Classic spring easter table setting with layered vintage and new tableware, pink linens, crystal glassware, and floral centerpiece

A Beautiful Easter Table: How to Set a Classic Spring Easter Table

An Easter Table Set with Intention

In the South, there isn’t a great thaw of ice and snow at the end of winter. Our spring thaw is more of a metaphysical one. We are starved for the changing angles of the sun after months of darkness searching for signs of spring: velvety buds, chartreuse sprouts, and fervent birdsong. Winter may keep us indoors, cocooned in thick blankets, but when spring arrives, we are liberated from the imprisonment of cold and darkness.

As a culture, Southerners aren’t solitary people. Warmer temperatures and longer days in spring give us opportunities to show hospitality and connect with others. Naturally, when Easter arrives, it’s an occasion to reunite with our friends and family around the Easter table to share a meal.

Easter is the perfect time to set the table with a mixture of new and collected pieces. Your Easter table setting can be planned beautifully by layering thrifted, collected, and new elements. Here’s how to build a layered, classic Easter table using a mix of things you already own, and perhaps a few new additions.

Easter table setting with vintage rabbit dinnerware, pink napkins, gold flatware, and spring floral centerpiece
A classic Easter table layered with vintage rabbit dinnerware, soft spring linens, and a gathered floral centerpiece.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Start with a Foundation You Love

Spring gives us our greatest inspiration with soft pastel colors, new life, and warmer temperatures. The first step in creating a beautiful design is to consider your foundation, the tablecloth. The tablecloth sets the color palette and anchors the rest of the table.

When choosing a tablecloth for Easter, consider one that is neutral or one that brings in soft, seasonal colors. Choose a tablecloth that can be used for multiple occasions, not just one day.

The Easter table setting in this article uses a classic William Morris design, Sweet Briar. This pattern brings in soft pinks and greens on a cream background with occasional brown accents. These colors, reminiscent of spring, will be incorporated throughout the rest of the table setting.

Layering Pieces for a Collected, Timeless Look

After selecting a tablecloth, consider ways to create a layered look on the Easter table. Layering pieces over the tablecloth creates visual interest and depth to the design.

Layered easter table place setting with woven placemat, charger, rabbit dinner plate, pink napkin, and gold flatware
Layering a placemat, charger, and patterned plate creates depth and gives an Easter table setting a collected feel.

Layers can be achieved in many ways. Take inspiration from the colors and textures in the tablecloth and begin to build each place setting with intention.

I’ve selected a woven placemat, which adds texture and pulls in color found in the tablecloth. On top of each placemat, I layered an off-white charger. The off-white color creates a soft contrast to highlight the next layer. Finally, on top of the charger sits the focal point plate. These Spode Woodland Rabbit dinner plates are a classic design. The colors from the plate pick up colors from the previous layers, especially our tablecloth. Creamy white, pink, soft green, and chocolate brown; the color palette is cohesive from our base to the top plate.

Consider using elements for each layer of the place setting that have varying textures and tones. Doing so will create a visually interesting space at the table that makes each guest feel special sitting in front of it.

How to Mix Vintage and New Without It Feeling Disjointed

Often a collected table setting feels much more interesting than one where everything has been purchased all at once. Using pieces collected over time feels polished and approachable.

When shopping, keep in mind colors and materials that work well throughout the year. For this Easter table setting, gold flatware was purchased in an online auction years ago. The gold brings in a warm tone on the table that reflects the temperatures of spring, but it can also be used at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The off-white chargers were recently found at a thrift store for one dollar each. These were fabulous finds because they can be used in endless scenarios throughout the year.

The woven placemats were purchased many years ago on clearance, and it’s wonderful that they pick up the same color found in the tablecloth, which was purchased new this year.

The soft pink napkins were new this year and selected specifically to bring the pink from the flowers on the tablecloth to another layer of the place setting.

Each of these pieces, new, found and old, tie to each other to create a cohesive design.

Choosing Glassware That Feels Special But Practical

Don’t be afraid to integrate everyday pieces into your Easter table setting. Pink drinking glasses repeat the pink found in the tablecloth and dinner napkins. If your everyday pieces complement your tablescape, by all means, use them.

Glassware is another opportunity to layer pieces that you have found, collected, or purchased new. Clear Godinger crystal wine glasses pair with pink drinking glasses to create a subtle seasonal layer.

Easter table setting with crystal wine glasses, pink water glasses, and a lit taper candle centerpiece
Mixing crystal and colored glassware adds warmth and interest to a classic Easter table.

When mixing glass styles on the table, be sure the styles work well with each other and the other elements being used so that the tone is cohesive. Often glassware styles can be bridged with other pieces. Clear glass candlesticks with pink taper candles unite the pink and clear drinkware on the table.

Adding Simple Easter Touches Without Overdoing It

Nearly everything in this tablescape design is versatile. The tablecloth, napkins, and items in the plate stack could be used anytime in spring or even for Mother’s Day. Adding a few restrained touches to the table can show that it’s Easter without overwhelming the design.

Easter table setting detail with rabbit place card, gold flatware, pink napkin, and vintage-style dinner plate
Simple seasonal details, like a rabbit place setting, add charm without overwhelming the table.

In this case, simple die-cut paper rabbit decorations are placed under each knife and spoon. These simple touches can be discarded after the meal. Understated elements effortlessly communicate the occasion without cluttering the design.

Let the Flowers Be Effortless

Flowers for the Easter table don’t need to be elaborate. Often, something from the yard in a simple vase is enough. For this table, branches from an Eastern Red Bud tree were cut to bloom indoors. The pink flowers reflect the shades of pink used throughout the tablescape.

Spring easter table centerpiece with white hydrangeas, flowering branches, and pink taper candle
A simple spring centerpiece with seasonal branches and soft blooms brings height and movement to the table.

I’ll be sharing more about spring arrangements and using branches in next week’s article.

A Simple Formula for Your Own Easter Table

If you’re not sure where to begin, or you’re overwhelmed with planning a special Easter table setting, here are a few simple steps that you can use to recreate this look in your own home.

  1. Start with a soft base – Select a tablecloth or runner that gives you a strong foundation and inspiration to layer other elements on top.
  2. Layer texture – At each place setting, use pieces like placemats, chargers, and different sizes of plates to create a beautiful scene in front of every guest.
  3. Mix one vintage element – A collected piece that tells a story brings character and depth to your Easter table. Try using a vintage deviled egg plate, candlesticks, or silver tray to bring some character to the table.
  4. Repeat a color – This Easter table setting uses pink, green, cream, and brown in various ways. Let the colors in your tablecloth or feature plate guide the color palette that repeats on your table.
  5. Add one seasonal detail – Keep your Easter table setting enjoyable and classic. Too much holiday décor can visually clutter the table. Choose one seasonal detail to take the focus.
  6. Finish with simple flowers – Flowers are synonymous with spring. Whether you purchase a simple bouquet from the grocery store, or you cut a bunch of daffodils from the yard, simple flowers are the perfect touch for your Easter table.

A Table Meant to Be Lived In

While it is satisfying to see a well-laid Easter table, the goal is to gather with friends and family around the table for a meal. The Easter table is more than a lovely work of art to fill a dining room. It’s meant to be used and lived in. Each person seated at the table should be considered more precious than the items used to decorate it.

When you’re planning your Easter table setting, consider how each guest will feel seated at your table. It’s important to make sure everyone feels comfortable and relaxed enough to want to come back.

If you’re looking for help with your Easter menu while you’re planning your tablescape, check out this article on the Southern Easter menu.

In Closing

The thing about a collected design style is that it takes time. Your table doesn’t need to be perfect to invite others in. While a beautifully set table is a nice thing to have, those gathered around it will remember the food, laughter, and love most of all.

Don’t wait until you have the perfect pieces to create a place for laughter to linger.

Happy Easter!

Abby SmolarskyLeave a comment
Southern Easter dinner ideas featuring traditional holiday dishes like ham, deviled eggs, potato salad, ambrosia, and pineapple cake.

The Southern Easter Menu: Classic Southern Easter Recipes for a Traditional Holiday Meal

A Classic Southern Easter Menu

Easter is one of the most celebrated days of the year in the South. For weeks beforehand, mothers will have been busy curating their family’s church attire: Little boys in seersucker john-johns, girls in white patent leather Mary Janes and lace gloves, fathers in their madras bowties, and mothers in their newest dresses. The whole family will be looking their best at church on Easter Sunday.

While church is the main event at Easter, lunch afterwards is a very close second. Dining room tables across the South will be set with nearly identical dishes that make up a traditional Southern Easter menu. Easter is another reminder of how Southern culture gathers around the table. From the big city to the town with no stoplight, you can believe that these dishes will appear year after year.

A glazed ham anchors the table, while dishes like deviled eggs, potato salad, and ambrosia appear almost by tradition every year. Are there variations? Of course there are. In my own home, we prefer homemade chicken salad on croissant rolls instead of ham. A lighter meal can still feel festive and familiar.

These tried-and-true dishes delight everyone at the table, from the youngest family members to the young-at-heart. While every family may have small variations, most Southern Easter menus share a familiar collection of dishes.

Southern Easter menu with traditional holiday dishes including ham, deviled eggs, potato salad, ambrosia, pineapple cake, and sweet tea.
A Southern Easter menu filled with traditional dishes often served across the South.

The Centerpiece: A Glazed Easter Ham

Brown sugar glazed ham served for Easter dinner
A glazed ham is the traditional centerpiece of many Southern Easter tables.

Ham is traditionally the main dish served on Easter. At first glance, it may seem like a big undertaking to prepare one. However, many families will bake the ham ahead of time. Baking the ham the day before makes meal preparation easier when families return home from church.

