Looking for something a little different for a bridal shower, weekend wedding brunch or a tiny wedding reception? Well, it’s time to break out the china! Yes, you read that correctly.
For the last decade or so, plain white dishes have been the norm for bridal showers and wedding receptions, but the boho and vintage influence has brought a whole new look to the table. Basic white will never go out of style, but for those who want something a little different, one has only to open mom's or grandmother’s china closet to find something truly beautiful.
Some families use their china three times a year at most, for holidays or special occasions, but many have not used theirs in years. So, open up that cupboard and rinse off those dishes, polish the silverware, dust off the crystal and put them to good use.
Thanks to home economics and 4-H, I learned how to set a formal table. And, being a collector of all things vintage, I have plenty of table linens of all sorts. When my generation (yes, I am old) got engaged, one of the first things you did was pick out your china, crystal and silverware patterns. As the trends went more to casual entertaining and a less-is-best style of home decor, those days are gone. But we all know someone that has tons of china just sitting around gathering dust. Personally, I have Nortiake china for 16 and Christmas china for 24, and I haven’t used either one for several years.
So here are a couple of ideas for that perfect brunch, afternoon tea or bridal shower:
Something borrowed, something blue
Everyone has a friend or a relative who is a collector. For this table, we borrowed the blue willow collection of Jane Meleady, who has been collecting this china for more than 40 years. The contrast of cobalt blue and white makes a bold statement. You could add silver or pewter pieces easily to this for even a more formal look. Look around the yard for decorative pieces like metal tables or sculptures, pillars and of course plants and flowers. Arrange throughout the yard to give some borders to your outside room. Your mom or grandmother would love to see you using their china, and if there is not enough, you could even mix and match several different patterns that use the same colors or even different colors, borrowing from several different family members.
Bohemian brunch
Speaking of mix-and-match, the bohemian look is one of my personal favorites. This makes a great summer look, and it is easy to find mix-and-match pieces at yard sales, thrift shops and antiques stores. For these tables, we used vintage tablecloths and a variety of pink dishes. Potted plants make an excellent backdrop, instead of just the side of the house. You can mix and match silverware, chairs, linens and glassware, but keep to the same color combination, whether it is pastels or more formal pieces. I have also used vintage tablecloths to create sections or dividers in the yard, just by using clothespins to hang them from tree branches. You could also use shepherd hooks to hang them, maybe adding some white or Edison lights.
Cut glass elegance
The silver and blue elegance of the Colburn pattern of Noritake brings memories of family dinners and special holidays back to mind, as well as memories of my mom that come to light. Adding cut Tipperary or Waterford crystal adds some sparkle to the table, especially if lit candles are added in for a twilight or evening party. Cut-glass serving dishes and vases of flowers in all one color would add more ambiance. Search all those cabinets, garages, closets and attics to see what you can find, and make that your starting point. Add to it by searching the thrift stores for pieces to compliment, and you will find that you can produce a very elegant gathering or fun boho party, just by using some of the family heirlooms.
(Special thanks to Jane Meleady, Sandy Wilgus, Diana Lewis, and Rhonda Lynch for loaning pieces of their collections to Delware Seaside Bride)
