Something I have always wanted, but have never gotten around to adding to my collection is a beautiful set of monogrammed napkins. They have been on my wish list forever and I only wish they had made the cut a long time ago. I met one of my readers, a sweet southern gal- Christine, in Charleston on vacation last summer. After the fact, I found out that she actually owned a monogramming shop with the prettiest linens. We have kept in touch over the last several months because our style definitely coincides! She is a lover of southern hospitality, monograms {of course!}, vintage charm, family, friends, entertaining, chinoiserie...the list goes on. Fast forward to now and here I am styling some of her beautiful dinner napkins. Here you will see me styling them for a Spring occasion to get me ready for Easter- but y'all- I can't wait to pull them out for more occasions throughout the year!
Christine's sweet little shop is called "South of Libbie" which comes from her love of two historic, southern cities- Charleston and Richmond. "Libbie" is from a favorite area of her hometown, Richmond, called Libbie and Grove, with adorable boutiques and historic brick homes. Now that Christine is in Charleston, she is drawn to the South of Broad area that she loves for the gracious homes, cobblestone streets, and sweeping sea breezes. I can't think of a better name for her shop than to combine these two adored, southern cities!
I chose a beautiful navy monogram that reminds me of something I would see in a fine linen shop. Good monograms are hard to find- am I right? I have to say I was so impressed when my box of napkins was delivered. It was so much heavier than I expected, which only meant that the napkins were a wonderful, heavy quality.
Before I delve into the rest of the tablescape I wanted to explain my plan of action! When I started out thinking about the tablescape I wanted to design, I envisioned something really elaborate that I had never done before. It would require some shopping and hunting around for some unique finds...and time! Even though that sounded like fun, the more I thought about it, the more I began to realize I didn't need all of that. And you don't either! I decided something simply elegant with my monogrammed napkins was so much better than a table full of knick knacks that would likely be stored in a cabinet 364 days out of the year.
Here is what I needed...that mostly can be found in my own cabinets:
-fresh linens {tablecloth and monogrammed napkins}
-fresh flowers
-sparkling china and crystal
-napkin rings and silverware
-candles
That's it!
I was more than thrilled with how this tablescape turned out and I know you all can create it at home too. Since Easter is right around the corner, this is a great time to think about how your table will look. I love the elegance and simplicity of it. Enough room for food to be set on the table, yet your guests will be able to appreciate the beautiful table you set for them.
This tablecloth is nothing new. It is actually extremely old- given to us the day after our wedding from my Grandparents. My Grandma explained that she had been given this tablecloth from a family member when she was young, even though she had never had a "C" in her name. It was a passed down tablecloth for generations and she was excited to give it to me...finally a "C" in the family!
Usually I keep my Tobacco Leaf salad plates in the china cabinet, but since I used them on the table I switched in my assortment of Blue Willow dishes.
Our crystal pattern is Waterford Lismore Tall, but I found these Tiffany + Co vintage glasses a week ago for $8. I nearly fell over. They are simply gorgeous with that fluted edge. They remind me of something you would see in an old Hollywood movie...
The monogram napkins totally set off this table. They were the finishing touch that I needed to make it special, and the perfect investment piece to really make your table pop.
One other fun detail is these inexpensive lucite napkin rings. They have a slot where you can put a flower, as I did. I think they would be really cute with a ribbon or sprig of holly at Christmas!
I wanted to share this note from Christine, so you all understand why she loves what she does! "I love to create linen dinner napkins that are high quality, with vintage style monograms that can be passed down for future generations! While I love the vintage and antique, I also love pops of bright colors and you'll find that incorporated through many of my pieces!"
The good news for y'all is that Christine is offering you all 10% off in her shop with code MISSDIXIE10. This expires March 26th, so it gives you just enough time to get your napkins ordered before Easter! And, if you aren't in the market for napkins- you HAVE to check her tea towels. I love these and these ginger jars! They make beautiful gifts for a shower, birthday, Mother's Day, or a treat for yourself!!
find South of Libbie on instagram here