Try this Southern Easter recipe for ham: Southern Living Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham

Southern Potato Salad

Classic Southern potato salad with mustard and eggs
Southern potato salad is a must-have side dish for Easter and spring gatherings.

Southern potato salad isn’t reserved for Easter alone. You can find it on the table at nearly every Southern gathering. Potato salad perfectly complements ham, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Southern potato salad is different from other potato salads with the addition of a few ingredients:

  • Mustard – Yellow prepared mustard is included in the salad dressing.
  • Eggs – Chopped hard-boiled eggs are added.
  • Relish – Either sweet or dill pickle relish is included, according to preference.
  • Mayonnaise – Southern potato salad has a mayonnaise-based dressing, instead of a vinegar and oil base found in other parts of the country.

Pro Tip: The flavor of potato salad improves when it’s chilled overnight. Try making it the day before!

Looking for a potato salad recipe for your Southern Easter menu? Try this one by Grits & Pinecones.

Deviled Eggs

deviled eggs garnished with paprika
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer on Southern Easter tables.

While ham may be the star of the Easter table, the deviled eggs will be the first thing completely eaten. Deviled eggs are an extremely popular appetizer and side dish in the South. So much so, that a crystal deviled egg plate is usually placed on a bride’s wedding registry.

Easter is the perfect time of year to make these due to the tradition of dyeing Easter eggs. Making deviled eggs is the perfect way to use up leftover eggs.

Deviled eggs don’t have to be boring. There are many ways to get creative with this Southern Easter recipe. Try some of these fun add-ins:

  • Chopped bacon
  • Caviar
  • Chives
  • Pickled onions
  • Smoked paprika, instead of regular

Check out this deviled egg recipe that I shared in a previous article, which shows how you can change the deviled egg color by using a little beet juice before you cut them.

Ambrosia

Traditional Southern ambrosia fruit salad with coconut
Ambrosia is a nostalgic Southern dish often served during holidays and family gatherings.

The word ambrosia means food of the gods. And my goodness, it sure tastes heavenly. Of all of the foods on our Southern Easter menu, ambrosia may be the most controversial. (Is it a salad or a dessert? What is the best recipe?)

Ambrosia is a nostalgic Southern fruit salad. It typically includes canned mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, coconut, and marshmallows. From there, we begin to see that there are many versions, each family passing down their favorite. As I tell my family, “There are many versions of ambrosia out there, but mine is the right one.”

Here’s the recipe I use in my Southern Easter menu.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic Southern dessert. The brown sugar and pineapple found in this cake complement the brown sugar and pineapple used in other dishes on our Southern Easter menu.

Like many of the other dishes on our menu, pineapple upside-down cake is a bit nostalgic, maybe even a little retro. It’s always fun to flip the pan and reveal the cake right-side-up.

Pro Tip: Traditionally pineapple upside-down cake is prepared in a cast iron skillet in the oven. However, it’s easily adapted to cook in many forms, like a 9 x 13” rectangular pan, round pans, or even cupcakes.

Want to add this Southern Easter recipe to your menu? Here’s a great version from Southern Living.

Sweet Tea and Lemonade

Southern sweet tea and lemonade served in glasses
Sweet tea and lemonade are refreshing beverages perfect for Easter gatherings.

In the South it’s standard to have at least two beverages available for the dining table at Easter: sweet tea and lemonade. It’s not unusual for family members of all ages to have sweet tea with their meal, but for those avoiding caffeine, lemonade is a great option.

Here are some easy recipes for each:

Pro tip: If you aren’t familiar with Southern sweet tea, there’s one important step that sometimes gets missed. It’s crucial to add the sugar while the tea is still hot. Adding sugar to cold tea creates a different drink entirely, and not necessarily one that Southerners want.

Preparing a Southern Easter Menu Ahead of Time

Something that everything on our Easter menu has in common is that it can be prepared ahead of time. Chances are that families will be returning home to eat after a hectic morning getting ready for church. Family members could even be meeting them there to share the meal. Preparing your recipes ahead of time will make for a more relaxing Easter afternoon.

If you’re planning your table setting too, you can find more ideas in my Easter table article.

In Closing

This Easter, I hope you take the time to start or continue a tradition with your family or friends. Perhaps you share a potluck meal where each person brings a dish, or maybe your family has favorite foods that appear on the table year after year. Whether you follow a traditional Southern Easter menu or serve something entirely your own, I hope your table is filled with good food, love, and laughter.

Happy Easter

Abby Smolarsky1 Comment
jars of zesty pickled carrots with jalapeño slices on a kitchen counter

Zesty Pickled Carrots (Easy Refrigerator Pickle Recipe)

Last summer I shared my favorite refrigerator pickle recipe with you. The truth of the matter is that my family loves all kinds of pickles. By popular request, today I’m sharing my zesty pickled carrot recipe with you for the first time.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Why we love Zesty Pickled Carrots

It may surprise you to know that when I met Mr. Belle Antiquarian, he was an extremely picky eater. I, on the other hand, will eat almost anything. Being the youngest of four, I knew that I couldn’t afford to be picky or the other kids would eat my share, too. And so our marriage began; him eating almost nothing, and me enjoying it all.

Over the course of our marriage, my husband has come a long way in his willingness to try, and even enjoy, different kinds of foods. So when he enjoyed my zesty pickled carrot recipe, it quickly became a regular in our food rotation.

These zesty refrigerator pickled carrots are crisp, bright, and lightly spicy with garlic, black peppercorns, and fresh jalapeno. They are easy to make in under 15 minutes and develop even more flavor after a day in the refrigerator.

In Southern kitchens, quick refrigerator pickles have long been a simple way to add brightness to a meal; crisp vegetables, a tangy brine, and a little patience in the refrigerator are all it takes.

peeled whole carrots and carrot peels on a cutting board preparing to make pickled carrots
Fresh carrots are peeled and cut into sticks before being packed into jars.

Key Ingredients

These pickled carrots are made with similar ingredients as my cucumber refrigerator pickles, with a few changes. Once you make them, you’ll want to keep a few ingredients on hand so that you make them easily any time you get a hankering for a batch:

carrot sticks, sliced jalapeños, garlic, and peppercorns for zesty pickled carrots
Carrots, jalapeño, garlic, and whole peppercorns give these pickles their bright flavor.
  • Whole, Unpeeled Carrots: Don’t try to take a shortcut by using peeled baby carrots. Those are treated with a solution to prevent them from going bad, and it also prevents them from absorbing the pickling brine. I buy whole carrots in a bag from Aldi or Costco, and it only takes a few seconds to get them peeled and cut into sticks.
  • Jalapeno: This may be the one ingredient that keeps people from even trying this recipe. I don’t know the science behind why, maybe it’s the sugar, but we’ve never had a batch of these carrots come out spicy – just zesty with depth of flavor from the jalapeno. Use half or remove the seeds if you’re worried about the heat.
  • Fresh Garlic: not jarred garlic; fresh.
  • Whole Peppercorns: Ground pepper isn’t going to work for this. You need whole peppercorns.
  • Salt: Whatever kind you like. I happened to use pink Himalayan salt in mine.
  • Sugar
  • Vinegar
  • Water
pouring hot pickling brine into jars of carrots and jalapeños
A simple hot vinegar brine transforms fresh carrots into crisp refrigerator pickles.

Tips and Variations

Once you get the hang of this brine for the zesty pickled carrots, you may want to start experimenting with pickling other things. We frequently use this brine to pickle fresh asparagus. In the spring when you can find thicker stalks of asparagus, it’s the perfect time to make some zesty pickles. Red onions are another favorite pickled veggie at our house.

This recipe will make one quart-sized jar of zesty refrigerator pickles. Since these aren’t shelf stable, and they’ll only be kept in the fridge, you can use an old (cleaned) spaghetti sauce jar to make your pickles if you don’t have a canning jar.

Not sure if you have the supplies you need to make zesty pickled carrots? I’ve linked the very basic essentials to help you get started on my LTK, click HERE.

jars of homemade refrigerator pickled carrots with fresh jalapeño slices
After a day in the refrigerator, the carrots become tangy, crisp, and full of flavor.

How to Store Zesty Pickled Carrots

These pickles must be kept in the refrigerator, and they’ll last for up to one month. For the best flavor, allow them to chill for at least 24 hours before eating them. If you can wait 2-3 days, they’ll taste even better.

What to serve them with

Most of the time these zesty pickled carrots get eaten straight from the jar when we’re feeling a little peckish. They’re so good that they only last a couple of days before they’re gone. However, these would go well as a side dish for a casual sandwich lunch or light dinner. I would also happily serve them as a cocktail hour appetizer.

How to Make Zesty Pickled Carrots

Making zesty pickled carrots is surprisingly simple. Fresh carrots are packed into a jar with garlic, peppercorns, and sliced jalapeno, then covered with a hot vinegar brine. After a day in the refrigerator, the carrots become crisp, tangy, and full of flavor.

jars of zesty pickled carrots with jalapeño slices on a kitchen counter
Abby Smolarsky

Zesty Pickled Carrots

These zesty refrigerator pickled carrots are crisp, bright, and lightly spicy with garlic, black peppercorns, and fresh jalapeño. They are easy to make in under 15 minutes and develop even more flavor after a day in the refrigerator.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
  • 1 small jalapeno, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup sugar, adjust to taste
  • 1 Tbsp sea salt, kosher salt, or pickling salt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp whole black peppercorns

Equipment

  • 1 Quart sized glass jar with lid
  • Saucepan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Pack the carrots tightly into a clean, sealable glass jar, leaving about ½ inch headspace at the top. Trim carrot sticks as needed to fit your jar.
  2. Add the minced garlic, black peppercorns, and jalapeno slices to the jar, distributing them evenly around the carrots.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
  5. Carefully pour the hot brine over the carrots until they are fulling submerged. Leave about ¼ inch headspace at the top of the jar.
  6. Allow the jar to cool completely at room temperature, then seal with a lid and place in the refrigerator.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating. Flavor improves after 2 to 3 days.

