The holidays are a wonderful time for traditions, and what better way to celebrate than showing you how to create a charming vintage-inspired old-fashioned Christmas table setting! With a few simple touches, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that your guests will love.
Vintage or old-fashioned means something that is from the past, especially from the 20th century. Old-fashioned items are often associated with tradition and I have to say I’m a traditional girl at heart!
The terms “vintage” and “old-fashioned” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Vintage items are typically older and more valuable than old-fashioned items. Old-fashioned items can be new or old, but they are typically associated with a particular style or era.

Vintage-Inspired Old Fashion Table Decor Items
Here’s a rundown of the vintage-inspired pieces I incorporated into this table decor. I utilized items I already had, making it easy to blend and combine for a classic, old-fashioned table arrangement. If you are lacking any of the items I have listed below, feel free to substitute with something similar.
- Real or faux greenery
- Multiple candles
- Homemade orange slices or garland
- Plaid table runner or cloth
- Boxwood wreaths
- Vintage dishes
- Neutral chargers
- Holiday pillows
My Vintage-Inspired Old Fashion Table Setting
First things first! To begin creating your vintage-inspired table setting, start by clearing off your table, ensuring it’s completely free of any unnecessary clutter or items. This allows for a clean canvas to work with and makes it easier to visualize the placement of your tableware, centerpieces, and decorations. Once you’ve cleaned the surface, you can begin arranging all your pretty items to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing setup perfect for your holiday dinner.

Table Runner
Table linens, such as tablecloths, runners, placemats, and napkins, are essential elements to the overall aesthetic and ambiance of a table setting. They not only protect the table but also add texture, color, and style.
For this tablescape, I really wanted to use a plaid table cloth or runner, however, I don’t own any. Wanting to use what I had, I found a large plaid scarf that was the perfect length.
I can’t be the only one who has ever used a scarf in place of a table runner, can I?!

Centerpiece & Accessories
I have a few different faux greenery arrangements that I have collected over the years. It seems as the old ones go out, new ones arrive. Does that ever happen with you? Anyway, I have an older centerpiece that I wanted to use, but it needed a little something to give it new life.
I decided to try my hand at drying oranges. If you’ve never dried them, I show you how easy it is in my post How to Make Dried Orange Slices for Christmas Decorations. Once they were finished, I knew I had found the perfect touch for my old and tired centerpiece.
Candlesticks are a great addition to any decor space. For this Christmas table, I used brass and red wooden ones to round-out the centerpiece on my table.
Old Fashion Christmas Dishes & Linens
Are you a fan of transferware? Do you own any yourself? I happen to love it!
There are so many great colors and patterns to choose from. You can always find great prices on transferware at vintage markets or your local thrift stores. I scored these Johnson Bros. dishes entitled “The Friendly Village”, at a local antique fair. They were the perfect choice for my vintage-inspired old fashion Christmas table setting.
Aren’t they pretty?!
I paired them wicker charges, some neutral striped napkins, and clear stemware. I’ve used all these items in many other tablescapes.

Pillows and Wreaths
My dining table is a large farm table and it has benches on either side. At each end of the table, I have pretty side chairs. Throughout the year, I keep a seasonal pillow on them to match the current theme on my table. It’s an inexpensive way to get a different look and it makes the table look a little more dressed.
This year, I added some vintage Christmas plaid and a small boxwood wreaths, to the back of each chair. Another simple change that makes a big impact.


How to Create a Charming Vintage-Inspired Old-Fashioned Christmas Table
Creating a charming vintage-inspired old-fashioned Christmas table is a great way to add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your holiday season. With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful tablescape that your friends and family will remember!
Most importantly, have fun and be creative! There are no rules when it comes to creating a vintage-inspired Christmas table. The most important thing is to choose elements that you love and that will make your guests feel happy and festive.
One last thing, if you’re looking for some vintage Christmas tree ornaments, check out my post on How to Make Easy Vintage Ornaments.
I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration for creating your own charming vintage-inspired old-fashioned Christmas table.
Have a wonderful holiday season!

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A beautiful vintage inspired table, Kim.
Thanks so much, Tammy!
Oh I love the idea of using a scarf as a runner. As I also have the Friendly Village I may be stealing this idea!
I’m so glad I have inspired you! Have a great day!
Love all the vintage details!
Kim, your table is so gorgeous. I am obsessed with those plates!! Pinned.
Your table is so pretty, Kim. Bring on Christmas. Blessings to you.
Thank you, Renae!