See how I styled a summer outdoor tablescape using vintage finds and milk glass vases. Perfect inspiration for your next backyard gathering or lobster dinner.
There’s something magical about setting a summer table outdoors—especially when it’s layered with vintage finds and a few milk glass treasures.
After a day of antiquing and thrift store stops, I pulled together this lobster-themed tablescape using blue and white dishes, red and white linens, and my favorite milk glass vases.
It’s a casual, collected look that celebrates summer with a little charm and a lot of character.
A Morning Antiquing at Sage Farm Antiques in New Hampshire
On one of the first hot summer mornings of the season, I headed over to Sage Farm Antiques in North Hampton, New Hampshire for their themed pop-up vintage market and a little Thrifting with the Gals—this one was all about whites and woods.
I usually avoid weekend crowds, but as it turned out, most folks were off to the beach, and I nearly had the place to myself.
This charming antique market is one of my longtime favorites, always full of inspiration and beautifully curated vintage finds. Here are several captures from the morning market…
While browsing, I had one thing on my mind: setting a cozy summer outdoor tablescape for a lobster dinner later that evening. When I spotted a gorgeous vintage linen tablecloth and a set of seven $1 milk glass bud vases, I knew the table was practically setting itself.
If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that Sage Farm Antiques is one of my favorite vintage markets in New Hampshire. I’ve been visiting their charming pop-up sales for years, and each trip brings new inspiration—and a few treasures I can never resist. If you’d like to see more of my past finds and seasonal adventures at Sage Farm Antiques, you’ll find them all linked below.
Blue and White Dish Set Found at a New Hampshire Yard Sale
While out antiquing in North Hampton, I couldn’t resist stopping at a couple of local yard sales—and I’m so glad I did. I came across a full stack of twelve blue and white dishes for just $10. What a find!
They were delicate, timeless, and instantly reminded me of the kind of table I wanted to set that evening for our lobster dinner.
Thrifting Tip
Always check yard sales early in the day for the best vintage dishware. You’ll be surprised at what you can find for just a few dollars—like this stack of blue and white dishes I scored for $10!
Simple, thrifted pieces like this bring so much charm to a summer vintage tablescape—especially when paired with milk glass and fresh garden blooms.
How to Start Collecting Vintage Home Decor
Are you new to vintage collecting? This beginner’s guide will walk you through what to look for, where to shop, and how to style your favorite finds with an eclectic and personal touch.
Why I Love Decorating with Vintage Milk Glass
Vintage milk glass has long been one of my favorite things to collect—and it’s easy to see why. With its soft, opaque white finish and delicate designs, milk glass adds instant charm and elegance to any table setting.
Many of the pieces I use, like these sweet bud vases, have been found over the years at antique shops, flea markets, and even dollar tables at yard sales. They’re incredibly versatile—whether you’re lining them up down the center of a table or grouping them on a hutch or mantel, milk glass never goes out of style.
Recommended Reading
You may also find inspiration in these 15 Stunning Ways to Use Vintage Milk Glass in Your Home post from my thrifting buddy, Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse, who is my go to expert on vintage milk glass.
Milk glass has been a favorite among collectors since the 1800s, known for its soft, opaque glow and delicate patterns. I love mixing and matching different shapes and sizes—especially bud vases like these—for table centerpieces. Whether they’re lined up in a row or grouped in a cluster, they create a classic and budget-friendly statement without ever feeling fussy. And the best part? You can still find milk glass affordably at most antique stores, thrift shops, and even yard sales.
How about these knobware glass lanterns I found at Habitat for Humanity?
Tips for Thrifting Milk Glass
• Look for unmarked pieces—they’re often more affordable.
• Mix shapes and heights to create interest.
• Don’t worry about chips on the bottom—they won’t show when styled.
• Bud vases and small bowls are the most versatile for table setting
Knobbed Milk Glass Vases and Their Vintage Appeal
Among the milk glass pieces I’ve collected, these two knobbed milk glass vases are some of my favorites. Sometimes referred to as “knobware” or “knobbed pattern” milk glass, these vintage pieces are known for their raised bubble-like texture and playful yet elegant design. They date back to the mid-20th century and were often made by companies like Westmoreland and Fenton. While they resemble the more commonly known hobnail milk glass, knobbed styles tend to have a slightly bolder and more structured pattern. I love how these vases add texture and personality to a shelf or tabletop, and they pair so nicely with florals or simply styled on their own.
Styling a Summer Outdoor Table with Milk Glass and Vintage Finds
After a morning of antiquing and a few lucky yard sale stops, I came home with just enough vintage charm to pull together a simple, thrifted summer outdoor table. The red, white, and blue tablecloth set the tone, paired with a full stack of $10 blue and white dishes, vintage blue glassware, and seven petite milk glass bud vases filled with pink flowers snipped from a blooming bush by our mailbox.
