Discover vintage table decor ideas with a pretty and charming blue color scheme. Thrift store finds are the perfect way to style your dining table with timeless elegance.
Ready to fall in love with vintage table decor ideas?
Let’s dive into the magic of antique and vintage blue dishes, linens, and glassware—the perfect way to add a fresh look to your table!
Whether you’re scoring treasures at estate sales or giving thrifted finds a second life, these timeless pieces are a great addition to your place settings and can be styled in so many fun and different ways.
10 Thoughtful Vintage Table Decor Ideas
Several vintage table decor ideas can add charm and elegance to your special occasion tables.
Here are a few ideas to help you set the perfect table:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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?
Thrift Store Finds
Vintage Cream Soup Bowls
My inspiration for this table stemmed from these four gorgeous blue cream soup bowls I found on one of my familiar drives between Vermont and Maine.
I stopped in at the cutest little thrift store on the widest paved Main Street in the world in Keene, NH.
Accompany me for a walk around the shop:
What are vintage cream soup bowls?
Cream soup bowls have been a staple of elegant dining since the 18th century, originally used in formal meals to serve velvety soups in style. These vintage items often featured ornate designs, making them a beautiful addition to vintage table settings.
Today, they’re a creative way to incorporate history into your decor, from serving soups to displaying flowers or other creative ideas.
Cream Soup Recipes
Here are a few favorite cream soup recipes you may enjoy in your own vintage cream soup bowls.
Vintage Table Decor Thrifted Finds
Let’s set the stage for a vintage tablescape bursting with charm and character with thrifted and vintage finds.
We’re starting with antique embroidered linens for that perfect touch of old-world elegance.
Next, vintage blue cream soup bowls and sparkling glassware team up with Hartley Greens & Co. Leeds pottery dishes to create a cohesive look that’s as timeless as it is stylish.
All of this comes to life on a gorgeous antique king pine wood table, with blue and white platters stealing the show for a table setting that’s pure vintage magic!
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.
Pro Tip
I’m sure you’ll also enjoy this Valentines Aesthetic: Thrifting and Vintage Finds post, where I found today’s antique table linens and plates in this fantastic Old Covered Bridge Antique Shop.
Vintage Linens in Vintage Table Decor Ideas
The vintage linens were a steal at just $18 but had some aging marks.
Learn how to clean vintage linens with my favorite Retro Clean Cleaning Solution in this How to Safely Bring Age Stained Textiles Back to Life post.
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Pro Tip
You may also enjoy this A Timeless Classic | Franciscan Desert Rose Table Setting post.
Vintage Style Place Settings
Unique Layered Place Settings
Creating vintage-style place settings is all about layering soft colors and textures to make each spot feel like a focal point.
With blue and white dishes, vintage platters, and delicately pressed antique linens, these settings bring timeless appeal to your table.
To start, I place a vintage blue and white platter at the center of each setting, using its intricate design as the perfect base and focal point for the look.
On top of the platter, I layer a blue and white dish, allowing its pattern to peek through and add depth to the setting.
The final touch is the vintage blue cream soup bowl, which sits elegantly atop the dish, creating a layered, eye-catching effect.
The combination of soft colors and beautiful details makes each place setting feel thoughtfully curated, adding timeless appeal to the overall vintage tablescape.
The platter is a placemat, leaving more space to showcase the beautiful table’s romantic antiques.
Each place setting platter is different in size, design, and color.
Giving the table the elegance yet casual style it deserves.
Ironstone Soap Dish Inserts
Next, I used these antique ironstone soap dish inserts as coasters for the table’s vintage cobalt blue glassware.
Vintage Table Decor Ideas
You may also enjoy this Vintage Glassware – It’s All About the Glass post.
More Vintage Table Decor Ideas
Center of the Table
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 vintage dining room table.
Three white platters add more layers, serving as the foundation for this floral centerpiece.
A great mood booster for those dark gray days accompanying January.
