Vintage Elegance

DSC_7716-Edit-4 copy_web.jpg — When designing a table, I want to make sure it’s something that each of you can replicate at home. This isn’t a wedding, over-the-top tablescapes aren’t needed - we just want something simple but elegant, with a few touches to remind us of the holiday we’re celebrating.

I love pulling out my grandmother’s antique silver for special occasions and it was these nostalgic pieces that inspired this ‘vintage elegant’ themed table. Here are a few tips on how to achieve it at home.

Choose a plain white linen tablecloth as your base. This keeps things simple and elegant and also ensures that any white Yom Tov dishes you have will work with the aesthetic.

For the runner, pick up some ivory tulle and peachy-colored mesh at any material store. This combination will create that drapey softness that will frame the table. Make sure to get a few yards more than the length of your table, so you can gather it in places and let it cascade over the sides.

I love a color scheme - when choosing floral arrangements, stick with ivory-peachy vintage tones. Ask your florist for antique-style flowers to match your theme. Napkins are a good way to bring in some more color, white linen napkins work, as do any vintage peach or gold tones.

Ask your grandmother for antique silver dishes or serving spoons, or find a local antique store. They can be super cheap and add that little something special!

I love taking things from the menu and incorporating them into my tablescape as decor. It’s Rosh Hashana so apples are an ongoing theme - add apples dispersed around the flowers and runner. Slice some in half to add that rustic look and drizzle cut sides with a little lemon juice before adding them to your tablescape so they don’t brown. Try to pick the smaller green apples, they tend to look more in proportion. An apple on every plate is a beautiful touch, use a pearl pin (available in most craft stores) to secure your place card.

When choosing candles, choose the extra tall elegant ones in the same ivory-peach family as your flowers. Antique or gold candlesticks will help bring your whole look together.

The key to understated elegance, is keeping things minimal, don’t be fooled into thinking that elaborate is beautiful - that natural flow of beautifully vintage flowers, hints of green and fresh fruit will bring out all those organic soft feels and create that perfect table to bring in the new year.

Wishing you a beautiful and happy sweet new year!