Do you own legacy china pieces in your home? Legacy items are traditionally classic and evoke welcoming memories from the past. Today I am sharing a nostalgic table setting with legacy table pieces from my parent’s home, creating an elegant, old world ambience, while honoring those who have come before us. Please join me and take a seat as I set a legacy honored table in the dining room.
This table is set with heirloom pieces from my parent’s estate including fine china, crystal, sterling silver and delicate linens. All the things some might find inconvenient and antiquated in this fast paced, disposable world we live in. And I totally get that, I really do. But I’m a vintage loving soul, who loves bringing out these old pieces and sprinkling a bit of special on the table.
Key Take Aways
Legacy Honored Table Setting
> An Inspired Timeless Legacy Honored Table Setting
> Table setting details: plate stack, place setting, centerpiece
> Tips and Recommendations on Mastering the Art of setting a well appointed table
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Inspiration Behind the Legacy Table Setting
We’ve all heard the saying, “they don’t make them like they use to”, and I would say this is true for many old dining and entertaining pieces. Partly because fine china, crystal and silver is not used like in bygone eras nor is it appreciated. Well, I’m here for all of it, give me all the vintage dishes please. Anyway today I am sharing a table using my parent’s old stuff.
I am a total sentimentalist and own many of my parent’s and grandparent’s furnishings in our home, including large pieces of furniture to small pieces of decor. On Mother’s day I had considered taking out my Mother’s china as a special touch, but ended letting Mr. M handle all the details. But…the idea stuck in my head… and here we are.
MJ Insider Vintage Tip
Don’t be in a hurry to get rid of all these heirlooms pieces. Even if you don’t use them for their intended uses, there are so many unique and unexpected ways to put them to work.
~ Pitchers and creamers make great vases.
~ China plates make great plant saucers or wall decor.
~ Gravy boats make great containers for forced bulbs or seasonal decor (think ornaments, Easter eggs, etc.)
~ Stacked platters make great backdrops in your cabinets and shelving.
~ Small silverplate utensils make great serving pieces for charcuterie boards and appetizers.
Details of a Legacy Inspired Table Setting
Everything on this table, with the exception of the flowers, I inherited from my parents. My parents entertained plenty, and I saw all these pieces used again and again. I am pleased to showcase all these meaningful pieces here, and only wish my parents were around to join me at the table.
The oldest form of theater is the dinner table…
~Michael J. Fox
Plate Stack
A quick search on Replacements.com revealed my parents china pattern is Greek Key by Rosenthal, made in Germany. The backside marking only shows “Rosenthal Germany” so I did a bit of digging. The pattern was active from 1961-1964, which tracks with my parent’s journey. The style is mod and gives mid century vibes to me. Although it’s not necessarily my style, I love it for the sentiment, and I remember many, many dinner parties served on these pretties.
- Silver Charger {inherited}
- Rosenthal Greek Key Dinner Plate {inherited}
- Rosenthal Greek Key Accent Plate {inherited}
- Rosenthal Greek Key Soup Bowl & Dish {inherited}
The footprint of the Rosenthal china is much slighter than current pieces. The china is daintier in appearance and heft. I believe vintage and antique European makers manufactured smaller sizes way back when. The gray and white calls my name all day long (even though the pattern says taupe- the color leans more gray).
Place Setting
Included in this place setting are many traditions, which have fallen out of favor. Butter pats are seldom used anymore even at uber fancy restaurants. Tea and coffee cups aren’t necessarily placed at the table unless it’s an upscale brunch action. I simply laid out the table in a traditional fashion since I have all the pieces to hi-light and play with.
- Crystal Glassware {inherited} – I haven’t been able to discover any information on maker or pattern here
- Camusso Sterling Silverware {inherited | wedding gift}
- Silver Bread Plate {inherited}
- Rosenthal Greek Key Butter Pat {inherited}
- Rosenthal Greek Key Cup & Saucer {inherited}
- White Linen Stitched Napkins {inherited}
There use to be a proper piece for each course and type of food, which even I will admit is overwhelming. Instead nowadays universal pieces and multi purpose items have taken over, which is practical and can still be elegant and pretty.
Centerpiece
The linen table cloth draped on the table is a matching set to the napkins. I seldom use matching sets of linens, preferring to mix and match on my tables. The white matching set with the hand embroidery does bring an air of fresh crispness to the setting. Using matching sets gives me formal vibes, but it does take the guess work out of the process and it’s also one less decision to make.
