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Spring Table Setting With Vintage Dishes

By Rachel

published 04/18/2024

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Last Updated on October 23, 2024 by Rachel Granholm

A special occasion prompted this Spring table setting with vintage dishes!

Do you love the idea of hosting a Springtime party but feel overwhelmed by the thought of decorating your table? Look no further! Because, in this article, a Spring table setting with vintage dishes, I will guide you through the enchanting world of mixing and matching vintage dishes to style a one-of-a-kind table.

Table of Contents

Decorate a Dining Table for Spring with Thrifted Finds

What is the special occasion, you may ask? Well, my birthday! In honor of my 37th year around the sun, which was yesterday, I thought it would be fitting to style a lovely Spring table, filled with some of my very favorite thrifted finds.

From delicate floral patterns to bold and colorful designs, vintage dishes, paired with soft vintage linens, add a touch of nostalgia and elegance to any gathering.

The best part about this table creation is that I did not spend a dime! Through using thrifted decor that I already had, I was able to style my birthday table setting without buying anything new.

Honestly, for me, that’s the ultimate reward. You can create a beautiful home for less and, all the while, living sustainably.

Get ready to learn how to create a stunning table setting that will feel like you are nestled in a quaint, cottage garden. So, gather your favorite vintage plates and let’s dive into the art of Spring table setting!

How to Style a Tablescape FAQ’s

What Makes a Great Tablescape?

The best advice I can give is to include many interesting textures. This can include things like a linen table runner, wooden charger plates and foliage such as greenery or flowers. You can also try incorporating plates that aren’t all the same but still go together.

What’s the Difference Between a Tablescape and Table Setting?

The biggest difference amongst the two is that a table setting incorporates a centerpiece. And, truly, that’s usually the star of the show, allowing your creativity to shine!

How To Add Height to a Tablescape?

You can utilize pillar or taper candles, floral arrangements, or more unique textural elements such as tabletop topiary’s.

Items Used for a Budget-Friendly Table Setting

cloth placemats and napkins
vintage plates
scalloped white plates
vintage-inspired drinking glasses
flatware tied with ribbon
a DIY centerpiece
faux bird’s nests

Shop the Look!

Spring Table Setting with Vintage Dishes

When creating a tablescape, it’s all about layers.

Start with a base and build upon that, like making a super amazing layer cake! Here, I will give in-depth detail on just what those layers are and how to best achieve the look!

1. Decide on a Theme or Color Scheme.

The very first thing that I always do before starting my table is to decide on a theme or color scheme. My brain tends to go all over the place if I don’t have some kind of outline or direction in my head, so choosing this upfront helps alleviate that struggle.

For this specific table, I chose a vintage floral theme using the colors green, yellow, and pink.

If you need help choosing a theme or don’t where to start, look around your house. Ask yourself questions like ‘What colors do you use the most of?’ or ‘What patterns are you drawn to?’

From there, try shopping your house for items that you could use on a table.

2. Choose a Base for a Spring Table Setting.

The first layer of any table scape or table setting is going to be some type of linen.

You could use a table runner, tablecloth, or placemats. Other unique bases can include a scarf, a drop cloth, burlap, or extra fabric.

For my base, I went a little out of the box. A few months ago, a very sweet reader sent me a whole bunch of vintage pillowcases. I’ve been hanging onto them, just waiting for a good time to use them, and this occasion couldn’t be more perfect.

So, on my Spring table, I decided to use four of the pillowcases as placemats!

I hand-picked the ones that best matched the theme and chosen color aesthetic.

The pink florals with the wavy edge on this pillowcase are so dreamy!

The yellow florals on this one complement the color scheme, as well.

A table setting is like a work of art. Get super creative and think about how to re-purpose an existing item in a different way!

3. Mix and Match Vintage Dishes for a Spring Table Setting.

I adore the look of mixing and matching dishes, especially of the vintage variety. You can totally pair dishes that ‘go’ together but don’t exactly match.

