Vintage Table celebrated our 1st anniversary! We were quite pleased with our progress during that year and paused to mark our achievements.

Like one of my favorite characters on Sesame Street, Count von Count, I love numbers and it seems like we are always counting at Southern Vintage Table – like, how many vintage blue & white china patterns we have, the number of salad forks in our collection, or the length of a creamy lace overlay.

Sometimes, however, our counting means even more – they mark an achievement – and we have a few of them we’d like to share.  Let’s start the countdown with 10 numbers we are celebrating…

Celebration of Numbers, SVT, June 2014

So, 7 years later, we are pausing one again to see how much some our numbers have changed and what new numbers we’d like to note. From 32,957 to 1, here are the ten numbers we are celebrating today and our favorite number is last!


One – 32,957 Users from 1-1-2020 to 6-13-2021

To us, this number is amazing! In 2013 we had 6,605 views (a little different than users but this is the data we have) on our WordPress blog. Today we have a full scale website that folks from all over the world visit.


Two – 2,772 Pieces of Vintage Flatware 

As before, we didn’t really count each piece but we do have a lot! In 2014 we only collected vintage silver-plated flatware and had enough for 200+ guests. By 2021, we had amassed enough vintage silver-plated and stainless steel pieces to accommodate at least 200+ guests in each variety. Recently, we have added vintage gold-plated to our flatware offerings and now can serve 75 guests. Along with place settings, we have lots of vintage serving pieces – cake servers, tongs, large spoons & forks, pickle forks, and sugar spoons.

This cache of flatware didn’t come so easy – we’ve scoured thrift stores, estate sales, auctions, consignment shops, craigslist, ebay, and more to find these glorious vintage patterns.  Now, that’s certainly an accomplishment to note!

Celebration of Numbers, SVT, June 2014

 Three – 1,996 Pinterest Pins & 667 Intagram Posts

The major force on the social media scene in 2014 was Pinterest. Folks still use Pinterest for ideas, but Instagram has since become the social media queen. In 2014 we had 882 pins on Pinterest; today we have pinned 1,996 images with 32 public boards. A typical monthly viewership is 29,000 but we have hit 78,000.

Our Instagram account has 667 posts and 1,766 followers. These numbers make us dance!


Four – 839 Facebook Likes and 911 Followers

From 280 to 839 Facebook likes, we are grateful for each of you! We love to share with you our new additions as well as our latest events. And, we love to hear from you!


Five – 402 Published Blog Posts

From 71 in 2014 to 403 Sunday posts in 2021, we have expanded our blog post menu to include Southern Vintage Table Events, Vintage Features, Styled Shoots, Vintage Tips, and News.

Check in with us each Sunday to find out more about our latest vintage find, see photos from our most recent event or hear about our vintage adventures. We appreciate each and every visit!

Celebration of Numbers, SVT, June 2014

Six – 200 Vintage Whitehall Glasses in 9 Colors

Our count of vintage Whitehall goblets has grown in two ways – the total count and the number of colors – from 65 to 200 and 6 colors to 9! Many folks grew up with this popular glassware pattern and they evoke many wonderful family memories.


Seven – 7 Shades of Blue Goblets

Wow – 7 shades of blue in our vintage goblet collection! Don’t forget we also have green, yellow, amber, red, purple, pink, peach, white, and clear. How many you ask? Well, we’ll need to get back to you on that!


Eight – Our 8th Year Anniversary!

 Southern Vintage Table has been open for eight years!  Whoo-hoo!

It’s been quite an adventure – collecting, researching, cleaning, repairing, photographing, identifying, writing, posting, washing, archiving, sorting – and we continue to love every part of it. Gosh, how to you thank everyone for their support and kindness?  Simply and sincerely – Thank You.

Celebration of Numbers, SVT, June 2014
Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Happy Anniversary, Southern Vintage Table!

 Nine – 9 Vintage Plate Collections

Our vintage plate collection in 2014 totaled about 250 in assorted styles and patterns. Today we have 9 vintage collections or themes of patterns, all of which can be mixed and matched with each other or kept in the same theme. Some vintage collections have about 300, like our blue & white, and others have 30 or so, as in our mostly brown. How many total dinner plates do we have? We’ll get back to you on that, too!


Ten – Our First Grandbaby Arrives!