Notes

  • These carrots are refrigerator pickles and are not shelf stable. Store in the refrigerator and keep the carrots submerged in the brine. They will keep for up to one month.
  • Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeno slices or removing the seeds for milder heat.
  • You can use this brine recipe for all sorts of pickled vegetables. I also like to use it with pickled asparagus and red onions.
  • Failure to let the jars cool completely before refrigerating them can result in the glass cracking due to rapid temperature changes. You don’t want to clean up a brine-y mess in the refrigerator – let them cool!
Zesty pickled carrots in mason jars with jalapeño slices, an easy refrigerator pickled carrot recipe
Crisp, garlicky zesty pickled carrots made with fresh carrots, jalapeño, and a simple vinegar brine. This easy refrigerator pickle recipe comes together in minutes and develops even more flavor overnight. A bright, tangy addition to sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or a Southern lunch plate.

Abby SmolarskyLeave a comment
Simple Valentine’s Day decor in a kitchen using red transferware, fresh flowers, and small seasonal accents.

Simple Valentine’s Day Decor: 4 Ways to Decorate Without Clutter

Just as the Christmas décor is boxed up and put away until next year, I start to see photos and videos reminding me that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I’ve been enjoying the clean counters and empty corners after months of seeing all my beloved Christmas treasures in every room. If you’re like me, and you’re ready for a break from visual overload, you will find these tips for simple Valentine’s Day décor helpful.

Today I’m sharing four ways that you can affordably decorate for Valentine’s Day without cluttering your space or overwhelming your senses.

This article may include affiliate links, which help support Belle Antiquarian at no additional cost to you.

Simple Valentine’s Day decor in a kitchen using red transferware, fresh flowers, and small seasonal accents.
A collected kitchen makes seasonal decorating feel effortless and unfussy.

Color

The easiest way to decorate for Valentine’s Day without spending a lot of money on décor is to introduce everyday items in typical Valentine’s colors. I like to “shop” my house for anything red, pink, or white.

Simple Valentine’s Day decor on a mantel using framed family photos, red books, and a vintage Valentine garland.
Gathered red books paired with a wedding photo create a simple Valentine’s Day scene.

Once you’ve gathered items you already own in Valentine’s colors, you can create little vignettes throughout your home that subtly nod to Valentine’s Day without being over the top or spending a lot of money. Here are a few examples of creating simple Valentine’s Day décor by shopping your house for color:

  • A stack of red books with a pink candle
  • A pink photo frame next to your child’s red baby shoes
  • A stack of red and white transferware plates tied with pink velvet or lace ribbon

Using items you already own and love in Valentine’s Day colors is an easy way to decorate without a big shopping trip for junk you’ll only use once.

Pattern

Often patterns in table linens, decorative pillows, and bed linens can be used for multiple seasons and holidays. If you are shopping for Valentine’s Day décor items, and you want to be able to use them in various ways, here are a few patterns worth looking for:

  • Red and white gingham
  • Red ticking stripe
  • Pink or red florals
Simple Valentine’s Day decor using red transferware plates tied with ribbon and styled with candles on a tabletop.
Everyday red and white fabrics evoke a Valentine’s Day feeling when paired with red and white transferware dishes.

A red and white gingham tablecloth can be reused for 4th of July or a game-day tailgate. Red ticking stripe fabric can also be used in Christmas vignettes. Keep in mind which fabrics and patterns can be used in a variety of ways throughout the year.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for fabric that can be used in a variety of ways, steer clear  of anything with hearts on it.

Easy Swaps

One of the easiest ways to update your décor for different holidays and seasons is to have a few things that get swapped out seasonally.

In my living room, I invested in some nice down pillows. Instead of buying new throw pillows each season, I simply swap out the pillow covers in a seasonally festive color.

In the fall I used pillow covers in a rusted pumpkin color. During Christmas I used a pine green color. I recently swapped out my pillow covers for a light pink color that will work well for both Valentine’s Day and Easter. Pillow covers are much easier to store than full sized pillows, and they cost a lot less.

Simple Valentine’s Day decor in a living room using soft pink pillows layered with a vintage quilt.
Soft color swaps are one of the easiest ways to decorate for a holiday.

Another idea to easily swap out décor is to use a coordinating set of small picture frames. I found a beautiful set of four gold gallery frames for my mantel. For Valentine’s Day, I can either use images from a vintage children’s book or vintage Valentine’s Day cards in each frame. For Easter, I will easily swap these out for little rabbit or egg pictures.

Pro Tip: If the images are thin enough, they can be stored behind each other in frame. Otherwise, just keep an envelope of images in a drawer to easily reuse and swap out.

Use Fresh Flowers or Fruit

If you’re overwhelmed by how many bins for holiday decorations you have, and you truly want to decorate with something that won’t take up any storage space, then I recommend using fresh flowers and fruit.

Pink and red carnations, along with some baby’s breath, clearly signal that you’re decorating for Valentine’s Day. Dragon fruit and strawberries also look lovely on a counter near Valentine’s Day.

Don’t be afraid to browse your local produce section to see what you can use in your home this year.

Pro Tip: A vintage berry bowl or red transferware filled with red produce is beautiful at this time of year. Elevate it even further as décor by placing the bowl on top of a vintage silver tray.

Simple Valentine’s Day decor using red carnations in a white pitcher styled beneath vintage red transferware plates.
Fresh flowers and everyday pieces are often all it takes to decorate for the season.

Seasonal Decorating, Simplified

It’s easy to feel burned out when every season calls for a full overhaul. Allowing your home to rest, with less clutter and décor, often makes it easier to imagine what comes next.

Whether your reason is to save money or storage space, live more sustainably, or give your home a rest, I hope you find these ideas for Valentine’s Day décor helpful.

Simple Valentine’s Day decor featuring a pink candle in a vintage teacup styled with red transferware plates.
A pink candle in a red transferware teacup is an easy way to decorate for Valentine’s Day without spending money on new decor.

This year Belle Antiquarian has plans to bring you new, creative ideas for home décor, gardening, Southern recipes, and travel. Be sure to use the box below to subscribe to our latest articles. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LTK.

More Valentine’s Articles from Belle Antiquarian

Abby SmolarskyLeave a comment
Exterior view of The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, on a clear winter day.

Christmas in Asheville: A Weekend Travel Guide

This article contains affiliate links. I may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Christmas in Asheville

There’s something especially magical about Christmas in Asheville, where mountain views, historic landmarks, and timeless traditions come together in the most memorable way.

Woman standing in front of a large Christmas tree in the Great Hall of The Omni Grove Park Inn.
The Great Hall at the Grove Park Inn feels magical during the holidays.

My family has a long connection with Asheville, North Carolina. My parents were married there back in the 1960s, and my husband and I have enjoyed traveling there many times over the years. The one time of year that we hadn’t traveled there before was during the Christmas holidays. And since my husband is a lover of all things Christmas, I planned a special weekend getaway to experience all things Christmas in Asheville.

In this article I’m sharing a flexible weekend itinerary focused on two iconic Asheville Christmas stops: The Omni Grove Park Inn and Biltmore Estate. You’ll also find some additional ideas if you have a third day in this charming mountain city. If you’re looking for things to do at Christmas in Asheville, North Carolina, this guide is for you.

Day One: Christmas at The Omni Grove Park Inn

The Grove Park Inn is an Asheville, North Carolina institution. Whether you are spending Christmas in Asheville or you’re traveling during another season, this historic hotel is worth a stop.

The Omni Grove Park Inn was built in 1913 from mountain stone in an unmistakable Arts and Crafts style. Pulling into the drive towards the grand entrance, it’s easy to see why families love spending the holidays here.

View from the Grove Park Inn Sunset Terrace overlooking the mountains and Asheville skyline.
The Sunset Terrace offers one of the best views in Asheville.

As beautiful as the hotel is, it’s the holidays that take center stage during the Christmas season. The Omni Grove Park Inn belongs on every Christmas in Asheville itinerary.

The Gingerbread House Competition

Gingerbread sculpture of a woodland cottage with mice and greenery, displayed at the Grove Park Inn.
Each entry is completely unique, showcasing unbelievable talent.
Gingerbread display featuring a whimsical Christmas scene at the Grove Park Inn competition.
One of many creative gingerbread masterpieces on display at the Grove Park Inn.
Detailed gingerbread creation of a circus-themed design at the Grove Park Inn gingerbread competition.
The National Gingerbread Competition features incredible, highly detailed edible art.

The Omni Grove Park Inn held its first gingerbread competition in 1992. Since then, it’s grown into a nationally recognized event featured in coverage by The Food Network, The Travel Channel, and Good Morning America.

The National Gingerbread Competition has been on our bucket list for years. The craftsmanship and creativity were even more impressive in person. We were amazed at the creations on display, and we’re already planning to go back again sometime.

A few things to know about The National Gingerbread Competition at The Grove Park Inn before you go:

  • Viewing of the gingerbread houses is open to the public during specific hours. Check the hotel website to see what those hours are. If you’re guest at the hotel and would like to view the houses during a slower time, look to see when the viewing isn’t open to the public.
  • The gingerbread houses are displayed in four different areas of the hotel. Be sure to view all four areas; you’ll be amazed at the skill level from all age groups.
  • Be sure to try the signature annual Gingerbread Ale, a collaboration between Highland Brewing Company and OGPI. You can find it, along with hot chocolate, at The Great Gingerbread House located in the Great Hall.