Pro Tip
Growing paperwhites for a vintage table centerpiece is not just for the holidays! See how I’m using paperwhites in my Saint Patrick’s Day decor in these How to Grow Paperwhites Pretty in Green Stoneware For Saint Patrick’s Day and Is Your Table Ready for Spring and St. Patrick’s Day? posts
Vintage Table Decor Ideas: Candlesticks
Vintage brass candlesticks with simple white tapers add a warm, elegant glow to any vintage table decor, making them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Using candlesticks of different heights creates visual interest and drama while still keeping the focus on your favorite things—whether it’s the delicate dinnerware or beautiful linens. These classic accents bring a touch of sophistication to any setting.
Have you seen these amazing lighters? My husband bought me two for Christmas. I love them! And they come in all different colors, too.
Pro Tip
You may also enjoy this Antique Family Heirloom to Buffet Table & Sideboard and Best Breakfast Nook Ideas for Morning Brunch.
Vintage Silverware
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.
Pro Tip
You may find more vintage flatware inspiration in this 45 Vintage Silverware Flatware Set Ideas post.
Eclectic Table Decor
Eclectic table décor is all about mixing and matching various patterns and textiles to create a unique and personalized setting.
By combining vintage place settings with various floral patterns, stripes, or textured fabrics and adding an unexpected centerpiece, you bring a playful yet sophisticated vibe to the table.
The beauty of eclectic décor lies in its ability to blend different elements while still maintaining a cohesive and inviting feel.
Antique pitchers, plates, and bowls in their unique styles scatter the table.
The pitchers wait to be filled with water, and the additional plates and bowls add layers to miscellaneous vintage table decor ideas.
Natural Look
The icicles are a perpetual drip outside the window while the sun shines.
And the mountains in the background are a constant reminder of how beautiful Mother Nature truly is.
Natural Elements in Vintage Table Decor Ideas
Overland Sheepskins garnish the table’s wicker chairs while waiting for the cream soup.
A touch of natural elements is always cozy and inviting.
A view from the flight deck…
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to refresh your space, incorporating vintage home decor ideas is a great way to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
A beautiful centerpiece, like a vintage arrangement paired with taper candles, makes the perfect focal point for any table.
Finding vintage treasures at flea markets or antique stores can inspire endless centerpiece ideas and table decorations, adding a timeless charm to each vintage piece you collect.
No matter the occasion, these vintage touches will always leave a lasting impression.
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this 12 Table Topics with Thrifted Tea and Toast Fanfare post.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
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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This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
More Valentine’s and Galentine’s Inspiration
Next up on today’s Valentine’s / Galentine’s Blog Hop is Kristin from White Arrows Home. Many of you already know Kristin, as she’s one of my Thrifting with the Gals buddies. She’s sharing marvelous Valentine’s Day inspiration today on her blog.
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
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!
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!
Thank you so much, Cindy!
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!!💙❄️
Thank you so much, Kim. I’m always glad to see you here when you stop by. Stay warm in the Mitten!
Such a beautiful table, Ann; love the winter blues! Those sheepskins look so cozy; think your guests will stay there all day!
Thank you kindly Lora!
Ann, this is beautiful!! Can I please come over for some tea or coffee? I’m seriously swooned over your gorgeous blue decor!
Norma, you’re so sweet, you’re welcome anytime:)
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….
Thanks Molly, yes definitely worth a try. One of my followers here highly recommended it, so I gave it a go!
Yay for vintage dishware! Especially when they’re blue and white. Every detail of your table setting is so beautiful Ann.
Thanks so much Kim!
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!
Melanie, you’re the best!
I am in love with the pretty blue and white dishes! Lovely with the gorgeous flowers.
Happy Almost February, my friend!
Thanks Libbie, you too!
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.
Thank you so much, you guys will love RetroClean!
Loving your new vintage linens! As always, your tablescapes are beautiful!
Thanks Lisa, looking forward to seeing you soon!
In love with the blue and white!
Thanks so much Melanie!
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!
Hi Eileen, I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Happy Valentine’s Day!
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!
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.
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!
Oh my goodness! So pretty. What a lovely collection of dishware. Hugs to you.
Thank you so much Renae!
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!
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!
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..
Thank you so much Rachel!