Heirloom Spring Tablescape

A few weeks ago, I started thinking about creating a spring tablescape. One day I was pulling out my traditional spring decor and another brought visions of midcentury modern. Another day had me leaning in a boho floral direction and the next I had visions of bees and pussy willows. What can I say? I am a complex soul … or more appropriately … a tablescape enthusiast easily distracted by shining things!

Spring Tablescape

To help narrow down the choices, I enlisted the help of my social media followers. I gave them choices on overall themes, table runners, centerpieces and place settings. Each vote led to the choices for the next vote. Throughout the process, it was my goal to keep purchases to a minimum and use as many of my own treasures as possible.

Twigs & Roses

Four themes were presented for the first followers’ choice vote: Boho Floral, Bees & Honey, Mod Graphic and Twigs & Roses. The winner was … quite obviously … Twigs & Roses. My grandmother’s tablecloth had been in the back of my mind for this theme, but I wasn’t sure how to use it. Covering the table completely would take away from the dark wood which would help with the “twig” look. After a bit of playing and then employing two wooden napkin rings, a flowy table runner was in place. This was the first heirloom piece to be incorporated.

Heirloom Pieces

Speaking of “shiny things” …

While these goblets and the depression glass bowl under the cloche are not heirlooms, I love their vintage nature and they remind me of serving pieces my grandmother’s frequently used. The silverware is from the set we received for our wedding almost 30 years ago.

The social media followers also voted for glass accents over metal. Some tall glass candle holders filled with moss and wrapped with flexible branches hold simple candles. The glass cloche with the wood base was a housewarming gift from our good friends and makes a perfect setting for some spring decor.

We inherited these white and gold Fire King salad plates from my husband’s family. They were part of an almost complete set and we inherited several other sets of dishes at that same time. I didn’t think I should keep all of the sets but also didn’t want to make a decision I would later regret. So, I kept them all. I am so glad I did.

One of my favorite tips for incorporating old dishes is to use only part of the set in your place setting (like the salad plates used here). Choose simple, coordinating plates, chargers and/or napkins to bring the theme together.

New Accents

When purchasing new items for a table, I try very hard to keep the cost low and the items neutral. It is easy for me to be distracted by all the patterned and trendy fabrics and designs on plates and napkins. By choosing the simple options, like these robin-egg-blue plates and the plain gold napkins, I know they will be used again.

To make those gold napkins stand out even more, I found instructions on how to fold them into these roses. Never underestimate the power of Pinterest!

It just wouldn’t be a Twigs & Roses tablescape if I didn’t have some actual roses. These potted miniature rose bushes caught my eye at Trader Joe’s and the sweet trellis-style pots fit the theme perfectly.

Tasty Decorations

If there is one thing that will draw guests to a table with curiosity, it is the sight of food. In this case, dessert is decoration too. These apple roses are simple to make and so impressive. The Chocolate Mousse Eggs (also from Trader Joe’s) tie in to the bird, nest and eggs under the cloche. And who doesn’t love a little temptation by chocolate?

(BTW … if you don’t, I want to sit next to you!)

I had so much fun designing this spring tablescape in collaboration with my social media followers. It was fun to see people react to different elements and then figure out how to incorporate the pieces I love. Thinking about the people who first owned these dishes and accessories brought back many wonderful memories. I wish they could all join me around this table so we could eat one more meal together but I have been able to share it with you and create a new memory.

Happy Spring!