Where to Wander Inside the Hotel

There’s a lot more to do at The Omni Grove Park Inn after you’ve seen the gingerbread houses. Find a comfortable seat in the Great Hall at one of the enormous fireplaces. If you’d like, you can order food and drinks to be delivered to your fireside seat.

Be sure to wander to Sunset Terrace for an unparalleled view of the mountains and downtown Asheville while the sun sets. You can also choose to order a cocktail here and enjoy the outdoor heaters for a memorable evening. (We also loved drinking our morning coffee on Sunset Terrace.)

Elevate Your Visit

The Omni Grove Park Inn is renowned for its golf, spa, and dining facilities. We highly recommend booking spa services when you make your reservation, as spots fill up quickly. The spa is a 43,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, and spa treatments will give the recipient all-day access to the facility.

There are more than half a dozen dining options available at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Everything from a market to breakfast buffet and fine dining is available. Reservations for breakfast are not required, but they are highly recommended at one of the restaurants serving dinner.

Pro Tips:

We like to stay in the original portion of the hotel. Although the hotel prides itself on being quiet in guest room areas, we find the original portion of the hotel to be especially quiet and relaxing. Staying in the original portion, you’ll be taken up in an old-style elevator operated 24 hours a day by an elevator operator.

Before you leave, be sure to stop by Seasons, a Christmas shop, to purchase a souvenir Christmas ornament to commemorate your Christmas in Asheville experience at The Omni Grove Park Inn. We selected an ornament that depicts the hotel as a gingerbread house.

Day Two: Candlelight Christmas at Biltmore Estate

The Magic of the Candlelight Christmas Evening Tour

I’ve been to Biltmore many times since I was a child, and my husband and I have also been there several times together. However, we’ve never experienced such a magical Biltmore experience as we did at our Candlelight Christmas Evening Tour.

Approaching Biltmore at night, there’s an immense tree sparkling with Christmas lights. The paths leading up to the house are lined with glowing luminarias, and the imposing architecture of the house is highlighted with spotlights.

Night view of the Biltmore Estate illuminated with Christmas lights and a large outdoor Christmas tree.
The Biltmore Estate shines brightest during the Candlelight Christmas Evening.

After entering the house, we were pleasantly surprised to find a live choir singing traditional carols in the Winter Garden. As we made our way through the house tour, each room was decadently decorated with Christmas décor. Fireplaces and candles were lit throughout the house, casting magical glows throughout the tour.

Biltmore Estate library decorated for Christmas with garlands, red velvet chairs, and a lit Christmas tree.
The Biltmore Library glows during the Candlelight Christmas Evening tour.

The ambiance of the Candlelight Christmas Tour felt more refined than a daytime visit. The other guests during our ticket time were mostly adults. The few children that were present were a little older, and they were nicely behaved for the atmosphere.

Overall, this is a definite “must see” stop for your Christmas in Asheville weekend.

Couple standing inside the Biltmore Estate during the Candlelight Christmas Evening, surrounded by festive holiday decorations.
A special moment during Biltmore’s Candlelight Christmas Evening.

Extra Experiences Included with Your Ticket

All the regular Biltmore experiences are still included with your Candlelight Christmas Tour ticket. You have two options for using the full value of your Candlelight Christmas Evening ticket.

The first option is to enter the Biltmore grounds earlier in the day to visit Antler Hill Village, the winery (free wine tasting tour), the gardens, and the conservatory. You’ll want to make sure that you are done with all the other activities well before your ticket time.

The second option is to arrive at Biltmore one hour prior to your candlelight tour. On the day after your tour, you can use your ticket to re-enter the estate to take advantage of the other activities included in your ticket during the day.

Pro Tip: Don’t Miss These Spots for Photos

  • The Banquet Hall
  • The Grand Staircase
  • Tree-lined exteriors
  • The Conservatory (holiday greenery)

If You Have Another Day: Explore Downtown Asheville

If you have a third day to explore during your Christmas in Asheville getaway, you’ll want to explore downtown Asheville and Biltmore Village.

Corner Kitchen restaurant in Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village on a sunny winter day.
A charming spot for breakfast or lunch in Biltmore Village.

Antique Shopping in Asheville

Here are a few must-stop antique shops in the Biltmore Village area:

Pro Tip: A Non-Antique Shop Worth the Stop

Lexington Glassworks is a definite place to stop during your Christmas in Asheville weekend. According to their website, they’re a premier glassblowing gallery and studio. The public is invited to view the artists at work 6 days a week.

Where to Eat: A Curated Mix of Asheville Favorites

Asheville’s dining scene shines during the holidays, with everything from elegant dinner options to cozy local favorites. Be sure to make reservations, even for brunch and lunch options.

For Special Dinners

Local Favorites

Sweet Treats, Coffee, or Cocoa

What to Wear for an Asheville Christmas Getaway

Planning your wardrobe takes a little consideration for your Christmas in Asheville getaway. Due to the mountain elevation, temperatures are significantly cooler than surrounding cities. As I mentioned above, the ambiance at the Biltmore candlelight tour was a little more elevated than a daytime tour. We saw many guests wearing suits and dresses. (I still recommend comfortable shoes because there is a great deal of walking.) In addition, The Omni Grove Park Inn requests “resort casual attire.”

I’m linking a few appropriate pieces for your weekend if you’re attending the same events that we did.

Collage of three Christmas in Asheville outfit ideas showing clothing and accessories for the Grove Park Inn gingerbread houses, the Biltmore Candlelight Christmas Evening, and a day of shopping and antiquing. Includes plaid tops, dress pants, outerwear, sweaters, jeans, boots, handbags, and winter accessories.
What to Wear for Christmas in Asheville: Three polished, comfortable looks for the Grove Park Inn, Biltmore’s Candlelight Christmas Evening, and a day of shopping and antiquing.

The following section includes my personal referral link.

How I Booked My Trip Using Capital One Miles

One of my favorite things to share with others is how to travel affordably. Thanks to our Capital One Venture Card benefits, our stay at The Omni Grove Park Inn was completely free. That’s right, $0.00.

Our Capital One Venture card gives us an annual $300 travel credit, which we combined with a few travel eraser points. We earn 2x on everyday purchases, so this is our favorite card to use. (We pay off our cards every month to participate responsibly in using points to travel.)

The Capital One Venture card was perfect for our Christmas in Asheville weekend trip because we were able to redeem points for our stay when booking through the travel portal, and we earned additional points for our next stay.

If you’d like to learn more about the Capital One Venture card so that you can take advantage of these rewards, click HERE for my unique referral link.

Why Christmas in Asheville Is Worth the Trip

Whether you’re a kid, or a kid at heart, Christmas is a magical time of year. Traveling to Asheville, North Carolina is easy from several large cities throughout the southeast. An easy two-hour drive from our home in North Georgia meant that we could make the most of our time exploring this scenic mountain setting.

Iconic holiday traditions like gingerbread houses and candlelight tours make for memorable Christmas experiences. If you read my previous article about keeping the Christmas magic alive when your kids are grown, The Omni Grove Park Inn is the perfect destination for holiday family get togethers for families traveling from different areas. If you want to experience Christmas in Asheville with both The Omni Grove Park Inn and the Candlelight Christmas Evening Tour at Biltmore, be sure to plan well in advance as rooms and tickets tend to sell out quickly. With iconic holiday traditions and unforgettable mountain scenery, Christmas in Asheville is a trip worth planning year after year.

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Finished customized Costco Christmas wreath decorated with magnolia, cedar, pinecones, berries, and a plaid bow on a black door

How to Beautifully Customize a Costco Christmas Wreath

Customize a Costco Christmas Wreath

There’s a day I look forward to every holiday season – the day that the fresh Costco Christmas wreaths arrive in the store. We’ve used artificial Christmas trees in our home for years, but I’ve held onto the tradition of buying fresh Christmas wreaths.

The smell of fresh evergreen branches instantly transports me back to my childhood. My family enjoys the charm of fresh greenery at Christmas as well, and the Costco Christmas wreath is an easy way to bring a bit of holiday joy into our home.

The only thing I don’t love about the Costco Christmas wreath is that because they’re so popular, every house on the street has an identical wreath on the door. Years ago, I decided to “hack” the wreaths and customize them. I wanted a unique wreath that reflected my style. Since the wreaths are so affordable (just $19.99), I began to create a unique wreath unlike anyone else’s.

I have shared a version of this idea in past years, but I wanted to create a more detailed guide for those of you who love simple holiday projects. If you would like to look back at my earlier wreath tutorial, you can find it HERE.

This article contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you purchase items through my links, at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Belle Antiquarian.

Costco Christmas wreath before customization with pinecones, berries, and evergreen branches
The wreath straight from Costco before any customization.

Tools and Supplies

There are a few basic tools and supplies that you’ll need to transform your Costco Christmas wreath. When you have the right tools for the job, it will make it easier and more enjoyable.

When I go out onto our property to gather magnolia and holly stems, I always use a pair of strong pruners to make a clean cut. These stems are thick, and using a quality pair of pruners or snips ensures that the plant isn’t damaged when you make the cut.

In order to attach items to your wreath, you’ll need some floral wire, floral tape, and pine wired stems. Along with those things, you’ll need some scissors and wire cutters.

The last items you’ll need are whatever embellishments you decide to include. These can be things like ribbon, premade bows or sashes, bells, or artificial floral picks.

You can find my favorites linked HERE or by clicking on the image below.