To really hone in on the vintage feel of this table, I utilized my set of green transferware dishes, which were a huge score at the thrift store a few years ago!

First, I placed one dinner plate at each spot.

Then, on top of each dinner plate, I set a white, scalloped-edged plate, also thrifted.

To top off the stack, small bread and butter plates were used.

I placed two matching green transferware plates at two of the spots.

Then, for the other two spots, I used two matching ironstone plates with a green, Spring-themed scene. If you can believe it, I found one of these plates at a thrift store many years ago and another one at a completely different thrift store months later.

That’s the thrill of thrifting, guys! When you can take the time to source and curate finds for your home, you end up with matching dishes that weren’t even together in the first place.

Do you see what I mean about mix and match dishes?!

All thrifted and found at different times, the green and white hues seamlessly blend together, making for a one-of-a-kind table display.

4. Layer in Linens for a Spring Tablescape.

The next step is napkins. This layer helps to usher in a soft, more feminine feel amongst the hard surfaces.

To pull in the yellow aesthetic, I used four vintage cloth napkins, two each of yellow gingham and embroidered daisies. Again, mixing and matching, especially linens, creates such a charming tabletop scene!

To create a cohesive table, spread out the napkins accordingly amongst the table spots.

5. Add Dinnerware Accessories for a Vintage Spring Table Setting.

To round out each table spot, flatware and drinking glasses are necessary.

For a casual take on flatware, I bundled a knife, fork, and spoon together and tied a pink ribbon around them. It’s akin to a cottage picnic, if you will.

As you can see, the table itself is really coming together.

Through the use of vintage and thrifted decor items, the table doesn’t feel stuffy or too fancy. It’s a laid-back, sunny vibe, which is just the thing for Spring!

For the drinking glasses, I used clear, vintage-inspired ones.

But, you could totally do colored drinking glasses or tall goblets, too!

6. Incorporate a DIY Centerpiece for a Spring Table Setting.

For the centerpiece, I decided to not re-invent the wheel. So, I used my most recent DIY, which is a watering can wreath!

I simply took the wreath off the door, tied the ribbon in a bow, and placed the whole floral display in the middle of the table.

Each of the colors used on the table itself are present within the centerpiece, helping to tie the whole table setting together.

Other ideas for a Spring centerpiece can include:

candlesticks
a vintage tin filled with flowers
a row of bud vases

7. Create Bird’s Nest Plate Decor for a Spring Tablescape.

This last step is completely optional but I think it adds that extra touch of Spring.

I had a bag of moss in my craft drawer so I whipped up some quick faux bird’s nests, one for each spot as a plate topper.

To make: pull off a small hunk of moss, mold it into a circle, and push your thumb down in the middle a few times to create a small hole. Voila!

The messy, natural look of the bird’s nests adds to the overall cottage garden aesthetic.

I think they are just delightful and totally top off the table setting with a bang!

Simple Spring Table Setting Ideas

With that, this Spring table setting with vintage dishes is complete!

You know those things in life that just make you happy? Old dishes and linens are a few of those things for me. I’m constantly putzing around my house, moving around decor, and playing with all of my thrifted, vintage pieces.

Whatever it is that brings you joy, do more of that. Create that table setting. Use those old vases or jars or crocks. Make a vignette.

Life is too short to not use the things that you love or do the things you enjoy doing.

This Spring, I urge you to prioritize hobbies, wellbeing, and pure happiness.

Closing Tidbits for a Spring Table Setting with Vintage Dishes

A Spring table setting with vintage dishes and thrifted finds is a simple yet effective way to elevate your dining experience. By incorporating those charming elements, you can create a unique and memorable atmosphere.

There is beauty in imperfection. Used, old things are endearing. They aren’t going to be perfect but that’s what makes life exciting. Be encouraged to embrace the blemishes and flaws, finding connection and meaning along the way.

Leave me a comment. How do you like to decorate your table for Spring? I love hearing from you!

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If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!