Setting this table in blue with loving antiques sets a romantic mood with thoughtful design. The ABCs of elegance mixed with casual style. My favorite!
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.
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
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!
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.
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.”
Romantic Antique Table Setting
Now, the phrase “romantic table” doesn’t always have to mean lovey-dovey romance. To me, 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.
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.
I used these antique ironstone soap dish inserts as coasters along with vintage collected cobalt blue glassware. 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 of flowers 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.
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.
You may also enjoy this Antique Family Heirloom to Buffet Table & Sideboard.
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 that it brings to all of my table settings.
An antique white soup tureen serves up the homemade cream soup.
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.
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.
Overland Sheepskins garnish the table’s wicker chairs waiting for the cream soup to be served.
A view from the flight deck…
You may also enjoy the post, Pretty in Stardew Blue Paint | A Home Interior Makeover Before and After.
I’m so glad you dropped by, and if you are new to my blog, welcome! I hope you enjoyed your visit with us here today at our Home in Vermont.
Be sure also to check out our Home in Coastal Maine where we spend summers and weekends when we are craving a walk on the beach or a visit with old friends.
Are you looking for more thrifty and vintage home decorating ideas? Start getting your weekly vintage decorating ideas today! Joining over 3,000 subscribers…
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SHOP THIS POST
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
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!
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!
Oh my goodness! So pretty. What a lovely collection of dishware. Hugs to you.
Thank you so much Renae!
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!
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!
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!
In love with the blue and white!
Thanks so much Melanie!
Loving your new vintage linens! As always, your tablescapes are beautiful!
Thanks Lisa, looking forward to seeing you soon!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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:)
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, 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!
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!
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!