Pro tip: Avoid using hot glue to attach items to your wreath. Hot glue doesn’t adhere well over time to fresh greenery. If your wreath will be outdoors, temperature fluctuations make the glue unstable. In addition, hot glue can be more visible than other methods like floral wire and floral tape.

Pinterest graphic titled Customize a Costco Christmas Wreath with all supplies linked, featuring a fresh wreath with pinecones and a red bow.
Click the image to shop my favorite supplies.

Fresh Greenery for Added Texture and Fullness

Sometimes more is more, and that’s my philosophy when customizing my Costco Christmas wreath. The first thing I do whenever I customize a fresh wreath is to see what’s available outdoors. Using natural elements gathered from your yard is not only affordable, but it adds a touch of natural elegance.

During the holiday season, I can find magnolia and holly branches, as well as camellia stems growing on our property. If you don’t have those available to you, chances are that you have pine, spruce, or even Leyland cypress growing nearby. Using different types of greenery to customize a fresh Christmas wreath will layer a variety of textures and shades of green, which creates a luxurious quality.  

When choosing which greenery to add to your Costco wreath, consider things like fragrance and longevity. For example, using olive branches and rosemary adds a layer of scent to the fragrant evergreens already included in the Costco Christmas wreath. In addition to that, be sure to consider selections that won’t wilt in a few days. You’ll want your wreath to appear fresh for weeks throughout the holiday season.

When taking clippings from your yard, be sure to prune small amounts from different areas. You don’t want to misshape the plant or make the yard look untidy. Cutting too much from one area could damage the plant.

Magnolia leaves and holly branches in a basket for customizing a Costco Christmas wreath
Gathered magnolia and holly from the yard add natural charm to a fresh wreath.

Natural Accents That Bring Warmth and Southern Charm

The next step to consider when you customize a fresh wreath are natural wreath decorations. These might be things that you forage from your yard, or they could also be purchased.

If you’ve seen other Costco Christmas wreaths that I’ve customized in the past, you might’ve noticed that each wreath includes pheasant feathers. Here’s a little secret: those are the same pheasant feathers in every one of the wreaths. I purchased a bag of pheasant feathers about fifteen years ago, and I carefully remove them each year to use them again and again.

This year I have included some Magnolia seed pods in my natural wreath decorations. I pruned the seed pods from my Magnolia trees and allowed them to dry. I used them in multiple ways this fall, and now I have wired them into my wreath.

In the past, I used dried orange slices in my wreaths. If you would like to dry your own orange slices at home, I have a simple step-by-step tutorial you can follow. It adds the loveliest touch of old-fashioned charm to your wreath. CLICK HERE for the dried orange tutorial.

Magnolia seed pods, pheasant feathers, and pinecones used to customize a Costco Christmas wreath
Magnolia seed pods, pheasant feathers, and pinecones make beautiful natural accents for a fresh Christmas wreath.

Other items that would look beautiful added to your wreath include:

  • Sweetgum pods
  • Eucalyptus pods
  • Acorns
  • Cedar berries
  • Cotton bolls

Pro tips: Elevate your foraged items with some gold or glitter spray paint. Dried oranges sprayed with glitter or acorns painted gold create festive accents for your wreath. Create a cluster of pheasant feathers by using floral tape around the ends before wiring them into your wreath.

Close-up of customized Costco Christmas wreath with magnolia leaves, holly, berries, pinecones, and pheasant feathers
A close look at the magnolia, holly, and pheasant feather accents that make this Costco Christmas wreath feel collected and personal.

Affordable Add-Ins From the Craft Store or Online

When I customize a fresh wreath, I tend to use what I can find and forage from the outdoors. But don’t miss out on your chance to get creative with embellishments you can find at your local craft store or online. Using quality artificial embellishments can create a designer look that fits your personality.

If you don’t have natural elements in your outdoor space that can be added to your wreath, you can purchase faux greenery and stems. Look for faux magnolia, berries, and even eucalyptus with realistic qualities.

In addition to natural looking items, you can customize your Costco Christmas wreath with a variety of holiday picks and decorative accents. Using your floral wire, attach things like mini ornaments or floral picks with gift boxes on them to create a holiday look. Faux pomegranates and pears are also lovely holiday-themed items to include.

Other items to consider are metallic stems, small bells, velvet poinsettias.

Finishing Touches That Define Your Style

Finished customized Costco Christmas wreath decorated with magnolia, cedar, pinecones, berries, and a plaid bow on a black door
The finished wreath, created with magnolia, cedar, pinecones, berries, and a classic plaid bow.

The last thing you’ll need before you start to customize a fresh wreath is your finishing touch. It’s important to know whether you’ll be hanging your wreath outdoors or indoors. If your wreath is outdoors, you’ll want to know if it’s covered or uncovered.

Once you know where your wreath will be hanging, it’s time to select your finishing touch. Your finishing touch can be a premade bow or a bow that you make yourself. It could be a bow made of velvet, plaid, or even burlap ribbon.

If a bow isn’t the look you’re going for, you may want to consider a simple ribbon tied with long tails trailing. I also love the look of a wreath sash, which can be customized with your monogram and used year after year.

When considering your bow, ribbon, or sash there are a few things to consider. Select something that is in the same scale as your wreath. You don’t want a tiny bow or sash on a big wreath, because it won’t look right. If you’re making your own bow, select a ribbon width that matches the proportions of your wreath.

If your wreath is going to be outdoors, especially if it’s uncovered, choose a bow or ribbon that can withstand the elements. Wired ribbon tends to be better in this case, as it will hold its shape against the weather.

Simple Steps to Transform Your Costco Wreath

Watch the wreath come to life in this short video.

Now that you’ve gathered all the materials that you’ll need to customize your Costco Christmas wreath, it’s time to get started!

  1. Inspect your wreath. If you notice any broken or loose branches, use your floral wire to reattach or tighten them to the wreath frame.
  2. Lay out your materials. Group the items you’ll be adding to your wreath by natural and artificial materials. Lay all your tools in one area. Precut wire so that you have it ready to use.
  3. Start with the largest greenery. Always insert items into your wreath in the same direction. Look at your original wreath and notice if the greenery has been created going clockwise or counterclockwise. Add your stems (and everything else) in the same direction that the original wreath is going. Wire stems like magnolia and cedar into the wreath. This may require longer pieces of wire that can reach to the back of the wreath frame for stability.
  4. Add medium-sized greenery. Look for spaces in your wreath that you can fill with things like holly, camellia, and rosemary. These stems can often be wired to existing stems in the wreath instead of the wreath frame on the back. Layer these under existing greenery and wire them in a way that hides the wire and the ends.
  5. Insert your character pieces. Always add items in odd numbers. It’s more pleasing to the eye when we see things in groups of 3 or 5. Since these items are closer to the surface of the wreath, I like to use alternate between regular floral wire and pine wired garland ties, depending on whether the wire can be seen or not.
  6. Step back and evaluate your wreath. Make sure that items are evenly distributed around the wreath. One side shouldn’t have more added than the other side. If you need to add or remove things, do so now. You’ll also want to check for any visible floral wire. Either reposition branches to hide wires or use your wire cutters to trim it down.
  7. Add your finishing touch. Once your wreath meets your satisfaction, it’s time to attach your bow, ribbon, or sash. Ribbons and sashes can be tied directly around your wreath. A bow can be attached using your floral wire. The most common placements are top-center and bottom-center, but slightly-off center can be charming as well.

Ideas for Styling Your Customized Costco Wreath

If you’re interested in customizing a Costco Christmas wreath, but you’re overwhelmed with the options, try starting with a theme. Here are a few themes to get you started:

  • Southern Traditional – A Southern Traditional wreath will use elements easily gathered from the Southern outdoors, like Magnolia and cedar. Other elements that would be integrated into this theme include pheasant feathers and velvet ribbon.
  • Classic Christmas – This wreath uses traditional Christmas elements used in many Christmas decorations. Holly, berries, pinecones, and plaid bows will create a wreath that fits this theme.
  • Natural Woodland – For this theme, integrate a mixture of forest gatherings like pine, juniper, and acorns with rustic elements like tiny bells and twine.
  • Minimalist – If you want to customize your wreath but still keep it simple, try using a mixture of olive branches, bay leaves, and linen ribbon.
  • Festive and Bright – This wreath will be colorful and cheerful. Customize your Costco Christmas wreath with faux berries, a satin bow, and glittery ornaments.

Care Tips for a Fresh Christmas Wreath

You’ve taken a lot of care to create a beautiful Christmas wreath, so you’ll want it to last all season long. Wreaths that are outdoors will last longer in a covered area where they’ll be out of direct sun and strong weather conditions.

Give your wreath a light misting every few days to refresh the greenery and prevent it from drying out too quickly. Check for loose pieces after wind or rain and re-secure them using floral wire.

After the season is over, use wire cutters to remove elements like pheasant feathers and artificial stems that can be reused. Once you’re sure they’re dry and free from debris, store them in a bin for next year’s wreath.

In Closing

Costco Christmas wreaths are beautiful just as they come. But there’s something charming about taking a cookie-cutter decoration and making it personal. This is one of the most affordable Christmas crafts that you can find. I’ve researched prices online and in-person, and you won’t find another lush wreath like Costco’s this affordably.

I encourage you to explore nature or even your craft bin with spare bits. Use what you have on hand and express your creativity to customize a Christmas wreath that’s one-of-a-kind. I hope you feel inspired to create our own customized Costco Christmas wreath and enjoy the beauty it brings all season long.

Explore More from This Series

If you enjoyed this article on holiday traditions, we invite you to explore more from the series. Each article in this series celebrates the beauty of Southern living through the seasons. You can find the full collection on the homepage under Home for the Holidays: A Southern Season of Charm.

