Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design

Setting this table in blue with loving antiques sets a romantic mood with thoughtful design. It combines the ABCs of elegance with casual style—my favorite!

Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design

10 Romantic Antique Table Setting Ideas

Creating a romantic antique table setting can add a touch of vintage charm and elegance to your Valentine’s Day celebration. Here are some ideas to help you set the perfect table:

  1. Vintage China: Use antique or vintage china for your table setting. Look for delicate patterns and pastel colors, such as floral designs or gold accents. Mix and match different plates, cups, and saucers for a whimsical and eclectic look.
  2. Lace Tablecloth: Lay a lace tablecloth on the table to add a romantic and vintage feel. Opt for a white or cream-colored lace tablecloth to create an elegant backdrop for your table setting.
  3. Vintage Glassware: Choose vintage glassware to serve your beverages. Look for crystal glasses with intricate designs or colored glass goblets. These unique pieces will add a touch of elegance and nostalgia to your table.
  4. Antique Silverware: Use antique silverware or silver-plated flatware for your table setting. Look for ornate designs or delicate patterns. Polish them beforehand to ensure they shine and add a touch of glamour to the table.
  5. Vintage Linens: Incorporate vintage linens into your table setting. Use embroidered napkins or lace doilies as placemats. Look for linens with delicate detailing or monogrammed initials for an extra special touch.
  6. Candlesticks: Place vintage candlesticks in the center of the table. Choose brass or silver candlesticks with intricate designs. Light tapered candles in soft, romantic colors like blush pink or ivory for a warm and inviting ambiance.
  7. Floral Centerpiece: Create a romantic floral centerpiece using antique-style flowers. Opt for roses, peonies, or hydrangeas in soft pastel shades. Arrange them in a vintage-style vase or a mercury glass container for a touch of vintage glamour.
  8. Antique Accents: Add small antique accents to your table setting, such as vintage tea cups as votive holders, old-fashioned perfume bottles filled with flowers, or antique silver trays for serving appetizers or desserts. These little details will enhance the vintage charm of your table.
  9. Romantic Name Cards: Create personalized name cards for each place setting. Use vintage-style paper or cards and write each guest’s name in elegant calligraphy. You can also attach a small vintage-inspired charm or a dried flower to each card.
  10. Final Touches: Complete the table setting by scattering rose petals or dried lavender buds on the tablecloth. Place vintage-inspired place cards or love notes on each plate for a special touch. Consider using a vintage-style table runner or antique-style serving dishes to add more depth to the overall look.

Let’s Set A Romantic Table Together

It all started with 4 gorgeous blue cream soup bowls that I found on one of my familiar drives back to Vermont from Maine. I stopped in at the cutest little vintage shop on the widest paved Main Street in the world in Keene, NH. Don’t believe me?

Accompany me for a walk around the shop:

These beauties made their way home with me and sat gracefully displayed on our bookshelves throughout the holidays. Until they made it to our table on this very cold Vermont January day.

Antique cream soup bowls
Antique Cream Soup Bowls

Cream Soup Recipes

A perfect day to “Dabble and Decorate” and make cream soup. Here are 3 favorite recipes:

The Best Savory Autumn Squash Soup | Simply 2 Moms

Mulligatawny Soup Recipe with Chicken | Zucchini Sisters

Cream of Mushroom Soup | Marty’s Musings

Cream Mushroom Soup
Marty’s Musings

Valentine’s / Galentine’s Day Blog Hop

I’m so thrilled to be joining a group of very talented friends today who are also sharing their romantic home decor inspiration hosted by Pasha over at Pasha is Home if you are joining me from Shawna of Willow Bloom Home, welcome! Isn’t Shawna’s home tour so romantic with all her shades of pink for Valentine’s Day?

Stylish Collected Antiques

The thoughtfulness in this table setting is all in the antique details. From the cream soup bowls, pretty in blue, to the antique embroidered linens that layer the table. A table that was also put together with love using Maine’s King Pine woods. You may read more about this table in the post, A Vintage Christmas Haul and 3 Holiday Wreaths and Cozy Winter Dining Room with Ski Lodge Decor | Get the Look.

Here are a few of the vintage finds that I’ll be using today that I found while out “Thrifting with the Gals” recently.

These antique collections may not look like much on their own to many, but when brought together, they create a warm enjoyment. Ideal for a table that is meant for thoughtful and meaningful gatherings with family and friends.

