Using Vintage Plates to Create a Soft Thanksgiving Table
In this post: Do you enjoy vintage-inspired table decor? This soft and charming Thanksgiving table utilizes vintage plates to create a unique display.⇒
I must’ve started fall decorating really early this year, because I feel like I’ve been waiting for creamy white baby boo pumpkins to become available for an eternity.
Generally I like to ease into the season, starting with soft pale colors (HERE) and building up as the season progresses (HERE) into a rich autumn palette.
I genuinely was headed that way.
Really, I was.
But when I sat down to do my tablescape and contemplate my visual concept, I was utterly romanced by the baby boos I finally found. (Well… ok, I found them on the table at my niece’s wedding last weekend, but she was happy to donate them to my cause, once the evening was over!)
Vintage Thanksgiving Table
The truth is, I set a completely different table and took lots of photographs, but then my intuitive side took over and pulled everything off the table.
Out came the baby boos, and a new plan was hatched.
I often explain that when styling a table, I start with a concept and specific plan for the key elements, but once those are in place, I let intuition take over.
That’s when I begin rummaging around my own home as if I was searching through flea market stalls. For this table I started with baby boos and vintage china and anyone who knows me, knows I have plenty of that.
I also did a bit of foraging in the huge wedding centerpiece we brought home (I promise I left the silverware on the table… ;-)), pulling out the blooms that would highlight my soft vintage palette, discarding the burgundies in favor of blush pink roses and pale green hydrangeas, always with a bit of eucalyptus, for drape and movement.
I confess, I love to collect china and I use lots of plates on a table. They don’t need to match and they often don’t.
In this case I used silver chargers with decorative edging, then simple white dinner plates, and delicately bordered Limoges china.
Topping my stack I chose mismatched vintage salad plates, selecting only soft pink florals to tie them all together.
The underpinning for this tablescape and its unifying, if not defining feature, is a lovely blush pink ruffled throw that I repurposed as a tablecloth.
The other vintage elements that add a festive glimmer to the table are my favorite antique silver candlesticks topped with smoky grey bobeches and the silver repousse pitcher used as a vase for my floral bouquet.
For napkins I chose an embroidered white linen with a crystal bracelet napkin ring.
It’s entirely possible that the brilliant sunshine influenced my decision to opt for soft vintage pastels. I love using these flowers at this time of year because as they dry, it only adds to their beauty and works so well with this type of theme.
The baby boos are then scattered, neatly placed at each setting, and gently tossed along the table’s center. The tufted white chairs are a recent addition and I love the way they look with the rest of the components.
The obvious choice would have been to use my blush pink flutes, so of course I chose to do something different.
These golden crackle goblets add just a note of warmth, subtly reminiscent of aged vintage book pages. They make the table feel older and a bit more timeworn.
I tossed in a few pinecones for another seasonal layer and I enjoy the way they play off the pretty white pumpkins.
I like to be cognizant of varied heights on the table. The tiny pumpkins have a sculptural quality, while tall silver candles lead the eye up toward the windows.
There’s nothing quite like the view out the surrounding windows, where fall foliage is there for the asking.
Fall is a wonderful season to inspire a table setting, rife with lush visuals and the emotions they evoke.
In the end, it’s best to follow your muse when setting a table and everything will fall into place. If baby boos are calling out to you, why argue?
Resource Guide
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Beautiful setting as always, Lory. We have had baby boos here since August. Strange that they are so late where you are.
Thanks, Kim! I should have come down there… 😉 Actually, I don’t remember them ever being so late before. But we’re enjoying them now!
Beautiful table Lory! I’m loving this tour. Such a sweet romantic Thanksgiving table.
Happy Monday!
Nancy
Thanks so much, Nancy! I’m having fun getting back to my roots of doing lots of table settings. It feels like I got off of that for a while, but now I’m back full force… 😉 Thanks for the kind words!!
What a gorgeous tablescape, Lory! I love the soft, vintage look. Thanks for organizing the tour this week!