Pin this for Later

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Abby Smolarsky4 Comments
Christmas stockings hanging on a decorated mantel with greenery, bells, and handmade holiday details in a cozy home setting.

Keep the Holiday Magic Alive: Traditions for Every Age

When my kids were small, it seemed like the chaos of December would never end. There were classroom parties, letters to Santa, reindeer food, and late-night baking – all to keep the holiday magic alive for them. The truth is that the years slip by, and suddenly little ones who once tore into wrapping paper have grown, live in their own homes, and are building their own lives.

I’ve never been the type of mom that thought my job was done when the kids were grown. It turns out that I really like the people I raised, and I love spending time with them. So now, I look for new ways to keep the holiday magic alive by creating fresh traditions we can share as adults.

A group of children sitting with an adult during a Christmas gathering, wearing pajamas and costumes, capturing a warm vintage holiday memory.

Can you remember what you did the December you were ten years old? I can’t, and I’m willing to bet that you can’t either. We can’t rely on the magic of Christmas from childhood to provide a lifetime of memories. We need to continually fill the memory banks of our family, so that they’ll have memories to draw from later.

Relationships are built on shared experiences, and if we don’t have any shared experiences, relationships drift apart.

This article contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases—at no additional cost to you.

Now that my husband and I have been empty nesters for three years, we’ve learned there were things that no one prepared us for. Something we didn’t anticipate was how strange it would be the first time one of our kids wasn’t home on Christmas morning.

That day there was a missing piece of our family puzzle, and we didn’t feel complete for the rest of the day. After that Christmas, we knew that we needed to start planning holidays differently to intentionally create traditions filled with joy for our adult children. We would keep the holiday magic alive to carry us through until the next time we’d all be together again.

If I had to give one recommendation for parents of grown children, it would be that you must be flexible. We have raised these kids to be successful, independent people making their own way through the world. In doing so, they will create their own lives separate from ours. When they start families of their own, they’ll build new traditions, and that’s something to celebrate.

A young family standing beside a decorated Christmas tree, holding a toddler and smiling together during a holiday moment.
The years go by faster than we expect. I’m grateful for every season we’ve shared.

What does it look like to be flexible?

The main way you can be flexible is with the dates that you gather to celebrate the holidays. The holidays can be just as magical, if not more so, even when they’re celebrated on another day. When you’re flexible, your grown kids don’t have to rush off, and they’ll actually want to come.

Another way to be adaptable is letting go of the traditions from their childhood. Gathering around the Christmas tree to open gifts left by Santa was an experience that you got to enjoy when your kids were small. Once grown, that is something for them to experience with their significant other and their own children. This gives us an exciting opportunity to create new traditions! Instead of insisting on your kids being there Christmas morning, why not dedicate one day each year to baking, an ornament or PJ swap, or even Christmas themed games?

We can keep the holiday magic alive by focusing on joyful connections, rather than keeping exact dates and reenacting Christmas scenes from their childhood. Happy shared experiences create happy relationships.

Tips: Christmas fun can happen anytime during the holidays. Draw names and swap holiday pajamas early so they can be worn all season.

Young Adults Starting Your Own Traditions

One thing that I’ve learned from my grown kids is that they still want to have fun. This is especially true for college aged kids and young adults in their 20s. They still want to keep the holiday magic alive throughout the season.

If you fall into the young adult category and find yourself missing a bit of the holiday magic, start small. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • A dessert potluck between lunch and dinner or an ornament exchange at Thanksgiving can bring everyone together without overwhelming anyone.
  • If you don’t live close to family, don’t be afraid to ask friends if they want to get together for something festive. A hot chocolate bar, with everyone bringing a different topping, is a fun and inexpensive way to get together. If you’re looking for an inexpensive holiday activity with friends, driving around and looking at Christmas lights is a great idea.
  • If you’re worried about being alone on the holidays, try reaching out to hospitals or nursing homes to see if they need any volunteers.

Traditions are what connect us and give us a sense of belonging. They don’t have to be elaborate, Instagram-worthy spectacles. They’re simply moments that we repeat with intention with the people we care about.

If you’re young, don’t be intimidated by planning a holiday get together. You don’t have to create a perfect gathering to create a sense of belonging. People just want to be seen and included, and that can be done by simply inviting others in. You can be the one to keep the holiday magic alive for those around you.

Tips: For an extra element of fun, invite guests to bring a Christmas mug to swap at a hot chocolate bar. For a dessert potluck, provide to-go containers so guests can exchange leftovers to take home.

Holiday Game Night gift ideas featuring Christmas-themed games for families and friends — Belle Antiquarian.
Holiday Game Night: A festive, easy way to gather friends or family for laughter and connection.
Holiday hot chocolate bar setup with festive mugs, toppings, and cocoa tins — Belle Antiquarian.
Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar: A cozy tradition that brings everyone together for warmth, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia.
Family Christmas pajama exchange ideas featuring cozy flannel sets, slippers, and gifts for all ages — Belle Antiquarian.
Holiday Pajama Exchange: A timeless way to start the season early with matching sets and cozy memories.

Presence over Perfection

Whether you’re an empty nester or you’ve just flown the nest yourself, we all really want the same thing. We yearn to stay connected and belong to a circle of people who share joyful experiences and traditions during the holidays. Kids from two to ninety-two appreciate when others go out of their way to keep the holiday magic alive.

This year, think about ways that you can create new, meaningful ways to connect with the ones you love. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Gifts don’t have to be exchanged. What matters is that you’re present with the ones you love at a happy, enjoyable gathering.

In Closing

When I was a kid, we used to do this thing called, “Remember when.” When we were driving down the road or sitting around the table, one of us would say, “remember when,” and we would then proceed to tell the story about something that had happened. The stories we usually told involved all of us doing or experiencing something together. We could collectively remember and relive this experience through the re-telling of the story.

This holiday season I encourage you to create some experiences that will one day be “remember whens.” The holidays have always been less about what’s under the tree and more about who’s around it. Keep filling the memory banks. One day, those small, ordinary gatherings will be the treasures that tell your family’s story.

Children dressed in angel and nativity costumes during a Christmas pageant, standing together on stage in a warm vintage holiday scene.
I grew up in a season of simple Christmas programs and handmade costumes. These are the memories that stay with us.

Explore More From this Series

If you enjoyed this article on holiday traditions, we invite you to explore more from the series. Each article in this series celebrates the beauty of Southern living through the seasons. You can find the full collection on the homepage under Home for the Holidays: A Southern Season of Charm.

Thank you for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirming your subscription.

Abby Smolarsky4 Comments
Vintage Thanksgiving table with turkey plates, fall flowers, and amber glassware on a rust-colored tablecloth.

Set a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table with Vintage Turkey Dishes

As I walked around our dining room, setting the Thanksgiving table with vintage turkey dishes, I find myself thinking about the moments yet to come. I smooth the linen tablecloth before placing the next plate down, and I am filled with joy just thinking that my family will soon gather together for Thanksgiving. There’s something special about preparing for the people you love. I’m looking forward to the time we’ll spend time over the Thanksgiving meal catching up with each other’s lives, sharing memories from the past, and talking about our plans for the future.

The plate in front of each person around the table will be filled with our favorite foods: turkey, cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, and green beans. For a time, we won’t even be able to see the decorations on the plate. As the meal progresses, we’ll talk and we eat our food, and the familiar turkey design will reappear.

These plates hold more than the food on Thanksgiving. Years from now, the sight of them will help us to remember the memories of people we cherish and the times we spent together over a special meal.

This article contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases—at no additional cost to you.

Woman holding a vintage Johnson Brothers turkey plate in a Southern dining room decorated for Thanksgiving.
Sharing a favorite from my collection: Johnson Brothers “His Majesty” Thanksgiving china.

The Heart of a Southern Table

Years ago, I found a nearly complete set of vintage turkey dishes at an estate sale. The set was “His Majesty” by Johnson Brothers, and as soon as I saw it, I knew that I wasn’t going to leave the estate sale without it. I spent my entire budget that day to get the set.

Each year since that estate sale, we set our Thanksgiving table with vintage turkey dishes. Yes, they’re festive. But more than that, they’ve become part of our family’s story.

Maybe your family doesn’t set your Thanksgiving table with vintage turkey dishes. Every home has its own heirlooms, whether passed down or recently found. I would guess that there is something that returns to your table each year, whether it’s a familiar platter, a pie dish, or even a favorite casserole pan.

Southern dining room decorated for Thanksgiving with vintage turkey plates, plate wall, and warm candlelight.
A view of the dining room, where vintage and heirloom pieces set the scene for Thanksgiving dinner.

The History and Charm of Turkey China

Thanksgiving has been observed in the United States since the 1600s. It’s interesting to note that sometimes Thanksgiving was observed more than once in a year, and other times it didn’t even occur in autumn.

After Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, English potteries like Spode and Mason’s began designing special china patterns for the American table, each featuring the proud bird itself.

Hundreds of years before disposable dinner plates began to appear at Thanksgiving gatherings, families were setting their tables with special Thanksgiving china to celebrate their special meal. Traditional Thanksgiving turkey plates endure in popularity even today for the nostalgia they carry and the way they link us to generations who gathered before us.

I wonder if those old English potteries every imagined that turkey dishes would adorn so many American Thanksgiving tables.

How to Set a Heritage-Inspired Table

We often plan the Thanksgiving food well in advance, but neglect to plan how we’ll set the table until it’s time to eat. With a little planning, this can be a simple and enjoyable task that creates a special experience for your guests.

