When love brings two families together, it’s a beautiful thing — and sometimes, it sparks the start of lifelong friendships, too. This past weekend, we had the pleasure of knowing that magic firsthand at a charming bridal tea party hosted by none other than the bride’s soon-to-be sister-in-law.
The afternoon’s menu was as delightful as the decor: classic tea sandwiches, cupcakes, and a rainbow of macarons that looked almost too pretty to eat.
The buffet tables were dressed in floral and pastel linens and layered with Southern Vintage Table’s collection of handcrafted tiered stands made from vintage plates, floral-patterned teacups, delicate china plates, tea pots, and gold dessert forks.
Fresh florals and a beautiful welcoming sign completed the setting, creating an atmosphere that felt both elegant and welcoming — just the right vibe for an afternoon of laughter, memory sharing, and heartfelt toasts
This bridal tea party wasn’t just a celebration of the bride — it was a celebration of family, friendship, and the kind of thoughtfulness that turns a simple afternoon into an unforgettable memory.
To the bride, the hostess, and all who gathered that day: thank you for reminding us how sweet new beginnings can be. Thank you, Ashley, for providing these wonderful photographs!
Did you know a humble set of four spoons helped launch one of the most iconic names in home canning?
In 1911, Alexander H. Kerr, founder of the Kerr Glass Manufacturing Company, introduced a revolutionary wide-mouth mason jar. But before that invention made its way into nearly every kitchen in America, he funded the company with the profits from—yes, really—four silver-plated spoons he used as a promotional giveaway for his first business venture.
Those spoons were part of a brilliant marketing strategy to encourage sales of his “Kerr Home Canning Book.” It worked, and that spark helped light the path to Kerr becoming a household name. Photo from Kerr Jars Healthy Canning
We know you’ll enjoy the fascinating tale of canning jars made by Kerr Glass Manufacturing Company. A little preview to get you hooked!
“From fruit jars, to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, a scandalous divorce and marriage, free teaspoons, centers to help orphans and children with developmental needs, and one of the first women executives in manufacturing – whew!”
Next time you spot a Kerr jar at a flea market or tucked in a family pantry, remember—it all started with just four spoons and a whole lot of ingenuity.
Spring is a season of renewal, and what better way to celebrate than with a beautiful Easter gathering filled with vintage charm? Over the years, we’ve styled some truly lovely spring tablescapes and seasonal vignettes, and today, we’re taking a little stroll down memory lane.
From soft pastel china to dainty glassware and whimsical bunny touches, our Easter decor pieces bring warmth, nostalgia, and timeless beauty to your celebration. Whether you’re planning a brunch, an outdoor garden party, or a sweet family dinner, these looks are full of inspiration.
We adore adding playful elements like ceramic bunnies, egg cups filled with florals and moss, and vintage postcards to our place settings and centerpieces. These charming details bring out the childlike wonder of the season—and guests always notice them!
Looking to host your own vintage-inspired spring brunch or celebration? We’d love to help you bring your vision to life with our curated collection of china, flatware, linens, and seasonal decor. Let’s make this one to remember—with timeless beauty at every place setting.
In 1873, two brothers with a vision and a modest investment from their local city council set out to reshape the American tableware industry. Homer and Shakespeare Laughlin launched their pottery business in East Liverpool, Ohio, with a bold goal—to produce high-quality white dinnerware that could rival the fine imports from Europe. Though Shakespeare eventually left the venture, the company, renamed Homer Laughlin China Works, would go on to become a cornerstone of American ceramics. Against all odds, the company thrived for over a century, adapting to seismic shifts like world wars, the rise of cheap overseas imports in the 1950s, and the migration of U.S. manufacturing abroad. Their story is not just one of business success, but of resilience, innovation, and enduring craftsmanship. Homer Laughlin History
When we first began searching for dinnerware for our new business back in 2013, one name kept appearing on the backs of the vintage plates we found—Homer Laughlin. Intrigued, we dug a little deeper and quickly confirmed that these pieces were indeed vintage treasures. What truly captured our attention, though, were the patterns—delightfully varied and full of charm, with soft florals and timeless details that felt both nostalgic and elegant. It didn’t take long for us to appreciate the legacy behind the name and the lasting appeal of his beautifully crafted tableware.
As we continued building our collection, we discovered even more of Homer Laughlin’s incredible range of styles—classic blue and white designs, understated white and cream pieces, bold rims adorned with florals, soft light blues, and the iconic Golden Wheat pattern that evokes pure Americana. Today, we proudly feature many of Homer’s patterns in our inventory, but even with our growing collection, we’ve only just scratched the surface of the vast array of pottery patterns produced by the company over the decades. Their legacy is not only in their craftsmanship, but in the sheer depth and diversity of their designs.