- White Linen Stitched Table Cloth {inherited}
- Silver Candelabras {inherited}
- Etched Highball Glass {inherited}
- Gerber Daisies & Cala Lilies {Trader Joe’s}
The flowers are the only new elements on the table. I chose to use daisies since my mom’s name was Margarita, which means daisy in Spanish. Daisies also happens to be one of my favorite flowers. I’m actually hoping to share a daisy inspired table-scape in the near future. The Cala Lilies are a deep dark purple, bordering on almost black. I found them striking and very different. My mom had an edginess to her, always pushing the avant-garde card, so I found these lilies to be fitting. A bit different, yet striking.
Alternatives
As I mentioned, in the olden days there was a propensity for pieces with purpose. My parent’s legacy pieces gave me many options to set the table.
BOWLS>>
I chose to set the table with the footed soup bowls. I love pieces with handles and I like how the gray bodies off set with the gray Greek key detailing on the dishes. The other option were the large bowls which can be used for pasta dishes, stews and the such.
CUPS & SAUCERS>>
Coming from a Latin heritage coffee is a big deal for us. lol. I grew up drinking cafe con leche from on early age and nowadays enjoy my cappuccinos. I used the demitasse cup size on the table since I appreciate the diminutive size and it provided better spacing for the table setting. There’s a full cup alternative, but required a larger footprint on the table.
BREAD PLATES & BUTTER PATS>>
The china set contains both the butter pats and bread plates, while my parent’s also had silver alternatives. I played switching both styles around since it was a way to mix and match on this legacy table, and yet maintaining the styled formality of a matching set.
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MJ Insider Vintage Tip
Replacements.com is my go to resource when I am researching a china, crystal, silver brand or pattern. It’s a great tool to use when you are thrifting and junk hunting to determine fair market values.
Tips & Recommendations to Keep In Mind When Setting the Table
Identify, Curate & Ground the Theme
A theme whether a holiday, motif or color palette is always a good place to start for a table design. The theme here is obviously the legacy china and other pieces, which made setting the table fairly easy. The traditional and classic look is clear and present in the table setting.
Use What You Have & Love
Everything is a matching set of everything for this table since that was the proper way and how it was done. I prefer to mix and match most of my tables, which provides more options and relaxes the table setting process. Depending on the theme and event your are setting the table will determine your look. I love the way our wedding china mixes cream and white making it interchangeable with so many patterns. I also love how each plate has a slightly different pattern although it’s all a matching set. Depending on the occasion I set it all together or mix and match it with complimentary pieces.
Pattern: Lenox Citation Lace [1995-2005]
Lean into Thrifting
If you like the heritage look, but don’t own many pieces look at second hand sources. You can find entire matching sets if you want to go that route or for a true treasure hunt you’ll find a unique mix of options. Thrifts are a great resource for table top items. You can source dishes, glassware, linens, silverware and more. You don’t need to spend a fortune to set a pretty and festive table.
Rules Were Made to be Broken
Although I set a very formal and traditional table using legacy pieces, that does not necessarily need to be the case. Place your napkin on top of the plate stack. Insert your silverware in a utensil pouch placed on one side. Arrange the glassware, auxiliary plates and extra silverware on a buffet or side board where everyone can helps themselves. You do you. Tables should be enjoyable, relaxed and practical. It doesn’t mean sometimes you don’t follow formal norms, but use them as guidelines not requirements.
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“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”
Ronald Reagan
Closing Thoughts ~ Legacy Table Conclusion
Somewhere I read another blogger describe how registering for china and all the stuff when you got married existed when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It totally gave me a chuckle and it’s sad but true. I’m not sure what young couples do nowadays, but I still use my china, crystal, silverware, etc. from my wedding registry all the time, almost thirty years later. And I love it all even more now than then because it has withstood the test of time and holds too many fantastic memories. All theses things should be used and appreciated as much as possible. They will be passed on to the Masterpieces children, and hopefully they will cherish them as much as I do my parent’s wares.
Are you a sentimentalist and heritage loving like myself? Or do you prefer the newest, sleekest designs? I guess I actually fall somewhere in the middle. The most important notion is that you enjoy whatever it is you choose. Be inspired and thanks for dropping by today. See you next time.
Au Revoir!
FAQs – Legacy Table
Q1. How should I store a legacy china set?