When it’s time to dress the table, here’s how I make it easy but memorable:

  • Start with a Foundation: Choose a tablecloth made of quality materials in a neutral color. Doing so will give you a tablecloth that will last for multiple occasions for years to come. A neutral color will work for different holidays, and it will let the china patterns shine.
  • Layer with Meaning: Consider using a mixture of new and vintage pieces for balance. We want to use and enjoy our vintage pieces, but we don’t want to create an uncomfortable “museum” atmosphere for our guests. If you haven’t found vintage pieces you like or that fit your budget, think about using new pieces that echo vintage motifs, such as transferware-inspired borders or classic harvest scenes. Many of the vintage Thanksgiving turkey patterns are still produced today.
Product collage featuring Johnson Brothers His Majesty turkey plate, pewter charger, tortoise flatware, amber glassware, plaid napkins, and silver turkey serving bowl.
Mixing heirloom china with timeless textures and warm metals creates a collected Southern Thanksgiving table.
  • Bring in Seasonal Touches: Look to nature for ways to make your Thanksgiving table festive. Even when we’re on a budget, nature often gives us just what we need to decorate. Magnolia stems, pears, and dried hydrangeas are traditional Southern accents that can be easily found outdoors. Creating a special table doesn’t have to be about perfection. We can tell a story with gathered and found objects as well.
  • Blend Collections Gracefully: If you’re just starting your turkey plate collection, you may not have a full set of dinnerware to use yet. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your plates with solid dishes. If you have different partial sets, it can also be lovely to use them together.
Product collage showing gold chargers, brown vintage turkey plate, amber glass, wood candlesticks, brown linens, and gold turkey napkin rings.
A classic Thanksgiving table with golden tones, wood accents, and vintage turkey china for a timeless holiday look.

If you’d like to see how I’ve styled our Thanksgiving table through the years, you can revisit two earlier tables I’ve shared. Each one tells a different story:

Thanksgiving place setting with Johnson Brothers turkey plate, plum napkin, gold flatware, and amber glass.
A close-up of a Thanksgiving place setting layered with gold flatware, plum linen, and vintage turkey china.

A Table that Tells a Story

Every good Southerner knows how to spin a tale, and the pieces on our table become conversation starters. The table becomes a living scrapbook with items collected over the years. Perhaps your forks were passed down from a great aunt, or you found your plates on a cross-country road trip. Regardless of its origins, each piece holds a memory worth sharing.

People often tell me things like, “I wish my family did that growing up” or “We never did that at our house.” I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late.

Maybe it’s time for your family to write a new story. We forge new traditions with our families and loved ones by both honoring our heritage and the people present at our tables now. Every tradition starts somewhere; sometimes all it takes is a single plate.

Overhead view of Thanksgiving table with vintage turkey dishes, floral centerpiece, and amber glassware.
An overhead view of the Thanksgiving table layered with vintage plates, gathered florals, and family traditions.

In Closing

The truth about Thanksgiving is that the turkey is usually in the oven longer than it is on the table. Long after the last slice of pie is eaten, the memory of the table and the stories told around it are what propel us forward as a family.

The beauty of a Southern home is that we are united by what endures. The secret is that we get to choose what endures. I hope you’ll take this Thanksgiving as an opportunity to begin a new tradition or continue an old one with love and intention.

Explore More From this Series

If you enjoyed this article on setting your Thanksgiving table with vintage turkey dishes, we invite you to explore more from the series. Each article in this series celebrates the beauty of Southern living through the seasons. You can find the full collection on the homepage under Home for the Holidays: A Southern Season of Charm.

Abby Smolarsky2 Comments
Elegant banner image reading “How to Create a Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement,” featuring orange pumpkins and green botanical accents on a soft cream background.

How to Create a Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement

As an empty nester, I cherish the moments when my family gathers for the holidays. I love decorating our home in meaningful ways, and today I’m sharing how I create a Thanksgiving floral arrangement to make the table feel special.

Over the years we normally had Thanksgiving at home, just the four of us. My husband worked nights and weekends in law enforcement, and he usually only had a few hours on Thanksgiving to sit down with us for a meal.

We didn’t always have fancy heirloom plates or crystal wine glasses. For many years, the most treasured Thanksgiving decorations on the table were placemats that the kids made and brought home from school. During the early years, Thanksgiving simply meant the parade on TV, the smell of onions and celery softening in butter, and the sound of kids playing a board game together while they waited to eat.

Now that they’re older, I’ve started creating a special Thanksgiving floral arrangement to decorate our table. Last year, I shared an arrangement filled with warm fall tones and garden greenery. This season, I’m changing things up a bit and walking you through each step so you can create one, too.

Flowers have a way of making the table feel special, whether it’s set for two or twelve. When my kids come home for Thanksgiving, they share in the excitement of the season. Not only do they enjoy eating the familiar Thanksgiving food that they love, but they can also tell that I’ve gone out of my way to make the table special, just for them.

If you’d like to share some flowers on your table this Thanksgiving, here are the steps you’ll want to take.

This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon and LTK affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Step One: Choose Your Vessel

The first thing I like to do when I’m creating a Thanksgiving floral arrangement is to think about what kind of vase or vessel I’ll be using. If the floral arrangement is going to be in the center of the table while we’re eating our Thanksgiving meal, then I’ll select a container that creates a profile that is low enough to be able to see each other’s faces while talking. On the other hand, if the flowers are going to be on a sideboard or entryway, then I might pick something taller to create more of a vertical look.

In my case, I’m creating a floral arrangement for the center of the Thanksgiving table, so I’m going to select something that looks nice in proportion with the length of the table, but it won’t inhibit the conversations.

Another thing to consider when choosing the vessel for your Thanksgiving floral arrangement is whether it suits the occasion. There are many ways to use ordinary objects and turn them into something beautiful to hold your flowers. Things like ironstone tureens, transferware bowls, or vintage silver pieces can be just the right thing to set a festive tone for a table setting with Southern and heirloom aesthetics. Don’t be afraid to repurpose containers in creative ways; they often make the most charming vases.

Vintage silver bowl used as a vessel for a Thanksgiving floral arrangement, sitting on a marble countertop in soft autumn light.
A vintage silver bowl makes a beautiful vessel for a Thanksgiving floral arrangement.

Vessels to consider: Low compotes, ironstone tureens, transferware bowls, vintage silver pieces, or even dough bowls lined with floral foam

Step Two: Build the Foundation

After you have selected your container, the next step is to build the foundation for your floral arrangement. I want to make sure my flowers stay in the positions I’ve arranged them in. In order for them to do this, I’ll use something inside the vessel to secure them. There are a few options to secure your flowers, and the most common are floral foam, chicken wire, or a flower frog. Some people even make a grid over the container by using clear tape. By using one of these methods, the Thanksgiving floral arrangement will be given structure and stability. This is especially important if the flowers are on a table that’s in a busy area or has a lot of movement around it.

Green floral foam soaking in a clear plastic container of water, preparing the base for a Thanksgiving floral arrangement.
Soak floral foam before arranging to help flowers stay fresh longer.

Before I start adding my greenery and flowers, I also want to think about water. You can make your floral arrangements a few days before your Thanksgiving meal, but you’ll want to make sure to take some steps to keep it looking fresh. Some flowers will prefer the water to be very clean. In that case, you’ll need to gently drain and refill the water every other day. If the water looks cloudy, it’s best to drain and refill it.

Other arrangements will have flowers that are “heavy drinkers.” You can simply use a watering can with a narrow spout like the one I use to refill the water in the container as needed. Be sure to check on the water often to prevent the flowers from dying before Thanksgiving Day.

Here are a few of my favorite things to use when I’m arranging flowers. I’m including everything from my favorite containers to my favorite floral snips. Click the image to shop these exact items in my LTK.

Graphic showing Belle Antiquarian’s favorite floral arranging tools and supplies, including vessels, floral snips, wire frogs, and floral foam, styled on a neutral gingham background.
My go-to floral arranging tools and supplies for creating timeless, garden-inspired arrangements.

Three: Select Seasonal Greenery

A lot of people ask me how to get their flowers to look like the ones created by a florist. One of the secrets to a beautiful Thanksgiving floral arrangement is the greenery. After we select our vessel and consider the foundation, the next step is to start adding greenery. For a truly Southern table, greenery often does the heavy lifting.

In the South we’re lucky to have a lot of greenery in our yards that is suitable for flower arrangements. Magnolia and camellia stems are beautiful and easy to find. I’ve also used boxwood and cedar cuttings in my arrangements. If you’re lucky enough to have autumn ferns in your yard, they make a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving floral arrangements.

When you’re thinking about which greenery to use, don’t be afraid to use more than one kind. Some greenery has matte leaves, and others are glossy. Some have big, wide leaves, and others have feathery tips. Layering more than one kind of greenery can create visual interest.

Your greenery sets the shape and volume of your floral arrangement. It’s the quiet structure beneath every bloom. Once we start adding them, your flowers will generally follow the shape that you created with the greenery.

Camellia branches arranged in a silver bowl with floral foam, forming the greenery base for a Thanksgiving floral arrangement.
Camellia branches form the base of this Thanksgiving arrangement. Their glossy leaves add structure and shine.

Lastly, consider the scale of your greenery in proportion to the scale of the vessel you’re using. If you’re using a small vase, large greenery, like Magnolia, will take up more visual space. You may not want as much Magnolia in that case. In a very large container, tiny leaves may get lost in the floral arrangement, so you may need more of them.

When I cut greenery in my yard, I use floral shears, snips, and a gathering basket to gather what I need before bringing it indoors.

Consider: Shape, color, texture, and size of leaves

Step Four: Add Blooms and Accent Elements

It’s finally time to talk about the stars of the show: the flowers themselves. (Are you surprised that there was so much to consider before even adding the flowers?)

