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Mixing Old and New in a Seasonal Tablescape

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

I’ve had a bit of a thing for table settings for a long time now.  I’ve always had a respect for vintage china and my love of design makes tablscaping something I really enjoy.  But it wasn’t until I fell down the steps while holding my grandmother’s china, breaking an entire set of salad plates in the process, that I felt free to explore collecting and using tabletop pieces in new and different ways.  This was actually quite liberating…

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

I’m delighted to be joining with 5 of my favorite bloggers to bring you a new monthly series focused on creating beautiful and unique table settings.  In today’s offering I illustrate mixing old and new in a seasonal tablescape for spring, while displaying some ideas for approaching your table in a completely fresh way.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

Let’s revisit that set of dishes that wound up in a million pieces inside the little quilted china storage case.  Up until that point, I approached every event at my dining table in exactly the same way, with a complete set of matched china in the one and only pattern I owned, with the same formal flatware, same stemware, and every piece laid out according to proper dictated etiquette.  Lovely the first few times, but predictable if not bland henceforth.  Once my china set was shattered, so was my rigid approach to tablescaping.  I was suddenly free to buy china in any pattern I wanted, rather than feel obligated to use the china passed down in our family.  That freedom unleashed an open-minded perspective and I threw all the rules out the window.  I haven’t looked back since.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

These days my tables tend toward a more relaxed and inspired mix, driven more by what I love than what I think I’m supposed to do.  On this quintessentially spring table graced with formal and casual alike, my florals marry pink tulips with perky green mason jars.  I had gone to the market looking for peonies but it was a little too early in the season, so my ‘roll with it’ attitude regrouped and tulips became the flower of the day.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

This wonderful confection sweetens the center of my table and to create a suitable presentation, I picked one of my favorite vintage serving plates and simply mounted it atop an inexpensive no-frills cake plate.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

Perhaps the best example of my flouting of the rules is the tablecloth used for this setting. I’ve been wanting a washed linen tablecloth with a homespun vibe for a while but haven’t had the chance to get one yet.  My tablescapes are built intuitively these days and a walk past the valet hook in my closet brought this voluminous white scarf to my attention. Recently purchased on a shopping trip with my daughter, I sensed it would be the perfect underpinning for my table.  Indeed it fit the table and the lovely crocheted edging adds a note of country flavor.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

My plate stack showcases my concept with the ideal mix of old and new.  The dinner plate at the bottom is Mikasa English Countryside, the plates I use for my everyday dishes yet a wonderful foundation for what comes above.  The simple china patterned plate in the middle is from Haviland Limoges and is the dinner plate that was left from my ill-fated china set.  The irony is, I never really loved the pattern when it was used by itself, but it makes a fabulous complement to a more decorative piece, such as the salad plates I have on top.  These charming delicate floral plates were found recently at an antique market and I hadn’t thought to mix them with my existing china until I was playing with this table setting.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

I so enjoy a sun kissed table and the tulips opening to greet the light remind me of a cherub with pursed lips.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

I’m a big fan of candlesticks with bobeches and these rose colored samples worked nicely with my theme. I normally use them with unpolished brass candle holders but I enjoyed the surprise of the silver on this table.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

Among my favorite napkins and an excellent choice for this tableau are these blush pink ruffled linens from Pom Pom at Home.  I stayed low key and simple with the napkin rings to let the linens take center stage.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

Champagne flutes in a pale rose add a wonderful glow to the table.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

These delightful demitasse cups are another favorite, purchased at an antique market in Paris when I took my daughter there for her 16th birthday.  They are particularly special to me as I always think of that trip when I look at them.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

One of the most frequent comments I get from people looking at my tablescapes is that my flatware is often placed together on the right side of my plates, breaking all kinds of etiquette rules.  I do this to allow room for my napkins which I like to cluster together in a ring and I feel the table looks prettier this way.  Yes, I know where the flatware belongs but you won’t find it there any time soon.

Mixing Old + New in a Spring Tablescape | Designthusiasm.com

Thanks for visiting with me and letting me share my spring tablescape with you.  If I’ve inspired you to break a few rules then I will consider my post a success.  I guess I’ve always been a bit of a rebel…

I’m joining with 5 other bloggers to bring you this monthly tablescape series.

