Harp Gallery [photo credit: Harp Gallery & New Normal Studios]
SHOP THIS PHOTO: [Table] [Chairs] [Chandelier]
There’s something deeply enchanting about gathering around a table set with pieces that have
witnessed a century of Christmas celebrations. Imagine the stories held within an 1890s
Victorian sideboard that’s displayed holiday feasts for five generations, or the gentle clink of
sterling silver that’s toasted every Christmas since the Roaring Twenties. This is the magic of
entertaining with antique and vintage treasures—each piece carries not just beauty, but the
warm glow of a hundred Christmases past.
At Harp Gallery, we believe that the most memorable holiday gatherings are those where history
meets hospitality, where museum-quality craftsmanship sets the stage for creating new
memories. This season, let us show you how to transform your holiday hosting with the timeless
elegance of antique furniture and vintage dinnerware that have been gracing Christmas tables
for generations.
The Enchantment of Dining at an Antique Table
Picture this: your family and friends gathered around a magnificent Georgian vintage mahogany
dining table that extends to accommodate everyone you love. This isn’t just furniture—it’s a
portal to holidays past, a gathering place that understands the weight and wonder of tradition.
When you host around an antique table, you’re not simply serving dinner; you’re continuing a
legacy of celebration that stretches back through time.
The beauty of antique dining tables lies in their ability to create instant atmosphere. The patina
of aged mahogany, the hand-carved details that catch candlelight, the solid construction that
speaks of an era when furniture was built to last lifetimes—these elements combine to create a
sense of occasion that no contemporary piece can replicate. Your guests feel it the moment they
sit down: this is special. This is where memories are made.
And let’s talk about practicality, because antique doesn’t mean fragile. These tables were
constructed during an era when Sunday dinners for twelve were the norm, when entertaining
large family gatherings was simply part of life. They’re built for it. Many feature ingenious leaf
systems that allow them to expand dramatically—perfect for accommodating that ever-growing
guest list as more loved ones join the celebration. Our expertly restored pieces offer the perfect
marriage of historical beauty and modern functionality.
[photo credit: Harp Gallery & New Normal Studios]
SHOP THIS PHOTO [Tray] [Spoons] [Cups & Saucer] [Tea Pot Set]
Curating Your Holiday China Cabinet: The Art of the Mix
One of the most delightful aspects of vintage entertaining is the art of mixing patterns, eras, and
styles to create a tablescape that’s uniquely yours. Gone are the days when everything had to
match perfectly. Today’s most sophisticated tables embrace the collected, curated look—and
antique and vintage dinnerware makes this approach not just acceptable, but utterly enchanting.
Start with your foundational pieces. Perhaps it’s a set of Victorian-era transferware with delicate
botanical motifs, or Art Deco plates with geometric elegance. Layer in vintage crystal stemware
that catches and reflects every candle flame, creating a magical sparkle across your table. Add
antique silver serving pieces—those substantial, beautifully weighted platters and bowls that
elevate even the simplest dishes to gourmet status.
The beauty of shopping for vintage entertaining pieces? Each item you discover tells its own
story while contributing to your overall aesthetic. That cut crystal punch bowl from the 1920s?
It’s hosted countless New Year’s toasts. Those sterling silver serving spoons? They’ve
presented holiday feasts to grateful families for decades. When you mix these pieces together,
you’re not just setting a table—you’re creating a visual timeline of celebration, a layered
narrative of joy and togetherness.
For inspiration on how collectors and enthusiasts style their vintage table settings, explore the
wealth of ideas on Pinterest’s vintage Christmas table settings boards where thousands of
creative approaches await. From grand Victorian spreads to charming cottage-style gatherings,
you’ll find endless ways to make antique and vintage pieces work for your personal aesthetic.
The Sideboard: Your Holiday Command Center
Every great holiday gathering needs a beautiful and functional staging area, and nothing serves
this purpose quite like an antique sideboard or buffet. These magnificent pieces aren’t just
storage—they’re the unsung heroes of holiday hosting, the command centers from which your
entire celebration flows.
Imagine displaying your feast on a Country French vintage cherry dining set or presenting
appetizers on a carved oak buffet that’s been doing exactly this job since Theodore Roosevelt
was president. The generous surface area provides ample space for serving dishes, while the
built-in storage below keeps extra linens, serving pieces, and all those entertaining essentials
perfectly organized and at hand.
During the holidays, a well-styled sideboard becomes a focal point of beauty and practicality.
Decorate the top with fresh greenery, vintage candlesticks, and perhaps a stunning centerpiece.
Use the surface to display your festive beverages—a beautiful punch bowl, decanters of holiday
spirits, or an elegant coffee service. The drawers below? Perfect for storing all those extra cloth
napkins you’ll need throughout the season, plus serving utensils, candles, and holiday table
linens.
[photo credit: Harp Gallery & New Normal Studios]
SHOP THIS PHOTO [Buffet]
Sterling Silver: The Gleam of Tradition
Is there anything quite as magical as a holiday table set with antique sterling silver? The weight,
the gleam, the way it feels substantial and special in your hand—these details elevate every
meal from ordinary to extraordinary. And contrary to popular belief, antique silver doesn’t have
to be fussy or require hours of polishing before each use.
Start collecting silver serving pieces that will become your holiday signatures. An ornate serving
platter for your main course. Elegant silverplate candlesticks that have illuminated countless
Christmas dinners. Vintage silver sugar and creamer sets for your dessert course. Each piece
adds a layer of sophistication while remaining wonderfully functional.
