Celebrate: The Southern Vintage Dining Table
A Dinner Table set with Vintage China and Love
During my childhood and early adult years, Sunday dinner was spent at my maternal Grandmother's home in Northwest Georgia, surrounded by friends and family from near and far. My favorite memories revolve around time spent with the women in my family, bonding over the pot roast and mashed potatoes, stories told while stirring the gravy, and all the love and laughter that we shared on this most special day each week.
It was important to her, to carry out the tradition of Sunday dinner with style. Style didn't necessarily mean formal to her, she was a depression-era woman, it simply meant that you brought out the best that you owned and gave thanks accordingly. It did mean that she and the other women in the family helped prepare. We pressed and starched her best monogrammed linens, washed and dried the fine china by hand, and polished the ever-tarnished silver.
It is these memories, this experience of our family being together that makes a common weekend afternoon an abiding and beloved tradition. It is because of these traditions that it remains ever so important, to carry on her legacy and respect the brilliant, proper Southern Lady that she was.
In her honor, as much as is possible in the work-a-day world we live in, I do the same. I was lucky enough to inherit some of her precious heirlooms, which I treasure, but I use them, the same as she did. I have an eclectic mixture of elements that I've collected over the years as well, some delicate and dainty, some rustic and refined.
And like the lady that I so revered, I've learned to combine all the elements to make my table interesting in an effortless sort of way; it is a mixture of the old and the new, the shiny and the worn, the expected and the occasional touch of whimsy.
Blue Garland by Haviland 5 Piece Place Setting with PlatinumTrim
Blue Garland by Haviland Footed Sugar Bowl with Platinum Trim
Blue Garland by Haviland Gravy Boat with Under Plate
Arcady by Fostoria Footed Iced Tea Glass
Arcady by Fostoria Claret Wine Glass
Vintage Hand Embroidered Linens
Rose Tiara Sterling Flatware Sugar Tongs by Gorham
Rose Tiara Sterling Flatware Gravy Ladle
These photos represent just a few pieces of what I was so incredibly lucky to have passed down to me from my Grandmother. The originals are packed away, safely in the butler's pantry until we can gather for a Sunday Dinner of our own. Prior to the day, I begin the tradition once again of washing, drying, ironing and starching. Below are some of the pieces that would easily mix and match with my heirlooms to change things up a bit and add a a tad of the unexpected.
Hand Polished Stainless Steel Antler Pitcher by Williams Sonoma
Vintage Sterling Silver Napkin Rings by Garden and Gun
Pewter Stirrup Cups from Garden and Gun
Vintage Floral Jacquard Napkins Set of 4 by Williams Sonoma
Hydrangea Centerpiece Silk Flower Arrangement by Nearly Natural
Do you have any special pieces that you use to decorate for your family gatherings? I would love to hear about them! If I can answer any questions, as well, feel free to send me note.
Until next time...Godspeed!
