My BFF recently tagged a photo of me on her instagram calling me the “tablescape queen,” and I just about melted with the title. I never really thought about it before, but setting the table for holidays or dinner parties is my favorite part about hosting. Recently, I co-hosted a ladies brunch to honor our friends birthday. We surprised her with all her closest friends in my backyard for a girlie brunch. Styling my first ladies summer brunch was a dream come true cause I had decided to bring out all my vintage pieces. So, excited to share with you all how to style a vintage inspired tablescape for your next ladies brunch.
Now, I usually start a couple weeks in advance, planning the theme. Then, somehow, the day of, I start throwing it together. The funny part is, is that there really isn’t a step by step plan when I start a tablescape with. I just kind of see it coming together organically. I kind of see it as I go, things go in, things come out and then finally I take a step back, analyze from every chair until I feel it is complete. Why every chair? Well, I want each guest to have an equally pretty view. Okay, so I made sure to take note of what makes the tablescape complete so I could share my tips with you all.
How To Style A Vintage Inspired Tablescape
Use Any and All of Your Vintage Collections
I have been collecting random vintage dinnerware for years from estate sales or ebay. I don’t have a full set of anything but I have common color or styles of like items. For instance, I love blue indiana glass, so if I see one I grab it. I also love white milk glasses (I only have 4 so far). My all time collection is 16 vintage english dinner plates of various colors and designs. I use them all the time, even on Thanksgiving. My latest great find was on ebay. A 68 piece set of vintage Dirilyte Dirigold goldware, here is an example set for sale on etsy. Well, I scored the 68 piece set for under $50. Simply by consistently checking ebay! You cannot even buy one set of gold flatware under $30 in the stores. Regardless, I didn’t want a new set, I wanted the original inspiration. They arrived on my doorstep with all the original paperwork/manuals from 1946, explaining how to host the perfect dinner party. There was even penciled in notes, from the original owner, crossing off what pieces she had and what she was missing.
Awe shucks, I break into water works just thinking of the stories these forks could speak about the amazing dinner parties this hostess once had. Here they are when they arrived beautifully packaged with a note from the original owners daughter telling me to “enjoy them.”
Add Simple Greenery As Your Natural Element
The best way to create a vintage tablescape is to have a lot of flat greens laid across the table. The best part is, is that they are much cheaper than flowers! I grabbed everything left in the store the day prior. Now, what is more vintage than white daisies, a small bundle of those that I would use mixed in with a little baby breaths.
Create Height and More is Always Better
When laying down a lot of greens you still need to add height with either candlesticks or vases. I opted for vintage colored bottles from from etsy and filled them with a couple matching greens and florals from the tablescape. Also, I have noticed people are scared to crowd a table. They have the place setting and glassware. But, what takes a tablescape from “oh” to “ohhhhhh!” is the overabundance. People are coming to sit and enjoy their time, give them something enjoyable to view and the layers you add the better.
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robin rue says
Gah – I love it!!!!!! I am so into vintage looks right now and this one is perfect for a relaxed day with friends outside!!!
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
yes! the table was surrounded by the birthday girls friends. it was a nice morning.
Sona Sethi says
This is a beautiful photo blog. I love how the table is laid out with shades of blue and white. They look extraordinary.
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
Thank you! my favorite colors blue with pops of white and green
Jessica Joachim says
This turned out beautiful! I have always wished I had the eye for home decor, but sadly that is not my strong suit!
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
oh don’t say that. I am sure you do!
Karen Morse says
I love vintage! It’s sophisticated and timeless. I could totally use this guide when I’m planning a party with the same theme. You have such good taste!
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
awe, thank you so much!
Janel says
I love vintage inspired table settings. I should do it more often I have vintage silverware, plates, and a teacup set that are just gorgeous Family heirlooms.
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
family heirlooms are perfect!!! I didn’t have any so started collecting other peoples family heirlooms. lol
Cassie says
I love this! Looks like you had a lovely day and the setting is AMAZING! I want to replicate something like this for a party at my house.
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
thank you Cassie!
Kristina says
I love this – it is beautiful. I’d love to decorate like this for a little get together at home.
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
thank you! it is fun, so you should go for it
Danielle says
I love how it turned out! I don’t own anything vintage or even vintage looking, so I’d have to borrow stuff to pull this off.
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
thank you Danielle!
Kristina says
This table setting is absolutely beautiful. I love the vintage look. I’d love to do this for a little get together at my home someday soon.
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
thank you! I am happy how it came together so I look forward to doing it again to0
Cindy Ingalls says
I can absolutely see why your friend calls you the tablescape queen. You have such an eye for detail. I love the vintage theme and how you pulled into through in everything from the silverware to the Rose and Mimosa bar cart.
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
thanks so much! I had a fun time putting this one together.
Holly @ Life on Southpointe Drive says
I love seeing everyones beautiful tablescapes!! The gold silverware is absolutely beautiful!!
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
Thanks! I got it from the original owner online. love ebay.
Melissa says
I wish I had a party to host and use all your ideas for a great looking table. The look is so stylish and classy.
Ana De- Jesus says
Your vintage tablewear pieces are stunning! It is no wonder that they call you the queen of tablescape!
Rhian Westbury says
Wow your table looks absolutely stunning, I wish I had the patience (and the stuff) to create something which looks this great x
Amber Nelson says
I love that look so much! Vintage is definitely the way to go. Great display!
Jennifer says
When I read posts like these, I am amazed. You make it look SO easy. When I try it, well, it definitely does not look so pretty.
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
lol, thanks! I feel the same way whenever I see kids craft posts. ugh.
Di Hickman says
These are some great tips not just for tables but for photography! I am buying vintage plates etc from the thrift store for my food photography it makes a HUGE difference!
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
yes!! great idea
Rachel says
I am loving the vintage look, but having small children I could not let them go near the table.
Lovely post ideas, thanks for sharing!!
stagingbycc@gmail.com says
YES, agree. I have 3 kids and daddy they know, DO NOT TOUCH! lol
HilLesha O'Nan says
How gorgeous! I’m always scouring thrift and antique stores for vintage tableware and utensils. I love how you incorporated your finds!
Charlotte says
I love your style and the way you have incorporated the vintage elements into it! I don’t have an eye for these sorts of things!
Cassie Tucker says
That tablescape is lovely! I really love how the blue and purple glass contrasts with the white flowers.
Cecilia Cannon says
testing comment
Chelsea says
We did something like this for a wedding a few years ago we collected tons of glass plates from Goodwill and vintage stores and had enough for our entire wedding!
Cecilia Cannon says
YEAH!!! awesome to hear that. I would have loved to see pics.
Brittany says
I love it all so much! I just picked up some gold silverware for blogging and I’m in love. My kids always tell me that they feel like royalty when using it.
Rachel says
What cute tablescapes! I can’t believe you found that flatware for such a steal! Amazing.
Tiffany Haywood says
This is so beautiful! I love the blue glass and all the flowers. So very pretty. I haven’t perfect this skill just yet but I envy those who have.