Spring time always signals that Easter is coming. Together they’ve both been a favorite time of year for me. Easter means gathering with family and friends and is a time for renewal, celebration, and creating cherished memories. What better way to set the stage for these moments than with a beautifully curated cottage-style tablescape to gather around? I love a pretty table especially a colorful one! Today, I’m thrilled to share how I’ve woven together vintage charm, fresh spring blooms, and a touch of whimsical Easter magic to create a table that’s both inviting and effortlessly with cottage-style elegance. Join me as I explore the art of layering textures, incorporating natural elements, and adding a touch of personal style into your Easter celebration.
A Cottage-Style Easter Welcome
Welcome to my cottage! It’s the place where having people in brings me more happiness than you can imagine. Creating a cottage-style Easter welcome is about more than just setting a table; it’s about crafting an atmosphere of comfort and joy. I use a lot of color in my home and it has helped shape that joy! I’ve gathered a mix of cherished vintage pieces, new spring dishes and accents to create a table setting where memories are made and shared.
From Cabbage to Color: A Vintage Inspiration
Color, give me all the color, and not just at Easter! Although today’s table is focused on Easter, the principles I use when decorating a table can be used for everyday and any occasion. Color is the first thing that sets the mood, and it can transform a simple gathering into something truly special. When I design a table, I always look to see what I have first before I run out and buy anything. Shopping your home is always fun. Who doesn’t like rediscovering treasures you’d forgotten about! If you’re like me and have collected tableware and linens, over the years, you have quite the collection and probably plenty to rediscover.
This year, my inspiration came from a green cabbage my aunt made in her pottery class, probably 50 years ago. My mother gave it to me when she moved and I’m grateful to have this vintage family treasure!
Staples for Everyday and Special Occasions
Creating Visual Interest: Layering Dishes and Linens
Layering doesn’t have to be just for special occasion tables. You can use the concept for everyday tables, too! Even a basic placemat under a simple plate creates a sense of intention, transforming a quick meal into something a little more special.
Mixing Old and New
If you know me, you know I’ve always had a heart for vintage items. From furniture to fun textiles, I love mixing old with new, throughout my home. For me, a truly inviting space – and that definitely includes my tablescapes – comes alive when you artfully weave in those cherished vintage finds alongside fresh, new pieces. It’s like including the past while embracing the present. I have a sentimental heart. So, to me, there’s nothing better than creating a little bit of yesterday, while meeting today to craft something truly unique and full of character.
“If I’m more fortunate than others I need to build a longer table not a taller fence.” – Tamlyn Tomita
The Foundation: Linens and Runners
For this Easter tablescape, I’ve played with a variety of textures to keep things inviting and visually appealing. I purchased this woven bunny and wanted to add more woven texture to the table. Between the natural texture of woven placemats, the lively patterns of colorful napkins, and the sweet detail of a yellow and white ruffled table runner, I had a wonderful assortment of linens and foundational pieces to work with.
Centerpiece Magic
A centerpiece doesn’t have to be elaborate for it to be a statement piece. For my Easter centerpiece, I started with a wooden tray I’ve used many times before and added one of my white pitchers. I love the way fresh flowers look on a special table, however, I completely understand if buying fresh is not in your budget. I recently wrote a post on Bringing the Outdoors In: Fresh and Faux Greenery & Florals. You can see how I use both fresh and faux in my home decorating.
Yellow daffodils, pink peony tulips and some simple greenery filled the pitcher. I added a piece of blue velvet ribbon I had in my ribbon stash, to the handle of the pitcher. Nothing fancy, just another touch of spring color. That woven bunny was all that was needed to finish off the DIY Easter centerpiece. Isn’t he cute?!
A Mix of Charm: Selecting Our Dinnerware
When it came to selecting the dinnerware for our Easter table, I really wanted to embrace that ‘mix of charm’ I adore. So, I reached into my collection and pulled out some sweet, blush-toned pink dishes that I’ve had for many years. They just whisper spring, don’t they? To add a touch of fresh, seasonal whimsy, I couldn’t resist these delightful new cabbage leaf salad plates I recently found. Perfect to blend with my vintage cabbage head.
I bought these pink vintage looking stemware a few years back and love the way they look with my chosen dishes. They remind me so much of depression glass, which I love!
Setting each place, I started with the woven placemats. Next, I added the charming pink dinner plates, topping with the vibrant green cabbage leaf salad plates. The contrast in color and texture felt so fresh and spring-like. To complete the setting, I added a colorfully striped cloth napkin. I alternated the napkin presentation at each place setting, knotting one atop the salad plate and laying the next one flat beside it.
Adding a Whimsical Touch
Who doesn’t like a little whimsy in their life? My aunt who made the cabbage had an open shelf cabinet above her stove that was just full of matching salt and pepper shakers. From an old fashion ringer washer and dryer to various animal shakers, she had them all! I was so taken by her collection and would often ask if I could play with them. That collection sparked my love for the whimsical shaker sets!
I have plenty of seasonal and playful salt and pepper shakers, and to be honest, they are usually very affordable. Just like I did when I was a little girl, I like the unexpected fun they can add to any table. If that isn’t in your wheel house, I suggest investing in a set of shakers that work well with any table setting you create.
I found these pink and green Easter egg shakers and knew I had to have them. They add just the right amount of whimsy and I’m sure my aunt would agree!
Bringing Cottage Charm to Your Easter Celebrations
I hope this glimpse into my Easter table has inspired you to create your own little piece of cottage-style tablescape magic this spring!
Ultimately, bringing cottage charm to your Easter table (or everyday table setting) is about creating a space that feels warm, welcoming, and reflects your own personal style. Don’t feel pressured to achieve perfection; the beauty lies in the thoughtful details and the love you put into creating a special gathering for those you care about. Whether you’re using family pieces, thrifty finds, or a mix of both, embrace the process of table setting and enjoy the joy of sharing a beautiful meal together.
There’s nothing better than time spent together around the table!
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This is STUNNING, Kim!!
LOVE the burst of Spring color and all of the fun dishes. Love the linens, too! Spring is just the best!!
Thank you, Rachel!