With the exception of a few white pieces, the ever-so-popular line of Fiesta® ware is notably absent from our inventory. Introduced in 1936 and proudly made in the USA ever since, Fiesta has cultivated a passionate following with its bold, colorful designs and collectible appeal. From dedicated online forums to annual conventions, Fiesta lovers celebrate every hue and history-rich detail. Each year, the brand unveils a new color, adding to its vibrant legacy. Curious about this year’s newest shade? You can find the announcement at Fiesta’s official site.
At Southern Vintage Table, we love seeing how our clients bring their creativity to the table—literally! One of the most exciting aspects of vintage table design is the art of mixing and matching different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique, personalized look.
Today, we’re featuring three incredible clients who each designed stunning vintage tablescapes, incorporating colorful, mismatched vintage plates in their own distinctive ways.
The first couple embraced a bold, multi-color approach, creating four uniquely themed tables that will wow their guests.
Another went all-in on pink, crafting a soft and romantic setting filled with vintage charm.
The last client, selecting for her daughter, chose the timeless elegance of blue and white, proving that classic never goes out of style.
Each tablescape tells a different story, but they all share one thing—the beauty of mixing and matching vintage china to create something truly special. Let’s take a closer look at these gorgeous designs!
Our first couple wanted to infuse their event with vibrancy, personality, and a touch of vintage charm, so they embraced the beauty of color-coordinated tablescapes—each with its own distinct theme! Rather than sticking to a single palette, they designed four stunning tables, each featuring a unique color story
Our second client’s tablescape was a true labor of love, designed alongside her mother to create a setting that felt both elegant and sentimental. With pink as their guiding inspiration, they carefully curated a tablescape filled with soft hues, delicate florals, and vintage charm.
Our third client had a very special reason for designing her tablescape—she was representing her daughter and wanted to create a setting that reflected her daughter’s grace, sophistication, and love for classic beauty. She chose a blue and white theme, opting for vintage pieces that leaned more toward soft whites with delicate blue accents.
At Southern Vintage Table, we believe that the magic of a tablescape is in the details. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant hues, soft pastels, or classic elegance, our curated collection of vintage china, glassware, and décor helps bring your vision to life in the most beautiful way.
Are you ready to design your own unforgettable tablescape? Let’s make it happen! Contact us today to start planning your perfect vintage-inspired table.
Katherine and Kent’s wedding was a breathtaking celebration of vintage charm, bursting with color and timeless elegance. From across the country, Katherine meticulously curated her vision, sharing inspiration through emails and photos to bring her dream day to life.
The tables were adorned with an exquisite mix of vintage white, cream, and gold-rimmed plates, paired with vibrant colored glassware that added a playful yet sophisticated touch. A beautiful blend of silverplate and gold flatware complemented the look, while clear vases and candleholders completed the tablescape. The congratulatory toast was made with vintage champagne coupes. The result? A kaleidoscope of colors and textures that perfectly reflected Katherine and Kent’s joyful, love-filled day.
To Katherine and Kent, thank you for allowing us to play a small role in your beautiful celebration. We wish you a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and cherished moments together. Cheers to your next chapter! 🥂💕
We are thrilled to announce that Southern Vintage Table has been honored with both the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award 2025 and The Knot Best of Weddings 2025! 🎉
This incredible recognition is a testament to the wonderful couples we’ve had the joy of serving and the unforgettable vintage charm we bring to weddings across North Carolina. We are beyond grateful for your trust, kind words, and support—it truly means the world to us!
Thank you for making Southern Vintage Table part of your special moments. Here’s to another year of creating beautiful, timeless celebrations!
When our clients arrive at the studio, they’re welcomed into a space filled with endless possibilities. Our curated collection of vintage china, tableware, and decor provides a treasure trove of options for every aesthetic. During their styling sessions, they get hands-on experience selecting pieces, experimenting with different combinations, and seeing their ideas come to life before their eyes.
One thing all three clients had in common? A love for our colored goblets! Whether opting for apple greens, vibrant amber hues, or delicate pinks, each choice added personality and charm to their tablescapes. And, serendipitously, we have a side note about each of these wonderful folks!)
Our first clients are a bride-mother duo. Sweet Katie wanted her table to burst with florals and color. Her choices included an array of vintage floral patterns accompanied by bright yellow, dainty pink, apple green, and smoky brown goblets. Her wedding is coming up this May and it will be a sweet surprise for her family and guests! (Side note – the mother is married to a guy who went on many beach trips with the family. He’s a great guy, too!)
A whimsical, vibrant, and eclectic vibe was what Astin and Ryan wanted for the outdoor, woodsy wedding at The Timberlake Earth Sanctuary. The table they dressed included wildflower stoneware, purple transferware, and delicate florals which were paired with deep green, regal purple, golden amber, and soft oranges. They also opted for our green and amber peg votives, wooden, glass and brass candleholders, and petite brass vases. What a fun tablescape! (Side note – Ryan came to our rescue when a rack pulled away from the wall. With his advice we finally got it up. We were so thankful for his help!)