I’m sure you’ll also enjoy the post, A Thrift Here, a Vintage There, and a Valentine, where I found today’s antique table linens and plates in this fantastic Old Covered Bridge Antique Shop. So New England!

Covered Bridge Antique Shop

You may also enjoy this Cabin Decor: 8 Winter Table Setting Ideas post.

The tablecloth and napkins were only $18, can you believe it? The tablecloth had a little yellowing on it, so I used this Retro Clean Cleaning Solution to get it out.

See more in the post, How to Safely Bring Age Stained Textiles Back to Life.

Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Antique napkins

You may also enjoy the post, A Timeless Classic | Franciscan Desert Rose Table Setting.

Romantic Antique Table Setting

The phrase “romantic table” doesn’t always have to mean lovey-dovey romance. It also describes the softness, style, character, and care that goes into setting the table.

I started setting this romantic table with collected blue and white antique dishes and platters. Layering them as I went. All in an effort to enhance the star of the table, the antique cream soup bowls.

Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design

Each table setting showcases a platter layered with an antique Hartley Greens & Co. Leeds Pottery plate that occupies the antique cream soup bowls. The platter serves as a placemat, leaving more space to showcase the beautiful table’s romantic antiques.

Each platter is different in size, design, and color. Giving the table the elegance yet casual style it deserves.

Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design

I used these antique ironstone soap dish inserts and vintage collected cobalt blue glassware as coasters. Next, I’m going to hang them up on our bathroom wall, similar to how they were displayed here in the antique shop.

You may also enjoy the post, Vintage Glassware – It’s All About the Glass.

Last week was my birthday, and we spent a wonderful evening at Osteria Danny’s Italian restaurant in Saratoga, NY, and an overnight stay at our favorite, The Adelphi Hotel. On the way home, I picked up a couple of colorful bouquets to accent our romantic antique table setting.

3 white platters add more layers, serving as the foundation for this Valentine’s centerpiece.

A great mood booster, too for those dark gray days that accompany January.

Flower table centerpiece

I’m growing some Paperwhites now, too, from bulbs. Once they’re in full bloom, they will make a super cute table centerpiece. See more in the post, How to Grow Paperwhites Pretty in Green Stoneware For Saint Patrick’s Day. You may also enjoy the post, Is Your Table Ready for Spring and St. Patrick’s Day?

Vintage brass candlesticks, well, because they just go with everything… And have you seen these amazing lighters? My husband bought me 2 for Christmas. I love them! And they come in all different colors.

Jobon Lighter

You may also enjoy this Antique Family Heirloom to Buffet Table & Sideboard and Best Breakfast Nook Ideas for Morning Brunch.

One of my favorite inheritances from my parents was their wedding silverware. I adore it and think of them every time I use it. It’s the love and thoughtfulness it brings to all my table settings.

Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design

You may also enjoy the 12 Table Topics with Thrifted Tea and Toast Fanfare post.

An antique white soup tureen serves up the homemade cream soup.

Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design

Antique pitchers, plates, and bowls scatter the table.

The pitchers wait to be filled with water, and the additional plates and bowls add layers to miscellaneous table ornaments.

Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design

The icicles are a perpetual drip outside the window while the sun is shining.

And the mountains in the background are a constant reminder of how beautiful Mother Nature really is.

Icicles out the window

Overland Sheepskins garnish the table’s wicker chairs while waiting for the cream soup.

Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design

A view from the flight deck…

Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design

You may also enjoy the post, Pretty in Stardew Blue Paint | A Home Interior Makeover Before and After.

A Vintage Affair

If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.

Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com

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A collection of similar items to shop for and decorate your own table with.

Next up on today’s Valentine’s / Galentine’s Blog Hop is Kristin from White Arrows Home. Many of you here already know Kristin, as she’s one of my Thrifting with the Gals buddies. She’s sharing marvelous Valentine’s Day inspiration today over on her blog.