Our most wondrous number is one – our first grand baby is born – Isla Elaine Dawson. What a wonderful number this one is!


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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.


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Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Vintage Feature – Keys Events Styles a Beautiful Blue and White Shoot

This year we have participated in at least eight styled shoots – perhaps a record for us – and we have benefited from the wonderful photographs shared with us by a host of talented photographers. Today’s shoot was courtesy of Monique of Keys Events and Tierney Riggs Photography.

The blue and white theme paired with our vintage amethyst goblets and natural wood pieces is one of our favorites! We also love CE Rental’s blue and white tablecloth, which proves that too much of a good thing can be grand!

Thanks, Monique, for showcasing our vintage goods in your lovely shoot. We look forward to showing these to our clients! Be sure to check out Keys Events!


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

Vintage Feature – The Charm of Vintage Tins

Today’s post is an update from 5 years ago! When writing about the charm of vintage tins, we believed our clients would love and appreciate their beauty as we did. Voila – many did and below you’ll see photos of how sweet they look filled with flowers, cookies, or just by themselves!

So, here’s our updated version from February, 2014 with a few new photos sprinkled in as well as SVT’s new logo at the close!


Southern Vintage Table

We have fallen in love with another vintage item – tea, candy and biscuit tins. Tins, as they are called because of the tin-covered steel sheets they are made from, vary in colors, patterns, shapes, lids and sizes. The ones we have collected for Southern Vintage Table are simply charming!

A flat tin is perfect as a stand for just about anything!  With a set of bar glasses, a stack of plates, a vintage greeting card or a plate of cupcakes, these tins add color and history to the table.  Of course, you also can put things inside, like your forks, spoons and knives or cookies!

The vibrant colors of these tins are amazing!  Notice the different types of lids on this set of vintage tins.

This classic blue and white vintage tin is pretty both inside and out. When we picked this up from the thrift store shelf, an employee said to be sure to open it up.  The inside of the lid is also decorated – a small built-in tray!

We discovered that many of these are probably from the 40s-50s and up to the 70s. Filled with candies, cookies and teas, they became popular items in gift shops and department stores. The majority of our collection has a “Made in England” mark but there are some from Holland, Germany, and America. A few have no mark at all. One thing is certain about these lovelies; they have decorative and even functional uses on the vintage table!

These lovely vintage tins once held delicious things for us to enjoy. Now, decades later, they continue to enchant us with their sweetness and charm.  Add a little vintage delight with our vintage tins from Southern Vintage Table!

Here are a few resources about vintage tins.
What to Look for When Collecting Vintage Tins
Celebrated Biscuit Tins
Biscuit Tin – Wikipedia


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

Southern Vintage Table Event – Courtney & Lee’s Romantic Mountain Wedding

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

If you dig vibrant jewels and gold (and who doesn’t, right?),  you are going to love these photos from Courtney and Lee’s intimate mountain wedding provided by Amaris Photography.  Their design, using our vintage gold rimmed plates, goblets, silverware, and teacups created this magical celebration of their love for one another!

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Courtney and Lee, we really enjoyed meeting you and helping with your wedding. Best wishes for years of love and happiness! Also, thanks for sharing these dreamy photos from Amaris Photography!


Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Southern Vintage Table Event – Honoring the Chefs of Thanksgiving at Our Annual Family Reunion

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Thanksgiving 2018 for the Bass-Heath-Roberson families and friends was amazing! Fifty years ago the tradition began with our parents and grandparents who traveled far and near to share a homemade Thanksgiving feast. This time-honored ritual has become a favorite holiday celebration and we are grateful for the many memories this day has created for each of us.

Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

Honoring our chefs, past and present, was this year’s holiday theme. Along with our beautiful white stoneware plates, green, brown, and amber goblets, multicolored napkins, and bakelite flatware, we incorporated vintage kitchen decor down the guest tables. Vintage sifters, graters, egg cups, and kitchen tools transformed into vases, filled with foraged florals, berries, moss, and greenery.Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NCSouthern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC
Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC

We’ll be back next year to do it all over again! Many thanks to Sandy, Rowena, and Sherry for setting the tables and designing the centerpieces. Also, we salute the Rolesville Masonic Lodge for their many good deeds and for generously allowing us to use their meeting hall for our family gathering. 



Southern Vintage Table Vintage China Rental NC