Our final group of clients included the sister, mother, and friend of the family who were representing for the bride. The vision included pink goblets, cream and gold plates paired with plates that displayed delicate pink florals along the rim. This sweet, vintage tablescape will be on display at our first wedding of the season and we are excited! (Side note – the sister here was a former student now all grown up with family of her own. It was wonderful to catch up with her!)
The best part of the experience? Watching each client leave with a huge smile, knowing their table will be as special as their event. Whether planning a wedding, dinner party, or special celebration, they each found a design that spoke to their vision and reflected their personal style.
We love helping clients bring their dream table settings to life! If you’re planning an event and want to design a tablescape that’s uniquely yours, schedule a studio visit with us. Let’s mix, match, and create something unforgettable together!
Stay tuned for more inspiration, styling tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Southern Vintage Table!
Southern Vintage Table was gifted a stunning new set of vintage English teacups, each a masterpiece of history and design. Reflecting a rich heritage of English tea culture, these floral beauties showcase intricate patterns and delicate craftsmanship. These vintage teacups were part of a collection that was dearly loved by their owner, and we have chosen a few of our favorites to share today.
Aren’t these stunning? Underneath the cup and saucer is a mark that reveals a bit of information. All are marked with “England” or “Made in England,” which reveals the relative age, and all say “Bone China.” Let’s explore the meaning of both.
Here’s the scoop on the country information, and its history goes back to the late 1800s.
“William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, introduced the McKinley Tariff Act in 1890. This act imposed a tariff on imported goods in an effort to protect the livelihood of American manufacturers. The Act required all imports to carry the name of the country of manufacture. In 1921, the Act was amended to include “Made in” before the country name, ensuring clear identification of imported products.”
Three of these teacups say only “England” which means these are over 100 years old!
Now for the bone china part. Yes, a key part of the formula for bone china is bone ash. Formulated in the mid 1700s with cattle bones from the nearby slaughterhouse and then improved in the early 1790s by – get this – Josiah Spode of Spode China! It is still used today by England’s potteries and this formula (6 parts bone ash, 4 parts china stone and 3.5 parts kaolin) is the standard across the globe. As a result, bone china is prized for its strength, the ability to be thin, and its translucency.
Thank you, Kelly, for gifting these beauties to our company. We are thrilled to offer these exquisite pieces to our future clients, who will enjoy them at their tea parties. Their elegance and charm will undoubtedly enhance the experience, making every sip a moment to cherish.
Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s, Valentine’s, or Guylentines/Malentine’s, there’s a perfect way to make it special. What kind of experience are you thinking of? Something romantic, adventurous, or low-key? 😊
💖 Galentine’s (Feb 13) A fun, friendship-filled event with your besties!
ThemedTea Party ☕🌸: A cozy and elegant afternoon with finger sandwiches, pastries, and a selection of teas. Perfect for a relaxed and charming vibe.
Brunch & Mimosas 🍾🥂
Movie Marathon 🎬
Board Game or Card Game Marathon 🎲: Choose classic games like poker, Rook, Risk, or Scattergories or try out a new game as described in New York Times’ The Best Board Games.
Video Game Tournament: Set up multiplayer games or retro gaming stations for a friendly competition.
DIY Paint & Sip Date 🎨🍷
Karaoke or Dance Night 🎤💃
Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt 🔎💖
Vision Board Night 🍷: Provide yummy snacks and drinks, poster board, magazines, colored pens, scissors for your friends to dream big about their wishes.
Themed Dinner Party 🍽️✨: Hosting a small gathering with a home-cooked meal or catered dishes, allowing for a fun and social atmosphere. Great for celebrating with friends or multiple couples.
❤️ Valentine’s (Feb 14) A romantic or self-love celebration.
Intimate Dining ❤️🥂: A romantic dinner for two, either at a fancy restaurant or a candlelit home-cooked meal. Ideal for a more personal and sentimental experience.
Fancy Dinner & Wine Tasting 🍷🍽
Couples Cooking Night 🍝🔥
Love Letter Exchange & Cozy Movie Night 💌📽
Candlelit Dinner at Home 🍷🍽 (Cook together or order in!)
Love Letter Exchange & Cozy Movie Night 💌📽
Stargazing & Hot Cocoa Date ✨☕
Romantic Getaway or Staycation 🏨🌅
Cooking or Pottery Class Together 🍞🎭
🖤 Malentine’s or Guylentine’s (for the guys!) A chill or adventure-packed way to celebrate.
Steak Cookout Night 🥩: Get the grill going and have friends bring a dish for a fun dinner.
Movie or Series Marathon 📽: Pick a theme—action flicks, cult classics, or sports documentaries—and enjoy a marathon with plenty of snacks.
Board Game Marathon 🎲: Choose classic games like poker, Rook, Risk, or Scattergories or try out a new game as described in New York Times’ The Best Board Games.
DIY Poker Night: Set up a poker table, add some fun bets (or chips), and enjoy a friendly game
Video Game Tournament: Set up multiplayer games or retro gaming stations for a friendly competition.
Do any of these ideas spark your interest? No matter what you choose, tailor the experience to your group’s interests and let us know if we can help!