The patina on antique silver—that soft, mellow glow that develops over decades—is actually
more forgiving than bright, new silver. It doesn’t show fingerprints as readily, and the gentle
aging gives it character and warmth. Plus, there’s something wonderfully sustainable about
using silver that’s been treasured for generations rather than constantly buying new.
Setting the Scene: Linens, Lighting, and Layers
The magic of a vintage-inspired holiday table comes from thoughtful layering. Start with your
table as your canvas—whether it’s a gleaming mahogany surface or a farmhouse oak table
worn smooth by generations of use. Add vintage linens: a lace tablecloth from the Victorian era,
a linen runner with hand-embroidered details, or simply beautiful linen napkins in holiday hues.
Lighting is crucial for creating that enchanted atmosphere. Antique candelabras become
functional art when lit, casting a warm, flickering glow that’s infinitely more flattering and
atmospheric than overhead lighting. Combine tapers of varying heights for drama, and don’t be
afraid to use plenty of candles—there’s no such thing as too much candlelight at a holiday table.
Layer your place settings thoughtfully. Charger plates provide a foundation, topped with your
antique or vintage dinner plates, perhaps a smaller salad plate, and your beautifully folded
napkin. Add vintage napkin rings—anything from ornate silver to whimsical brass pieces shaped
like holly leaves or festive figures. The layering creates depth, richness, and visual interest while
honoring the tradition of formal holiday dining.
The Joy of Vintage Serving Pieces
There’s something deeply satisfying about presenting your holiday feast on serving pieces that
have been doing this exact job for a century or more. That hand-carved wooden bowl that’s
perfect for displaying your salad. The ceramic tureen that keeps soup hot while looking
absolutely stunning on your sideboard. The silver cake stand that elevates your dessert to
centerpiece status.
Vintage serving pieces were designed during an era when presentation mattered, when every
course was an opportunity for beauty. They’re substantial, well-crafted, and often feature details
you simply don’t find in modern pieces—handpainted florals, intricate relief work, maker’s marks
that connect you to master craftspeople of the past.
And practical considerations? Antique ceramics and china were often fired at higher
temperatures than many modern pieces, making them surprisingly durable. Metal serving
pieces—whether silver, pewter, or brass—only grow more beautiful with age and use. These
aren’t precious museum pieces too fragile to touch; they’re working heirlooms meant to be used,
appreciated, and passed down.
The Sustainability of Celebrating with History
There’s also something beautifully sustainable about building your holiday entertaining
collection with antique and vintage pieces. Rather than purchasing new items that may not last
beyond a season or two, you’re investing in pieces that have already proven their durability and
timeless appeal. You’re keeping beautiful craftsmanship in use rather than in a landfill. And
you’re participating in the circular economy of treasured goods.
The antique and vintage lifestyle isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about values. It’s about
choosing quality over quantity, permanence over disposability, and story over sameness. When
you gather your loved ones around an antique table, serving them from vintage china and
toasting with crystal that’s survived multiple generations, you’re making a statement about what
matters: connection, tradition, and the things that last.
Finding Your Perfect Pieces
Building a collection of antique and vintage entertaining pieces is one of life’s great pleasures.
Whether you’re furnishing your first dining room or adding to a collection you’ve been curating
for years, the hunt for the perfect pieces is part of the joy. Visit our YouTube channel to see
behind-the-scenes footage of our restoration process and get inspired by the transformation of
century-old pieces into ready-for-today treasures.
Start with the anchor pieces—your dining table and sideboard. These investment pieces will
serve you for decades (or in the case of antiques, continue serving you as they’ve served
families before you). Then gradually build your collection of chairs, serving pieces, dinnerware,
and accessories. The beauty of collecting is that it’s never finished—there’s always another
stunning piece waiting to be discovered and brought home.
And remember, the holiday season is the perfect time to both use and shop for antique
entertaining pieces. There’s something magical about finding that perfect Victorian serving
platter in early December and knowing it will grace your Christmas table just weeks later,
continuing its century-long tradition of holiday service.
The Community of Vintage Collectors
You’re not alone in your love of vintage and antique entertaining pieces. There’s a thriving
community of collectors and enthusiasts who share tips, finds, and inspiration. The
ThriftStoreHauls Reddit community regularly showcases incredible vintage Christmas finds,
from complete sets of mid-century china to stunning serving pieces discovered at estate sales.
These communities remind us that the joy of collecting and using vintage pieces is shared by
countless others who understand the unique satisfaction of surrounding yourself with beautiful,
historical things.
Your Holiday Table Awaits
This Christmas season, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of dining with history. Whether
you’re hosting an intimate dinner for six at a carved oak extension table or entertaining a crowd
with the help of an elegant buffet that’s served holiday feasts since the Victorian era, antique
and vintage pieces transform good gatherings into unforgettable celebrations.
Visit Harp Gallery’s 20,000-square-foot showroom in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, or explore our
extensive online collection to discover the pieces that will become the foundation of your holiday
traditions. From complete dining room sets to individual serving pieces, from sterling silver to
crystal stemware, we offer expertly restored treasures ready to grace your table this season and
for generations to come.
As you plan your holiday entertaining, remember: the most beautiful tables aren’t necessarily
the newest or most expensive. They’re the ones set with pieces that have stories, that carry the
warmth of history, that connect us to celebrations past while helping us create the memories of
tomorrow. This is the magic of entertaining with antiques—and it’s waiting for you at Harp
Gallery.
Create your own century of Christmas magic. Your table is waiting.
