Vintage Versus Repro ~ Summer Table

The weather report said 101 degrees for us today, and it's well on its way! I started thinking this table over in the cool of the evening, and thought to shoot it by candle and patio light yesterday, but it wasn't gonna happen. The theme lends itself to that kind of diversity, however.

I'm always wandering Potterybarn and getting inspiration from their fabulous displays. It's hard to keep from picking up some little thing now and then. Especially candles. But PB gets so much of their own inspiration from vintage stuff that it's easy to replicate the look with an original of what they only reproduce.

The only thing here from PB are salad plates from last season, the rest is vintage, like my glassware, or has been sourced from some place cheaper. Some of it I've had for many seasons.

Using white as a base for linens and china keeps things cool looking. My cafe ironstone is thrifted, and the table coverings are vintage.

I love the layered look with everything varying in height, but it is also easier to serve from dishes that are elevated. The white pedestal is long ago Williams Sonoma and will hold a main dish rather than the potted plant when it's time to serve. I also love the look of these wicker domes, but they are perfect for protecting food outdoors. I've had mine a long time.

I had a mishap with this shoot where my shade screen fell over onto the table smashing plates. Boo hoo! I'm only telling because I see too late that there is a remnant of the disaster underneath this plate stack. It was a spectacular crash, and I'm just glad it didn't take out anything else!

I've seen pots similar to these you know where. These were at the nursery for under two dollars each. I love the deep brown color. The contrast between light and dark excites me more than is probably reasonable.

The vintage punch bowl has been idle since Christmas. Milk glass seems so much more soulful to me than clear glass.

I haven't had time to iron since Granny Camp so my big linen napkins are au naturel today. These are not vintage so I don't worry over them (not that I would anyway). I like the rumpled look too. And Rachel Ashwell made it fashionable!

My beautiful ladle was a three dollar thrift store find.

Does it look hot enough out there? In New Mexico, if you can find shade, you can get cool.

I like the topiaries you see in catalogs everywhere, but I prefer the real thing. This sage colored plant is a curry herb that I found at the nursery. I've never grown it before, but it has a very lovely mild curry scent.

An antique sieve will elevate another serving dish.

Hope you're lovin' summer! Party on!

Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

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