Take a hop back in time and celebrate Easter with some vintage inspiration. By revisiting some family heirlooms, your Easter or spring party table will evoke memories of a bygone era, when pastels and patterns of vivid color were all the rage. While reorganizing a spare closet a few weeks ago, I came across an almost forgotten collection of antique quilts, lovingly handmade by my predecessors many years ago. The fabrics and stitching of each act as a time capsule, showcasing the most popular and must-have styles of that decade. 
I found myself captivated by one quilt with its insanely bright and bold colors, and fun, whimsical patterns. I assume it dates from somewhere around the late 1940s or early 1950s. It’s easy to imagine its creator, my great-grandmother, digging it out of the linen closet after a cold winter to bring that perfect amount of spring flair to her home. Instantly, filled with nostalgia, I too wanted to use it somehow in my seasonal decor. That being said, it’s time I confess to you that quilts are most certainly not my thing. So, how would I be able to incorporate it? And then, after a short deliberation, I would use it as a tablecloth. Using antique bed linens, given they are properly cleaned, provide a break from mundane table coverings or placemats at special events or parties and add a fun foundation for the rest of the tablescape. 
Layering is somewhat of an important factor when using vintage or antique linens because their size may not provide ample coverage of the table. When choosing the underlying cover for your table, stick to a neutral or basic white fabric. I chose a white chenille bed linen, with just a touch of baby blue that coordinates perfectly with a pair of vintage chairs. The soft, fuzzy texture of the fabric feels like a newly hatched chick or spring blossom. A simple rule of thumb when incorporating vintage or retro pieces into your decor is to try and stick within that era give-or-take ten years. That being said, create a bold statement by grouping together a collection of a particular item. 
For my table, a collection of milk glass vases and bright tea sets with various patterns serve as vessels for a living centerpiece. Small, live plants are a great option for a table in lieu of flowers from a florist. Pick up a flat of your favorite plants at your local nursery; consider buying spring favorites like pansies or even vegetables like cabbages or herbs. Simply remove them from their container, dirt and all, and place directly into the vase. Place a small bit of moss or straw around the plants to hide any of the roots. To protect a fragile or expensive item place a small bit of plastic wrap in the bottom of the container. The effectiveness of other herbs: The recent researches reveal that online viagra overnight the lowering of testosterone level even leads to cancer of the prostate, cardiac disease, and other fatal conditions of health. There are certain enzymes that stops the egg from meeting the sperm inside the uterus. sildenafil tablets 100mg It purchase of levitra improves desire for lovemaking, endurance, and energy. Doctors don’t ignore the possibility of it when couples seek an appointment for male infertility treatment in India at world class hospitals. order discount viagra After your event, plant the living centerpieces directly into your garden. 
Budding branches are also a perfect addition to an Easter or a spring party table. Adding a touch of ethereal height and tiny pops of color. I like to arrange flowering branches into individual containers instead of one large arrangement. Keeping them separate reduces the possibility of a vase toppling over, and appears more natural. Often, flowering branches may have an overpowering and pungent odor. 
A simple remedy for this is to gently remove the stamen with a pair of sharp shears. If an excess of fallen buds is a problem, spray the branches with a light mist of inexpensive hair spray. Keep the branches in an ample amount of water and enjoy them as arrangements around your home for a few weeks. 
Children and adults delight in finding gorgeously adorned eggs in a competitive egg hunt. But Easter eggs are not just for hunting. What could be any more festive than an overflowing basket of eggs on a holiday table? Classic pastel eggs, compliment the colors of the vintage quilt so well. However, one is not limited to just food coloring dye. Some creative mediums for egg adornments could be lace, book pages, costume jewelry, moss, paints of varying color, twine, or even bark just to name a few. 
Baskets overflowing with goodies have long been an Easter staple. Don’t be afraid to combine baskets with more of a classic or formal table. The texture and color of the baskets add a sturdy backdrop for the most fragile elements of a festive table. Overflowing with fresh produce, a reed basket adds a whimsical touch when placed near the table. Almost as though dinner is served in Mr. McGregor’s garden. Keep place settings simple and neutral. 
These Pottery Barn plates in alternating colors work perfectly to offset the bold patterns and colors in the tablescape. Wire, filigree eggs can be filled with candy for guests to take home. Who doesn’t love a take home a treat? Easter day is a time to gather with family and loved ones to celebrate the joys of the spring season so gather some creative elements and have a hopping good time!
Photos by Alice Corkren