Everything you see on this table—except the lobster plates—was thrifted, gifted, or repurposed from past adventures. Even the lobster utensils have a story—they belonged to my mother and are now over 50 years old.
Recommended Reading
Learn more in this What to Do with Old Silverware: 45 Creative Vintage Flatware Ideas post.
This kind of outdoor gathering is exactly what I love about summer: casual, collected, and full of character. A lobster dinner is messy by nature, and it’s best enjoyed outside with corn on the cob, vintage salt and pepper shakers, and a few stories passed around the table.
Vintage-Inspired Table Settings for Every Season You’ll Love
From porch breakfasts to holiday gatherings, this vintage tablescape guide includes styling inspiration for every season—indoor and outdoor—using thrifted and antique finds.
No fuss, no matching sets—just layered texture, color, and sentimental pieces that bring people together. That’s what makes this milk glass summer tablescape one of my favorites.
Looking for more lobster tablescape ideas? Explore a few of my favorite vintage summer table settings below.
Mixing Vintage Tableware for an Eclectic Summer Tablescape
One of the things I love most about vintage table styling is that it doesn’t have to match perfectly. Mixing red, white, and blue tones with a little milk glass and blue glassware gave this table a fresh, eclectic look—effortless but full of personality. That’s the beauty of thrifting—you never know what you’ll find, but somehow it always comes together.
Setting this summer outdoor tablescape with vintage finds, milk glass, and blue-and-white dishes was such a joy—and proof that a beautiful table doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
Whether you’re treasure hunting at your favorite antique market or pulling pieces from your own collection, I hope this inspires you to create something simple, meaningful, and full of character.
Have a favorite way to style milk glass in your summer decor? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below—your table might even be featured in a future post.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Outdoor Tablescape with Milk Glass
Milk glass is an opaque or translucent glass, traditionally white, known for its smooth finish and vintage charm. Its neutral color makes it versatile for various decor styles, and it beautifully complements the vibrant hues of summer florals, making it a favorite for outdoor tablescapes.
Incorporate milk glass by using vases for fresh flowers, serving dishes for fruits or desserts, or candle holders to add ambiance. Mixing different milk glass pieces can add texture and elegance to your summer outdoor tablescape.
Vintage milk glass can often be found at thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. Look for unique pieces like bud vases, compotes, or cake stands to add character to your table setting.
Yes, to preserve the quality of milk glass, it’s recommended to hand wash each piece with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or placing them in the dishwasher, as this can cause the glass to become dull or damaged.
Absolutely! Milk glass pairs well with various tableware styles. For a summer outdoor tablescape, consider combining milk glass with colorful plates, rustic chargers, or patterned linens to create a fresh and inviting look.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
Pin forLater!
Love your vintage table, and that tablecloth just drew me tight in. I have one very similar that belonged to my mother. Gosh I’ve had it myself for about 50 years. Mine is smaller so I use it over a larger tablecloth, at an angle.
Love your blue and white dishes too!
What is the style, maker? Does it say on the bottom?
I also do lots of blue and white in my decor and add touches of red for the summer.
I used to live in Concord NH, but moved last year to Maryland to be closer to our children and grandchildren.
Bringing vintage treasures and finds out to our patio is so much fun and makes for great memories with our kids and our new neighbors.
Thank you kindly. This tablecloth is small too and I also angle it. But it’s in Vermont right now😉 I hope you are enjoying your summer in Maryland. It’s hot here now🥵
Excellent finds to set a beautiful table!! And lobster is the “bow on top” ☺️ Just perfect!
Thank you so much!
I’ve been asking Al what he wants to do for Father’s Day. A lobster feed is always a good idea! Your tablescape was just gorgous; my “good” dishes are a blue and white Staffordshire and is my favorite combo. Survived a 2 day yard sale my church Ladies Aid group did. “Reporting for duty” at 6 a.m. for setup was a bit difficult, but people seemed to have a good time. We were all tired. I have always been “frugal.” Cheap, cheeseparing, thrifty, whatever you want to call it; today it allows me to splurge somewhere else!
Maybe a lobster feed for Father’s Day?
So many pretty pieces and the tablecloth is beautiful!
Some history about eating lobster in the 1800’s. To think prisoners ate them.
And they skyrocketed over the years.
Nothing like a Maine lottery from the cold water
thanks so much for stopping by today Cindy!!
Beautiful and I love that it’s red, white and blue.
Thank you so much Rachel. I am so drawn to red, white, and blue in the summer!
Ann, your table looks amazing! It is my dream to have a lobster feed on a wonderful summer day at a table like yours. It’s amazing.
Hugs to you.
Renae, that is just so sweet of you to say! Enjoy your summer!