Add Vintage Charm to Create a Classic Christmas Tablescape

Are you hosting a family dinner this holiday season? I’ll show you can create a classic Christmas tablescape using vintage collections from the local flea market or an antique mall.

It’s the most wonderful time of year… to put together a gorgeous holiday table. When planning my holiday table this year I decided to create a tablescape for Christmas dinner using the vintage red and white transferware and pewter goblets I found.

The Bremerton Flea Market is one of my favorite places to find vintage pieces and I always have good luck finding timeless collections. I can’t wait to show you what I found and how I used my finds for the dining room table.

Christmas tablescape using vintage collections

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Christmas tablescape using vintage collections

My Traditional Red Vintage Christmas Tablescape for the Holiday Season

I rarely create tablescapes with the color red, even at Christmas. But I love the colorful look of each Christmas place setting with the red and pops of green from the garland and napkin rings.

This season’s tablescape is completely different from last year’s color scheme which had more pastels, far from the popular traditional decor.

Christmas tablescape using vintage collections

Mason Vista Red and White Vintage Christmas Tableware

The Mason’s Vista red and white (also described as pink) transferware collection is timeless and beautiful.

Each piece in this collection was inspired by 19th-century craftsmanship and features delicate hand-painted designs transferred onto white porcelain with a soft pink color. These designs often include charming scenes and floral patterns.

I only paid $45 for this vintage collection, which included:

  • Six dinner plates
  • Six salad plates
  • Six soup bowls
  • Six coffee cups and two saucers
  • One serving bowl
  • One teapot without the lid
Holiday tablescape placesetting

More About the Place Settings

The Christmas place settings have a vintage-inspired look, so they appear old-fashioned even though not everything is vintage.

I like using galvanized chargers on the table. They have a rustic feel to them that adds an old-timey vibe. They go well with the pewter goblets.

I’m a fan of using gold flatware in my table settings. It just makes everything feel more festive. But you can switch them out with vintage silverware for a more authentic vintage look.

place setting with red and white transferware

Table Linens to Elevate Your Vintage Christmas Tablescape

When it comes to table linens, I opted for a natural textured runner I found at a Pier 1 Imports store years ago.

To infuse the table with a festive touch, I introduced plaid linen napkins in classic shades of red, green, and white, a wonderful find from HomeGoods.

Tie it all together by adding a charming faux greenery napkin ring to each napkin.

To sprinkle extra holiday magic, I incorporated delightful accents like red berries and dainty Christmas bells onto the napkin rings, ensuring your guests are treated to an extra dose of Christmas charm.

Christmas tablescape using vintage collections

Glassware and Goblets

Another favorite vintage Christmas table setting collection I incorporated into my tablescape was a set of pewter goblets.

Their true vintage status is questionable. They perfectly harmonized with the rest of the table’s holiday vibe, adding a touch of timeless charm to the overall look.

Christmas tablescape using vintage collections

Vintage Christmas Centerpiece Ideas

Mixing metals is quite a trend these days, and that is exactly what I did here. My vintage Christmas tablescape features a mix of pewter, gold silverware, and copper.

I love using copper pieces for vintage Christmas decor, like this pot holding the red poinsettia plant in the center of the table.

ornaments and pomegranate with copper pot

Add Natural Elements to Your Christmas Table

No Christmas centerpiece is truly complete without a natural element or two.

I opted for a beautiful blend of faux garland with berries for my festive table. However, if you’re looking to infuse an authentic touch of nature, fresh greenery from your own backyard would be a great option.

Add pine cones, holly, and evergreen branches for an extra holiday charm.

Don’t underestimate the beauty of seasonal fruits like pomegranates and dried oranges. They effortlessly harmonize with the rest of the Christmas table decor.

I chose a classic poinsettia as the centerpiece, but if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, a mini Christmas tree at the heart of your table would also make a cheery focal point.

Christmas Ornaments are a Great Addition

Consider the timeless charm of vintage Christmas ornaments for even more festive cheer in your holiday tablescape.