A1. Stack plates horizontally with plate dividers or soft felt pads between each plate to prevent scratching. You can also display pieces standing upright in a cabinet, allowing for double duty for dining and decor.
Q2. Can I put legacy china in the dishwasher?
A2. This is the bummer. It is highly recommended to hand-wash your vintage china. Harsh dishwasher detergents, high water temperatures, and the intense drying cycle can cause delicate patterns, paint, and gold or silver trim to fade or chip over time.
Q3. Are antique and vintage plates microwave-safe?
A3. Probably not. Many legacy china sets contain metallic accents (such as gold or silver rimming) which will spark and can cause permanent damage to both the plate and your microwave.
Q4. What if I don’t have a full set for all my guests?
A4. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace an eclectic, mismatched look. Use your vintage china as a statement accent (such as serving plates or side dishes) and mix them with modern dish-ware.
Q5. How do I set the silverware with vintage plates?
A5. Follow traditional Western etiquette: the dinner fork goes to the left of the plate. The knife goes to the right (with the blade facing inward), and any spoons go to the right of the knife.
Shop the Legacy Table Look
- Set of 8 – Vintage Currier Ives Royal China Ironstone ” The Old Grist Mill ” Dinner Plates 10″ – wow! if I was a blue & white girl I might just splurge here
- High Bone China Dinnerware Set, 12-Piece Artistic Green Plates and Bowls, Lightweight & Chip Resistant Ceramic Service for 4, Dishwasher Safe Elegant Kitchen Dining – vintage look with modern day practicality
- Portmeirion Home Vintage Chic 16 Piece Set – Porcelain Dinnerware with Art Deco Borders – 10.5″ Dinner Plates, 7.5″ Salad Plates, 5.5″ Bowls, 11.5 Oz Mugs – Microwave & Dishwasher Safe Place Settings – love the vibe here and also practical
- Spode Delamere Dinner Plate, Set of 4 – a timeless classic!
- Lenox Dinnerware Set, Autumn 5-Piece Place Setting Set, Service For 1, Elegant Porcelain Dishes, Chip Resistant And Dishwasher Safe, Includes Plates Cup & Saucer, Dish Sets (Ivory, 5 Piece) – this was my in-laws china and my FIL got rid of it- could have been our other legacy china…
- Wallace Antique Baroque 65-Piece Flatware Set, 18/10 Stainless Steel Silverware Set for 12, Baroque-Style Dinner Forks, Knives, Spoons with Serving Pieces, Dishwasher Safe – ornate & super fancy
- Silverware Set Limited Edition – 20 Piece Flatware Set – Cutlery Set for 4 – Silver Tableware Set w/Gold Accents – Great for Family Gatherings & Daily Use – Spoons, Knives, Teaspoons, Forks(Medallion) – if you like a touch of gold
- Wallace Hotel Collection Silverware Set for 12, 77-Piece 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware Set with Assorted Vintage Designs, Dishwasher Safe – I love the mismatched nature of this set!
- Royalrose Premium 10 oz Delight Vintage Wine Glasses Set of 4 – Hand-Blown with Etched Stem, Classic Glassware for Weddings, Dinners, and Holiday Gifting (Vintage Goblets) – these had me at etched
- Royalrose Premium Delight 14.2 oz Wine Glasses Set of 4 – Hand-Blown with Etched Long Stem, Classic Glassware for Weddings, Dinners, and Holiday Gifting (Vintage Wine Glasses) – more of the same collection
- Rolf Glass Fleur De Lis All Purpose Wine Glass 18 Ounce | Set of 4 Large Wine Glasses | Lead-Free Crystal Glass | Engraved Large Wine Glasses | Made in the USA – 1st time seeing these, love the pattern
- Linen Tablecloth for Rectangle Table with 4PCS Linen Napkins 100% Pure Linen Natural Dining Table Cloth – a true classic!
- 100% French Flax Linen Scalloped Embroidery Rectangle Tablecloths 120Lx60W Inch for Dinners, Parties, Spring, Machine Washable, 10-12 Sets, 60”x120”, Linen(Edges-Gold) – love the scalloped edge on this
- Signature Linen™ by D’Moksha White Dinner Napkins Set of 4, 20 x 20 Inch Cloth Napkins, 100% Pure Linen, Hemstitch, Machine Washable Table Napkins – can never go wrong with pretty, basic white linen napkins
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Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
Shannon L. Alder