Awww… refreshing white! Used in decorating, it works for many seasons and reasons. From a classic Christmas look to a winter whites tablescape to symbolizing a clean slate at your New Year’s gathering, decorating and dining with white will make an impressive and elegant statement.
To inspire your white delight, our friends at Aunt Elsie’s Trinkets and Treasures at Gardner Village have set the prettiest Winter Whites table and shared 10 expert tips for working with white:
TIP #1: Mix & Match Whites
This is where the fun comes in. White is the queen of neutrals and works beautifully with just about anything its paired with, including more white. Where dishes are concerned, there are numerous styles and shades of white to choose from. Don’t hesitate to pair a creamy white milk glass with a shiny white BRAND, for example. The contrast will come together beautifully!
Milk Glass 101
Speaking of milk glass, the editor's at Country Living Magazine have put together some interesting info on what makes this gorgeous vintage glass a favorite. You can read more about it here.
TIP #2: Make Metallic Magic
Nothing brings out a metallic shimmer quite like a white backdrop. Don’t hesitate to weave in some silver and gold for added elegance. (Yes, it IS okay to combine metallic finishes. Not only is it okay, it’s gorgeous!)
TIP #3: Look Beyond Your Dishes
From a white tablecloth to white lace doilies placed beneath your dishes, adding white fabrics is another way to introduce texture and interest to your relatively neutral landscape.
TIP #4: Don’t Forget the Chairs
Speaking of white linens, a lace table runner can run off with a chair for a little extra.
TIP #5: Prisms, Please
Inspired by Pollyanna, this table comes complete with “rainbow makers.” Pull prisms from your old lamp or pick some up at Aunt Elsie’s and scatter them about your table to add to your Winter Whites ambiance.
TIP #6: Pull From Christmas
Even if you’re setting your Winter Whites table well into January or February, you can still dip into that Christmas decor tote. Look for items that are less holiday specific, such as village buildings/deer/etc.
TIP #7: Mix Old with New
While Aunt Elsie’s has an abundant assortment of vintage dishes in every shade you can imagine, they also carry newer pieces. Don’t hesitate to blend old with new. It not only adds interest to your look, but it can also make working in vintage easier, as we don’t always have complete sets of older dishes available.
The white plates are Pearl White Noritake from Japan. They've been making dishes for 100s of years, but this particular set is only about 10 years old. The white cup is an older sample and looks so cute sitting atop its younger tablemates. NOTE: You'll also find Fire King samples (the gold leaves) on this table. As a whole, the finished look is a lovely blend of the decades and designs!
TIP #8: Go for Goblets
Glasses in various sizes and shapes can serve both as drink holders and dishes. Plus, they add height and interest where the rest of dishes tend to be flat. Beyond beverages, use glasses in place of bowls for desserts, salads, etc.
TIP #9: Hello, Height!
Speaking of adding height (Tip #8), that’s always a wise point to remember when setting a table. Even if it’s just in you centerpiece, look for ways to add a few inches to your display. Tall vases and pitchers are also smart go-to options.
TIP #10: Don’t Forget a Little Twinkle Twinkle
Whether you drape a few white fairy lights across the center of your table or have twinkle lights on in the background, the warmth really does add to the ambiance. Another inviting option: candles!
BONUS TIP: Offset with Color
Your white table is striking all on its own, but it can also easily accommodate a little color if you choose to offset for various seasons and celebrations. Throw in some red or green for Christmas. Add blue for Hanukkah. Play with pink for Valentine’s. And so on. With a white foundation in your dish stash, your year-round themed potential is limitless!
More In Store
Find more tips for setting a seriously stunning Winter Whites table at Aunt Elsie’s Trinkets & Treasures.
Denise, the shop’s owner, LOVES chatting with customers and helping them find their perfect looks. Plus, she’s so knowledgable. A visit with her is like binge watching an entire season of American Pickers or Antiques Roadshow. You’re sure to leave with both beautiful new pieces and awesome new stories to share at your next dinner party.
Cheers!