Thanks Jennifer, and my pleasure! Always fun blog-hopping with you… 🙂
Love this vintage look! I too set my table every month with a beautiful theme.
Thanks, Robin! Isn’t it a fun thing to do? 🙂
Just stunning!
Thanks, Linda!
Lory this is stunning!!! I love the vintage details and beautiful colors! Those soft roses are such a lovely touch to the entire setting. Thank you very much for including me and hosting such a wonderful tour! I can’t wait to enjoy each and every one~
Thank you so much, Annie, and delighted to have you… 🙂 I’m enjoying reading them all, too!!
Lory this is so romantic! I love your beautiful color scheme. I would love to be a guest at your Thanksgiving table!!!! Thank you for organizing such a wonderful group!
Thank you so much, Randi! We really have a great group and I’m so enjoying all of the tables… 🙂
Stunning Lory! I soaked up each image! Just lovely an honor to be ‘at your table’ so to speak!
Aw thanks so much, Kelly! A pleasure to ‘have you here’… 🙂
Nice styling! Absolutely gorgeous♥
Thanks, Summer!!
Absolutely beautiful table. Everything is so pretty, the china the linens the silver all work so perfectly together.
Thank you, Karen!! I had fun with this one, adding so many of my favorite things… 🙂
That repurposed throw/tablecloth is STUNNING! May favorite part of the table. Simply beautiful….the whole table.
Thanks, Toni! Yes, I’m kind of obsessed with that throw, so you’ll be seeing a lot of it… 😉
Really pretty!
Rebeca
Thanks, Rebeca!
Lory!! Your table is absolutely stunning and I love your soft color scheme!! Thanks for organizing this great group and I look forward to doing this again with you for Christmas! So fabulous!!!
Thanks so much, Bree! It’s truly a pleasure to have you joining us! I think this is one of the most talented groups I’ve ever worked with… 🙂
Lory your table settings they are always gorgeous and soft and romantic in feeling. The baby boos are a great addition. I love them also
Cindy
Thanks so much, Cindy! I never think to describe them as romantic, but I think you’re right. That’s exactly what must be going on in my subconscious… 🙂
This is my first time visiting your blog and it is just lovely, Lory!! What an enchanting, soft, warm welcome it gives! I absolutely love the choice to use those gold goblets! Well-done and Happy Thanksgiving wishes!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Summer, and welcome!! So nice having you here. Happy Thanksgiving right back to you… 🙂
This is lovely Lory! I adore the colors you chose and your attention to detail is impeccable!
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Quite a compliment coming from someone as talented as you… 🙂
Lory, what a gorgeous vintage inspired table! I love how you mix everything together and the romantic element is so dreamy! I’m very thankful to be a part of this tour with you!
Thank you, Tamara! It’s a delight having you on the tour, as well… 🙂 I feel like I wound up with the dream team on this tour!!
Stunning has been used a lot in comments today but it fits perfectly. Elegant, soft and pretty do also. You have the gift of design!
Thanks, as always, Bonnie! It’s a delight to have people appreciate what you do and I know that we share a lot of the same tastes. Thanks for visiting!
Lory this is really so beautiful! I am a big fan of your style, its romantic and exquisite and it always has a bit of a french feeling.
Thanks, Amy! That means a lot to me because I’m a big fan of your style too… 🙂 Glad to have you on the tour!!
So very romantic….I think of “blush and bashful” colors from Steel Magnolias….Truly divine!
Thanks so much, Shirley! Let’s see if I ever get into the fall colors. I really did plan to… 😉
Soooooo stunning, Lory! That tablecloth is gorgeous… and the gold stemmed baby boos… and the vintage china… okay, all of it. 😉 Your niece’s wedding must have been so romantic.
Thanks so much, Lauren! And yes, my niece was really into the whole rustic romance thing. She should have a blog… lol!
Lory, your table is beautiful. I love the china pattern that the very top plate that the pumpkin is sitting on, do you know who makes it? Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thanks, Angelina! They’re all different. If you mean the one in the second photo it says “Theordore Haviland New York, Made in America Varenne”. If you mean the one in the fourth photo, that one says “Elie Works, Limoges France”.