More Valentine’s and Galentine’s Inspiration

How to Keep Your Valentines Day Decor Simple yet Pretty // Pasha is Home

5 Decor Ideas to Show Your Home Some Love this Valentine’s Day // Shiplap and Shells

At Home Valentines Ideas // Sand Dollar Lane

Cozy Valentine Bedroom Ideas // The Pond’s Farmhouse

How To Set A Beautiful Valentine’s Day Table Setting // White Lilac Farmhouse

Shades of Pink Valentine’s Home Tour // Willow Bloom Home Blog

Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design // Dabbling and Decorating

Beautiful Valentine’s Decor Inspiration // White Arrows Home

Heart Shaped Tea Bags DIY // Paint Me Pink

How to Make Easy DIY Valentine’s Tree Ornaments // Simply 2 Moms

How to Create an Updated Vintage Look For a Delightful Centerpiece // County Road 407

How to Make an Easy Valentine’s Garland // Cottage in the Mitten

Cocktails for Galentine’s Day // A Life Unfolding

Handwritten Valentine’s Day Love Letter // My Sweet Savannah

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts // Southern Crush at Home

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34 Comments

  1. Your table is so beautiful Ann! It’s fun to see how all your fun finds find their places so perfectly in your homes. I love those embroidered napkins!

  2. Cindy@CountyRoad407 says:

    My goodness! You find the best places to shop and have phenomenal collection of dishes! Even the square tablecloth in the middle is fabulous! So glad I got to see it. Happy Galentine’s!

  3. Ann, you know I just love everything your share! Your homes are always dressed so beautifully. Transferware is my favorite to work with. The soup bowls you found are amazing, too! I have not heard of retro clean and I am so glad you mentioned it. Always a joy to share a tour with you!!💙❄️

    1. Thank you so much, Kim. I’m always glad to see you here when you stop by. Stay warm in the Mitten!

  4. Such a beautiful table, Ann; love the winter blues! Those sheepskins look so cozy; think your guests will stay there all day!

  5. Ann, this is beautiful!! Can I please come over for some tea or coffee? I’m seriously swooned over your gorgeous blue decor!

    1. Norma, you’re so sweet, you’re welcome anytime:)

  6. Hi Ann! Of course I am loving all the blue and white here! What a great idea to use platters as a “placemat”! Maybe I need that cleaner for the nautical flag I got recently….

    1. Thanks Molly, yes definitely worth a try. One of my followers here highly recommended it, so I gave it a go!

  7. Yay for vintage dishware! Especially when they’re blue and white. Every detail of your table setting is so beautiful Ann.

  8. Oh My Goodness my friend! You knocked it out of the park with all of your gorgeous blue and white decor! I love everything you shared here ~ you’re so creative my friend! Thank you so much for sharing your talents ~ you’re amazing!

  9. Libbie Burling says:

    I am in love with the pretty blue and white dishes! Lovely with the gorgeous flowers.

    Happy Almost February, my friend!

  10. I love the blue colors you used throughout your tablescape, it’s a nice change from all the red Valentine’s Day decor! I’ve never tried RetroClean before but I definitely need to try, thanks for sharing! Pinned.

    1. Thank you so much, you guys will love RetroClean!

  11. Lisa Anderson says:

    Loving your new vintage linens! As always, your tablescapes are beautiful!

    1. Thanks Lisa, looking forward to seeing you soon!

  12. I usually don’t decorate much for Valentine’s Day because I don’t love red and don’t have many pink items. But, you know I have blue everything and I never thought to use blue for Valentine’s! I love it! Thanks for the inspiration!

    1. Hi Eileen, I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Happy Valentine’s Day!

  13. I just love everything about this tablescape. The vintage linens are gorgeous and so charming and I adore that the soup bowls have two handles- so precious!

  14. Ann, I am loving all of the vintage blue and white dishes. Those napkins were a great find. I have never heard of Retro Clean before. Thank you for sharing. Ann, I believe you and I have the same vintage White Ironstone Soup Tureen. I love mine. Last year, I broke the ladle that came with it. I was sick to my stomach. Ugh! You have been on the look out for soup dish inserts now. I have never come across any of them in my years of thrifting or antiquing.

    1. Oh Tammy that’s a bummer about the ladle. Aren’t those soap inserts so fun? I had never seen them before either and didn’t know what they were when I bought them, but knew I needed to have them, hah. Thanks for dropping by Tammy!

  15. Oh my goodness! So pretty. What a lovely collection of dishware. Hugs to you.

  16. The table scape is my favorite from all my years of looking online. It simply brings joy. Your whole home speaks joy. Here’s to using thing that bring us joy instead of them only existing in a cupboard. Well done! Thanks also for the reminder of the Retro Clean. I used it years ago and forgot about it. Hi from Ohio!

    1. Oh my gosh Kathy, you made my day! That means so much to me. Joy is the word of the day. Best to you my friend!

  17. Ann,
    Those napkins are so great. Everything about your table is amazing. I love all the blue and white. I just found a new/vintage blue and white set that I’ll be using this spring. Very inspiring..