An Elegant, Vintage Easter

Lately, I have read an exceptional number of decorating articles and expert advice on why you should avoid making events "too formal."  But there's a problem with that:  I love formal affairs.

I am aware that sometimes formal and elegant can be equated with stuffy or worse, ostentatious.  But I can't help liking things that are girly, vintage, and beautiful - That's just part of who I am (and I'm one of the least stuffy people you'll ever meet).  I believe a tablescape can not, on its own, make an event stuffy.  Only an atmosphere can do that.  So this Easter, I am throwing caution to the wind (take THAT decorating experts!) and hosting a beautiful elegant formal dinner for friends and family.  And there's a good chance I won't even wear shoes.

(From top, clockwise) 1. Elegant place setting with layers and mixed metals 2. Rose depression glass stemware  3. Beautiful family heirloom plates from 3 generations ago   4. Each crystal drop glimmers with the light of the candles 5. Spode flatware 6.  The piece de resistance, a tabletop crystal candelabra, fitted for tealights

Formal Service with a dose of whimsy

The pieces and players: I began setting the scene with all of the gorgeous heirloom pieces that are stocked in my decorating arsenal: Elegant hand-painted place settings that were the wedding china of my husband's grandmother; a gorgeous white Ralph Lauren vase that was a wedding gift from my brother; pink cut glass stemware and real brass chargers that belonged to my mother; a mercury glass cake stand and delicate silver bird shaped candle-snuffer, both of which were gifts from a dear far-away friend... All of it has meaning and going through these treasures felt like reading an old scrapbook.  I added a few of my own pieces like a gorgeous crystal candelabra (which can be easily removed when the food needs to hit the table), pearl napkin rings, embossed silver chargers under the brass, a dusty rose satin tablecloth from my wedding and vintage lace-trimmed napkins in a simple ivory.  These pieces are simply heirlooms in the making. 

(Clockwise from upper right) 1. Coffee cups and dessert plates stand at the ready  2. A sweet little bird sits atop the candle snuffer  3. Gorgeous blooms in lavender and pink 3. A mercury glass cloche, hobnail creamer and etched silver vase overflowing with spring flowers 4.  A tall one-sided arrangement adds big color to the backdrop  5. (center) Another heirloom tea cup from my mother-in-law hides sweet mercury glass eggs from Potterybarn