It's All Set Logo | Tablescape Series | Designthusiasm.com

I invite you to enjoy the wonderful posts below celebrating spring at the table…

Cedar Hill Farmhouse

Cedar Hill tablescape-2016-spring

The Enchanted Home

Enchanted Home tablescape

Lilacs and Longhorns

Lilacs + Longhorns farmhouse spring tablescape

Town and Country Living

TLC-Spring-Tablescape

Stone Gable  (coming tomorrow!)

Stone Gable tablescape

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36 Comments Filed Under: Spring, Tablescapes   Tagged With: mixing china, pink, spring tablescape, vintage china

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Comments

  1. The enchanted home says

    Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 8:33 am

    Absolutely beautiful… It screams elegant gracious spring tablescape- I love that you think outside of the box with your flatware… There were no rules as long as it’s beautiful !

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 8:40 am

      Thanks so much, Tina! Totally agree about the rules… 🙂

      Reply
  2. Julie @ Lilacs and Longhorns says

    Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 8:36 am

    LOVE this table, Lory! Breaking the rules definitely creates a gorgeous and inviting table. I’m ready to pull up a chair!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 8:40 am

      Thanks, Julie! You’re welcome at my table any time… 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 8:46 am

    Lory, your table setting is sheer perfection! Love the touches of pink and all the femininity of your tablescape. I could look at it forever!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 8:58 am

      Thanks, Jennifer! I just visited yours as well, and I see we share a love for pink and green… 🙂 I’m really going to enjoy doing this new series!!

      Reply
  4. Sherry says

    Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 9:56 am

    How do you use the 3 plates in your setting? Do they all remain on the table used one by one and gradually removed throughout the dinner?

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:18 am

      Hi Sherry! I generally collect the salad plates when the guests sit down to dinner and hold it aside for dessert. The bottom plate is usually a charger, so it’s just there for display. In this case, I was setting a smaller table and I had 2 sizes of dinner plates, so the bottom one functioned as the charger. Thanks for visiting… 🙂

      Reply
  5. Maritza says

    Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    Such a gorgeous table setting, love your vintage plates simply beautiful….

    Have a great day~
    Maritza

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:19 am

      Thanks so much, Maritza!!

      Reply
  6. bobbi duncan says

    Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    I love your table settings, and always take a good long look as you add so many beautiful pieces –don’t want to miss a thing! Your Limoges china is gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:20 am

      Thank you for the lovely comment, Bobbi! (Sorry – I’m getting behind in answering my comments these days, but if I miss some, please know I do read and appreciate every last one… :-))

      Reply
  7. Maria says

    Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 11:36 pm

    Lory: You have turned soft, pink tables into an art form. I love your table! The vintage china is wonderful, as is your silver. What a delightful table in which to have lunch!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:21 am

      Thanks, Maria! Such a nice thing to say… 🙂 Yes, I’m definitely a pink girl, for sure… lol!

      Reply
  8. Pat says

    Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 11:53 pm

    Lory, I have to admit I’m not usually drawn to tablescapes but this post caught my eye. I love those pink frilly napkins and the white scarf “tablecloth.” I found your take on table setting liberation interesting and have sometimes wondered what I would do differently if I suddenly lost everything that I’ve inherited or paid too much for. You have a lovely approach to mixing old and new decor that I enjoy. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful post.

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:23 am

      Thank you, Pat! I so appreciate your comment, particularly given you’re not usually into tablescapes. So glad it resonated with you. Yeah, I definitely tend toward the rebellious… 😉

      Reply
  9. Janet says

    Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 7:38 am

    I love your relaxed approach, especially the flatware placement! The result has so much personality!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:24 am

      Thank you, Janet! I’m so glad the personality came through. You’d be surprised how many times I’ve had people tell me where the forks belong… lol! Kind of makes me laugh every time… 😉

      Reply
  10. Emily says

    Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 9:24 am

    Love this look. I think if it looks beautiful and you like it what could be a problem. Your linens and china are lovely.

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:25 am

      Thanks so much, Emily! And I so agree. Never understood why people get stuck in rigid perceptions of design. Thanks for stopping by!!

      Reply
  11. franki says

    Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Absolutely delectable!! Now…that’s having your cake and eating it too!!! franki

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:27 am

      Ha ha! Thanks… 🙂 (I did manage to stay away from the cake. Gave it to hubby and the kids!!)

