When Cuisine Kathleen posed her wedding china challenge, I thought that I didn’t have much to contribute. We have wedding pink Depression glass, but I gave away all my first wedding china years ago.
While Noritake Savannah’s floral pattern is timeless, I needed to move on from the choices I made at age twenty. My best friend from college also selected this pattern when she married, and since she hosted Thanksgivings for the masses, she now had 24 matching place settings. It was a win-win for both of us.
Since then, I’ve inherited three full sets of someone else’s china, which you have seen here many times. I own my mother-in-law’s Noritake Aberdeen, my mother’s Four Crown Claridge, and my neighbor’s Noritake Stanwyk. Yes — the Claridge looks a lot like the Savannah, because my mom loved the pattern and chose a similar one.
So that brings us to 2014 and the newest bride in our family. My niece is getting married in just three weeks and has asked me to help with her tablescaping. I am honored to be included, and was excited that she has chosen to have mixed-pattern vintage china for her tables. Her tableware will come from the caterer, but my tribute to her comes from my own vaults. Once again, a family story drives this week’s tablescape. I LOVE my family stories and hope that you do, too!
Since I have three full sets of china, it was pretty easy to mix and match these patterns on the table. The napkin rings are (what else?) white porcelain with a gold rim similar to the familiar wedding ring china patterns. They hold an heirloom damask napkin from a friend’s mother’s collection that I inherited.
The bride’s centerpiece theme is birds — another homage to her grandparents and their love of these beautiful creatures. Each place setting has a different bird figurine representing her family history.
And what’s a wedding tablescape without roses? I snagged these faux roses from the sale bin at Joann’s Fabrics and liberally sprinkled them around the tablescape. Of course, nothing compares with the beauty of a real rose, but you get the picture. A mother bird and baby nestles next to my new thrifted stoneware pitcher.
I’ve been saving this birdcage from Goodwill for a “someday” event, and here it is! I filled it with faux philodendron and more roses.
My own wedding crystal and swirly champagne classes add to the collected ambiance of this tablescape.
Although I own both my mother’s wedding silver and my own, I chose the delicate design of my Gorham Trilogy for this sweet tablescape.
I’m looking forward to a beautiful wedding and a lovely future together for the bride and groom. Cheers!
I’m linking up today with the creative bloggers at History and Home Link Party at We Call It Junkin’, Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, Wedding China Challenge at Cuisine Kathleen, and Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch. Be sure to stop by and say, “Hello!”
Just beautiful, it’s amazing how well three different sets blend together. I love, love, love that birdcage you found. Wishing many blessings to the bride and groom, and thanks for sharing this at the History & Home link party, Jennie!
Dawn @ We Call It Junkin
Thanks, Dawn. I liked that birdcage but it had these horrendous eighties flowers glued to it. Isn’t that the way we find the best stuff at Goodwill? I’m pretty sure you will see this one again this summer.
Jennie, You are a beautiful person to pitch in and help your niece with the table settings for her wedding. Your three set’s of china are all lovely and make a wonderful tribute to the brides wedding.. They mix and match beautifully and your crystal and silver look stunning on the lace tablecloth. The birds on the table are perfect for an early June wedding and the birdcage looks as if you had just went out and bought it for this tablescape.
Candy, I love that my niece asked me to help. I don’t think it will actually entail much on my part — she’s got everything well under control!
Wow, Jennie, those different patterns surely do play well together! I would love to find a pattern to mix and match with my Lenox — or really any of my patterns. All of mine seem to have their own color scheme or style and wouldn’t work together. Your table looks very celebratory and very personalized for the bride-to-be!
Apparently I’m drawn to florals, Tricia. My mother-in-law’s swirly green motif allows the florals to play nicely together, so it’s wonderful to have inherited her set along with the others.
You’ve done a wonderful job of combining family heritages, romance and a sense of celebration! Your tablescape will certainly make your niece’s wedding a special affair. Thank you for sharing! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
I’m looking forward to a very romantic wedding, Rosie. This was just the start of a lot of fun family events! Thanks for visiting.
Beautiful table! Love the way you have mixed and matched all of the china patterns. They work well together.
That is such a great idea to have tables with mixed china patterns throughout the room! That will be a glorious way to celebrate! Everyone will have stories to share!
It’s great that your friend was able to use your china. My sister’s china is different but similar, so I’m able to mix it up at will. Another win/win situation.
You’re going to have a blast!!! Can’t wait to see the pics of the finished product from the wedding!!!
I love how you used the china together. It’s surprising how well it works. I’m not into matchy, so your form of blending patterns is a great example of how to do it well. I love your swirly champagne flutes, and the silver ware is stunning!
Sweet Sav. is just lovely, so delicate. Your table is both beautiful and elegant! Thanks for joining in!
HI Jennie,
Love your wedding china, it is really beautiful, and really like your chargers too. Lovely table with the pretty birdhouse
and flowers and the birds. I participated in this challenge too.
Hope this finds you doing well.
Blessings, Nellie