Fill a ceramic or dough bowl with your collection of ball ornaments to instantly create an enchanting centerpiece.

You can also scatter a few ornaments here and there across your table, much like I did in creating my own vintage-inspired Christmas tablescape. These ornaments serve as timeless accents that effortlessly elevate the overall holiday ambiance.

vintage Christmas tablescape

More Christmas Table Decorations You Can Use For a Holiday Table

When creating a festive holiday table, the possibilities for decorations are endless.

In addition to traditional elements like candles, garlands, pinecones, and ornaments, consider incorporating charming touches like holiday-themed place card holders, twinkling string lights, or whimsical snow globe centerpieces.

Add textures such as personalized table runners, whimsical tablecloths, or festive napkin rings.

The key is to let your creativity shine, mixing and matching various decorations to craft a holiday table that reflects your unique style and spreads the joy of the season to your guests.

Shop My Holiday Home Decor Favorites

Shop my favorite online holiday home decor items from Christmas trees and stockings to candles and pillows.


napkin ring with greenery, red berries and Christmas bell

Where to Get Vintage Transferware and Ironstone Collections

Antique shops and flea markets are often prime vintage transferware and ironstone destinations.

Online marketplaces and auction websites like eBay and Etsy offer many options, allowing you to explore and purchase pieces from the comfort of your home.

Estate sales and auctions are excellent venues for discovering complete sets or rare pieces. Don’t forget to check with local antique dealers and specialty shops, as they may have unique finds in their possession.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, these sources offer a world of possibilities for acquiring vintage transferware and ironstone collections.

Christmas tablescape using vintage collections

Other Ways to Use Vintage Christmas Decor

Be sure to visit my other Christmas decor blog posts for more ideas on decorating with vintage items.

Christmas Home Tours from Years Past

I hope you’ve enjoyed my dining table, filled with festive touches and holiday spirit. I love using vintage collections in my Christmas tablescape and can’t wait to find more on my next thrifting shopping adventure.

If you have any questions or additional suggestions for creating a gorgeous table, please share them in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with anyone who may enjoy Christmas vintage ideas.

Until next time,

Merry Christmas!

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11 Comments

  1. Kim, I Sooooo love your tablescape. Of course I’m crazy about the red transferware, with the traditional Christmas colors. And that copper pot in the center with Poinsettias is fabulous. I can’t imagine that view at Christmas Dinner. Your cottage always fills me with “cozy”. I hope you’re having a blessed and wonderful Christmas Season.

  2. Beautiful table setting, Kim! Love the mixed metals and those pewter goblets are the bomb! So awesome that we both added red and white transferware to our homes this year. I’ve been loving looking at mine in the hutch. If I find place settings for that kind of price (maybe a church sale in the Spring?), they’re coming home with me. Have a Merry Christmas season, friend!

  3. So so gorgeous Kim – your table is just beautiful! I love all your ideas, and your centerpiece is stunning!!

  4. Kim, your table is stunning! I’m all about old fashion Christmas this year so I am loving everything you used! The transferware is my favorite! Sharing you this week in my Mitten Moments! ❤️

  5. How do you score such great deals?! I’m very jealous. Your transferware is amazing and so perfect on your table. It sets the tone for the most beautiful table. Adore the plaid napkins too. Even the pomegranates mixed with ornaments looks fantastic! You have such a festive attitude in all your decorating. Love your style Kim. Thank you for joining and sharing your collection. I. LOVED. IT!!!

  6. Kim, your holiday table is gorgeous as always. And I can’t believe you scored those dishes for $45. Wow, have fun on the boat and happy holidays!

  7. This tablescape is so beautiful Kim! Gah, I can’t believe you get to have that amazing view every day, what a gift! I love that you used traditional red and green in your home for the holidays this year. It’s something I haven’t done a lot of either but I’ve been seeing it everywhere this season and it’s so pretty. The touches of plaid against your transferware just take it over the top! Sending you lots of hugs and praying everyone that gathers around this table is richly blessed, CoCo

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