      Reply
  12. Rebeca says

    Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    Oh my!!! I love how you’ve mixed old with the new. I am currently collecting pink depression glass for a Summer lunch and am swooning over this table! So beautiful. Also, your candle sticks match my kitchen chandeliers!!!! I would sell my right arm for them. 😉

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:28 am

      Ha ha… thanks!! I love pink depression glass, too. I have some tiny dessert cups and little plates. I’m sure your summer lunch will be lovely… 🙂

      Reply
  13. Mimi says

    Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 9:59 am

    Your tablescapes is adorable. It so reminds me of my grandmother who had a lovely pink China pattern that she paired with white crocheted edged table linens that she made and pink depression glass. As a child, I loved to imagine entertaining on a grand scale with her lovely pink pieces.
    You have definitely brought those memories to life for me today!?

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 11:39 pm

      Thanks, Mimi! What a lovely memory… 🙂

      Reply
  14. Anita from Cedar Hill Farmhouse says

    Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    Oh my, your table is stunning! Those napkins, the tea cup, it’s all lovely.

    Reply
  15. Dusty says

    Friday, May 20, 2016 at 9:18 am

    Just gorgeous – great ideas for book club – I have the same silverware which belonged to my mom – over 60 years old. Your table is stunning.

    Reply
  16. Cindy says

    Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 6:28 am

    I sure do like the China,. My colors. I sure would like to find soft pink flowers like yours.

    Reply
  17. Anne Birdsong says

    Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    Hi Lory, I’m Anne from Birdsong Bits and Pieces (https://birdsongbitsandpieces.blogspot.com), and I found you from the Feathered Nest link up. Your table looks lovely. I’ve always loved the idea of mixing china, but I know it’s not as easy as it would seem. Thank you for the inspiration! I hope you can stop by my blog at some point to say hello….

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 9:25 am

      Hi Anne and welcome! I will certainly stop by and say hello… 🙂 I love finding like minded bloggers!! Thanks so much for the kind words. I have another mixed china table coming up, but first I did one where I actually used a matched set – very unusual for me! 😉 Thanks again for taking the time to say hello!

      Reply
  18. Kellie says

    Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    Hi Lory,

    I always thought that everything in my apartment needed to match – same colors, same patterns, and honestly, it was stressful. It really, it’s so much more fun to have “no rules” and I’m happy to see you expressed the same feeling!

    I’m so glad that you got to pick out your own china and mix in your Paris pieces. Although special, it’s great to not feel obligated to always use family sets and let your own style take over.

    I discovered your site recently and just wanted to say you have great content that’s relatable and worth reading. I keep coming back to read more. 🙂 Beautiful tablescape by the way! Tulips are my very favorite!!

    Reply
    • Lory at Designthusiasm says

      Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 7:28 pm

      Thank you so so much, Kellie, for your lovely comment!! Welcome to the blog and I’m so happy it resonates with you… 🙂 Lots more to come, so stay tuned! And yes, I so agree about how important it is to be free to create a home (or anything else in your life) that you love.

      Reply
  19. Entertaining Women says

    Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    Lovely…gentle…reminiscent of long summer afternoons spent sharing stories with friends at the table…long after the luncheon has been cleared away. We should be neighbors, and I’d invite you to explore my china room to mix and match to your hearts content. Beautiful design, well conceived and executed. Thanks for inviting us for a peek. Cherry Kay

    Reply
  20. Norma Rolader says

    Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    Absolutely a beautiful table and decor used

    Reply
  21. Runningonempty says

    Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    Very pretty! Favourite would be what you did with the candlesticks.

    Reply

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I’m Lory, the creator of Designthusiasm, a blog that celebrates beautiful design! From home decor to tablescapes, lifestyle to travel photography, this blog was developed as an outlet for my varied design passions. My style can be described as modern French Country, with a respect for the past and the quality that comes with it. For more of my story see my ABOUT page.
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SUBSCRIBE and receive my FREE eBook "A Year of Seasonal Decor"
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By subscribing to our newsletter, you consent to receive new post updates and occasional promotions related to Designthusiasm content. We will never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
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By subscribing to our newsletter, you consent to receive new post updates and occasional promotions related to Designthusiasm content. We will never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
SUBSCRIBE and receive my FREE eBook "A Year of Seasonal Decor"