That should say “Elite Works”
The fourth photo was the one I was specifically referring to, but I love them all and of course they are both Haviland and Limoges!
Lory! Absolutely gorgeous! I am dying over your china and chargers and have been hunting through antique shops looking for something similar. Absolutely exquisite- you know how to set a table fit for royalty <3
Wow, thank you so much, Kelley! I have such respect for your aesthetic that I really appreciate that comment… 🙂
Of course you know that I love it, lol 🙂 Well done Lory and thank you for bringing this organization vision to life. Will be pinning everyone on the list…xo
Thanks, Janet! I actually thought about pinning last night. Was so busy reading I forgot to pin!! In fact, may set up a board just for this… 🙂
Lory it’s all so pretty and the best part is that it’s welcoming. Well done!
Thank you so much, Ann! 🙂
Oh, Lory, what a beautiful table! I love the softness, the ruffles of the tablecloth and the palest pink roses combined with the washed out colors of the hydrangeas. The vintage silver are the perfect addition to your lovely table. Obviously pinned to a couple of different boards.
Thank you so much, Chloe! I hope people aren’t getting sick of them… lol. I’ve done 6 fall tables already… 😉 When actual Thanksgiving rolls around, I’ll probably set it for summer!! Thanks for visiting and pinning!
What an elegant and gorgeous table! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving,
ciao ciao!
Thanks and right back to you!
Wow Lory! It’s beautiful! I adore those soft fall colors! Such a gorgeous setting 🙂 So happy you included me on this blog tour.
Thanks, Becky! And a pleasure to have you joining us… 🙂 I’ve been a fan of your style for some time!!
Stunning! Absolutely beautiful; as always!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Thank you, Cindy!! Always a pleasure… 🙂
Hi,
I love all of this! I have an entire set of the Limoges China in the pattern of the salad plate (second image). I was wondering if you would tell me the pattern of the dinner plate you paired it with? So gorgeous!
Thank you so much,
Michelle
Thanks you!! And, oh, how lucky for you! That’s one of my favorite patterns that you have the full set of. The one I have the dinner plates of just says Vignaud Limoges on the bottom, but I do not know the pattern name. It was my husband’s grandmother’s china and that’s the set I fell down the stairs while holding. (Not sure if you read that post, but that’s what unleashed my desire to collect mixed china patterns, since I broke half the set I had… ;-)). Do you know the name of the pattern of the one you have?
Thank you for your response. I have a 16 place setting and the serving pieces as well. It was my grandmothers. It says Theodore Haviland Varenne Made in America on the back. Oh I did not read that post but will definitely look at it now. ? But I love mixed sets too which is why I wanted to know the pattern name. It blends perfectly with my set! Thank you, Michelle
Your tablescape is lovely, but THOSE CANDLESTICKS!!! Oh my goodness, do you have any information on them? I’d love to find something similar. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Janet! Yes, those candlesticks do have a story. First, I hope it’s obvious that the crystal bobeches are separate and just placed on top. The silver candlesticks are vintage and I bought them at an antique market in London. The dealer told me they came from Prague. For something similar I’d look on Etsy and ebay for vintage silver candlesticks. I did have a lovely pair linked on the post but I see they’ve sold. I’ve now replaced them with this other option: https://rstyle.me/+7pLo_WiNEdvIrpQhsqt1bQ Good luck!!
So pretty. I never tire of your table settings.
I always enjoy seeing your mismatched dessert plates. One of them is Havilland Varenne, which was my mother’s wedding china. I inherited it snd she had tons. Service for 24. I recently donated the cups to our local library for tea parties since I couldn’t remember the last time they were used. Mom was a librarian and I think she’d love the idea that they use them. I use some pieces occasionally. She also had First Love plate when to supplement her sterling.
If you just added Zeuse by Heisey crystal I’d really feel some deja vu!
How nice that you honored her by donating the cups to the library! Glad to give you a trip down memory lane… 🙂