Megan
Wednesday Dec 11 2019
Awww… refreshing white! Used in decorating, it works for many seasons and reasons. From a classic Christmas look to a winter whites tablescape to symbolizing a clean slate at your New Year’s gathering, decorating and dining with white will make an impressive and elegant statement.
To inspire your white delight, our friends at Aunt Elsie’s Trinkets and Treasures at Gardner Village have set the prettiest Winter Whites table and shared 10 expert tips for working with white:
TIP #1: Mix & Match Whites
This is where the fun comes in. White is the queen of neutrals and works beautifully with just about anything its paired with, including more white. Where dishes are concerned, there are numerous styles and shades of white to choose from. Don’t hesitate to pair a creamy white milk glass with a shiny white BRAND, for example. The contrast will come together beautifully!
Milk Glass 101
Speaking of milk glass, the editor's at Country Living Magazine have put together some interesting info on what makes this gorgeous vintage glass a favorite. You can read more about it here.
TIP #2: Make Metallic Magic
Nothing brings out a metallic shimmer quite like a white backdrop. Don’t hesitate to weave in some silver and gold for added elegance. (Yes, it IS okay to combine metallic finishes. Not only is it okay, it’s gorgeous!)
TIP #3: Look Beyond Your Dishes
From a white tablecloth to white lace doilies placed beneath your dishes, adding white fabrics is another way to introduce texture and interest to your relatively neutral landscape.
TIP #4: Don’t Forget the Chairs
Speaking of white linens, a lace table runner can run off with a chair for a little extra.
TIP #5: Prisms, Please
Inspired by Pollyanna, this table comes complete with “rainbow makers.” Pull prisms from your old lamp or pick some up at Aunt Elsie’s and scatter them about your table to add to your Winter Whites ambiance.
TIP #6: Pull From Christmas
Even if you’re setting your Winter Whites table well into January or February, you can still dip into that Christmas decor tote. Look for items that are less holiday specific, such as village buildings/deer/etc.
TIP #7: Mix Old with New
While Aunt Elsie’s has an abundant assortment of vintage dishes in every shade you can imagine, they also carry newer pieces. Don’t hesitate to blend old with new. It not only adds interest to your look, but it can also make working in vintage easier, as we don’t always have complete sets of older dishes available.
The white plates are Pearl White Noritake from Japan. They've been making dishes for 100s of years, but this particular set is only about 10 years old. The white cup is an older sample and looks so cute sitting atop its younger tablemates. NOTE: You'll also find Fire King samples (the gold leaves) on this table. As a whole, the finished look is a lovely blend of the decades and designs!
TIP #8: Go for Goblets
Glasses in various sizes and shapes can serve both as drink holders and dishes. Plus, they add height and interest where the rest of dishes tend to be flat. Beyond beverages, use glasses in place of bowls for desserts, salads, etc.
TIP #9: Hello, Height!
Speaking of adding height (Tip #8), that’s always a wise point to remember when setting a table. Even if it’s just in you centerpiece, look for ways to add a few inches to your display. Tall vases and pitchers are also smart go-to options.
TIP #10: Don’t Forget a Little Twinkle Twinkle
Whether you drape a few white fairy lights across the center of your table or have twinkle lights on in the background, the warmth really does add to the ambiance. Another inviting option: candles!
BONUS TIP: Offset with Color
Your white table is striking all on its own, but it can also easily accommodate a little color if you choose to offset for various seasons and celebrations. Throw in some red or green for Christmas. Add blue for Hanukkah. Play with pink for Valentine’s. And so on. With a white foundation in your dish stash, your year-round themed potential is limitless!
More In Store
Find more tips for setting a seriously stunning Winter Whites table at Aunt Elsie’s Trinkets & Treasures.
Denise, the shop’s owner, LOVES chatting with customers and helping them find their perfect looks. Plus, she’s so knowledgable. A visit with her is like binge watching an entire season of American Pickers or Antiques Roadshow. You’re sure to leave with both beautiful new pieces and awesome new stories to share at your next dinner party.
Cheers!
Megan