Bundles of fall flowers in shades of rust, amber, and cream resting in a kitchen sink before arranging.
Fresh flowers in warm autumn tones, ready to be arranged for Thanksgiving.

If you’ve been following me on Instagram for a while, you know that my favorite place to buy flowers is Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s is very accommodating to me when I come in to buy a lot of flowers for floral arrangements. They know that flowers are a big part of entertaining guests, and they expect their floral section to be busy at this time of year. They’ll even send you home with a bucket of water if you’re buying multiple bundles.

Woman arranging fall flowers in a silver vessel near a kitchen window, creating a Thanksgiving floral arrangement.
Arranging flowers at home is one of my favorite holiday traditions.

Ideally, when I go into Trader Joe’s to look for flowers for a Thanksgiving floral arrangement, I like to look for flowers that come in fall colors and will also last a long time. Flowers like this will be Chrysanthemums, roses, marigolds, sedum, and eucalyptus. I’ll look for colors like russet, amber, burnt orange, cream, and blush. I generally stay away from bright whites and bold reds for my Thanksgiving floral arrangements.

Pro Tip: A Florist’s Formula for Balance
When arranging flowers, think in categories:
air (delicate stems that add lightness), filler (connective greens), disks (rounded blooms), spikes (height and rhythm), and focals (your statement flowers).
This simple formula helps every arrangement feel natural and balanced.

Illustrated chart showing five elements of a floral arrangement: Air Stems, Filler, Disks, Spikes, and Focals, on a gingham background with botanical sketches.
The five key elements of a balanced floral arrangement — Air Stems, Filler, Disks, Spikes, and Focals.

Step Five: Arrange for Entertaining

Now that you’ve created your Thanksgiving floral arrangement, there are a few things to keep in mind before you serve the turkey. If you made your floral arrangement ahead of time (and I hope you did), it’s best to keep it away from heat sources. The flowers will stay fresher if they aren’t in a hot kitchen or close to a HVAC vent.

We talked above about keeping the floral arrangement lower on the table so that conversations aren’t inhibited. But sometimes the arrangements turn out bigger than we expected. (This happens to me a lot, actually!) In that case, be sure to move your flowers off to another spot when it’s time to eat. The most important thing is to entertain your guests gracefully, not make your flowers the star of the show. After all, a welcoming table is more about warmth than perfection.

Finally, take some direction from the colors and textures in your flowers when deciding on the table décor. Colors in your napkins and tablecloth should complement or repeat the colors that you selected for flowers. Your Thanksgiving floral arrangement is just part of the table setting that you create for your guests, and it should blend seamlessly with the rest of the design.

Step Six: Finishing Touches

Once your flowers are in place, it’s time for a few finishing touches. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add unique touches to your floral arrangement. There’s artistic expression in how we position each stem, in the quiet rhythm of arranging. Even if we are all given the same exact flowers and tools to use, our arrangements will turn out looking quite different from each other.

Finished Thanksgiving floral arrangement in vintage silver bowl on dining table with vintage brown transferware plates.
The finished Thanksgiving arrangement, filled with autumn blooms and Southern charm.

One way to add your own touch is to think outside the box for items that aren’t commonly used when arranging flowers. I’ve wired some dried Magnolia seed pods to long bamboo skewers and added them into my arrangement as unique accents. Brown velvet ribbon or pheasant feathers would be wonderful additions to a Thanksgiving floral arrangement as well.

Close-up of a Thanksgiving floral arrangement featuring a wired magnolia seed pod, orange alstroemeria, and autumn chrysanthemums.
A dried magnolia seed pod, wired to a bamboo skewer, adds natural texture and Southern charm to the arrangement.

Tip: When the meal is over and your guests have gone, be sure to move your flowers to a spot where you’ll see them. Flowers bring joy and life to our rooms, and you can get the most out of them when you see them.

In Closing

This Thanksgiving, remember that who is gathered around the table is more important than what is on it. Flowers are a wonderful way to celebrate the season, but our friends and family will really remember the ways we embrace them this season through small, meaningful gestures.

Soft petals, inherited bowls, and laughter around the table make a house feel like a home. More importantly, loved ones who gather to share a meal make any place feel like home when they’re together. Be sure to let them know you’re thankful for them.

Explore More from This Series

Each article in this series celebrates the beauty of Southern living through the seasons. You can find the full collection on the homepage under Home for the Holidays: A Southern Season of Charm.

Abby Smolarsky1 Comment
Whole Southern sweet potato pie styled with vintage silverware, linen napkins, and fall table setting.

A Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe from a Vintage Southern Cookbook

(Part of the “Home for the Holidays: A Southern Season of Charm” series)

This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon and LTK affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.

A Taste of Southern Nostalgia

Most people might guess that a typical Southern Thanksgiving meal would include a favorite Southern sweet potato pie recipe. But the truth is, I hadn’t found one that I really liked until now. Today I’m sharing this treasured recipe that I uncovered, just in time for Thanksgiving. It’s part of this year’s Home for the Holidays: A Southern Season of Charm series, where we’re celebrating meaningful traditions and nostalgic Southern flavors.

A few months ago, while I was thrifting, I stumbled across The Deep South Cookbook, by Southern Living in 1976. I mentioned in an earlier article with my Chicken Mull recipe, that it’s important to me that we keep our Southern cultural recipes alive. So, when I found this cookbook that was full of recipes from a by-gone era, I simply couldn’t leave it behind. (And the fact that it was only $1 was icing on the cake!)

Today we’re making a recipe that I discovered on page 55 of The Deep South Cookbook, which is Harvest Sweet Potato Pie. This recipe was submitted by Shirley Wise of Richmond, Virginia.

As the cookbook states, this recipe was “home-tested, so you can be sure of delicious dining!”

Abby Smolarsky holding The Deep South Cookbook by Southern Living, 1976, inspiration for a vintage Southern sweet potato pie recipe.
Abby with The Deep South Cookbook (Southern Living, 1976), the vintage treasure where she found this classic Harvest Sweet Potato Pie recipe.

A Cookbook Worth Keeping

This cookbook is far from beautiful. The cover decoration is an unmistakably mid-century scene with candles and a platter of roasted poultry. By modern standards, it’s almost an unappetizing image. But after opening the cover of the cookbook, it’s a pure delight. Beyond discovering the Southern sweet potato pie recipe, there are hundreds of other traditional recipes to explore.

The book is divided into states in the Deep South. Each section begins with a brief introduction and history of food in that state. Following the introduction, the pages are filled with simple, approachable recipes for home cooks. Each recipe was written and submitted by real Southern women whose names appear beside that recipe.

I won’t be experimenting with “South Georgia Squirrel Stew,” but today we’re going to make the Southern sweet potato pie recipe. After I share the recipe, I’ll also include a few modern changes that you could make to enhance the nostalgic Southern flavors for your pie this Thanksgiving.

Whole Southern sweet potato pie styled with vintage silverware, linen napkins, and fall table setting.
A classic Southern sweet potato pie, styled simply with vintage silverware and linens for a timeless holiday table.

The Original Harvest Sweet Potato Pie

Whole Southern sweet potato pie styled with vintage silverware, linen napkins, and fall table setting.
Belle Antiquarian (adapted from The Deep South Cookbook, 1976)

Harvest Sweet Potato Pie

A classic Southern sweet potato pie inspired by a 1976 recipe from The Deep South Cookbook, a Southern Living publication. This simple and comforting dessert highlights the timeless flavors of sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and milk in a flaky crust. It is a vintage favorite that feels just as welcoming on today’s holiday table as it did generations ago.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¾ cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 unbaked pie shell

Method
 

  1. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
  2. Combine all of the filling ingredients in a bowl, then beat until smooth.
  3. Pour into the pie shell.
  4. Place on the center rack and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean and the filling is just set. Begin checking at 30 minutes, as baking times may vary.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute part or all of the milk with buttermilk or evaporated milk. If using buttermilk, reduce the salt to ½ teaspoon and use 1¼ cups instead of 1½ cups. You can also replace half of the white sugar with light brown sugar for a hint of molasses. Try adding ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and a splash of vanilla extract for a more aromatic pie. Bake until the center is just set, then cool completely before slicing. Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a classic Southern finish.
The recipe above is printed exactly as it appeared in The Deep South Cookbook (Southern Living, 1976). Baking times may vary depending on oven type, pie dish material, and the moisture level of your sweet potatoes. Begin checking for doneness at 30 minutes and continue baking until the center is fully set, about 45 minutes total.

Modern Touches for Today’s Kitchen

With only a few ingredients, and even fewer steps to pull this recipe together, I imagine that Mrs. Shirley Wise of Richmond, Virginia, made many of these pies in her time. As much as I love following a recipe exactly as it was written, I also enjoy experimenting with subtle changes that reflect today’s kitchens and ingredients.

To modernize and customize this recipe for my family, I made a few substitutions and additions. The Southern sweet potato pie recipe is delicious just as Mrs. Wise wrote it, but with a few changes, we can introduce a touch of warmth and brightness that is suitable for modern holiday tables.

Here are the ways I updated this Southern sweet potato pie recipe:

  • 1¼ cups buttermilk (instead of milk, reduce salt) – for tang and creaminess.
  • ½ cup white sugar + ½ cup light brown sugar – adds depth and warmth.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances sweetness naturally.
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – classic holiday spice that pairs well with cinnamon.
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional) – brightens the flavor slightly; use sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the custard.

Optional variation: add 1 tablespoon melted butter to the filling for extra richness.

Slice of Southern sweet potato pie served on a fall plate with vanilla ice cream dusted with cinnamon.
A slice of sweet potato pie served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a touch of cinnamon — simple, classic Southern comfort.

Serving and Styling

While this pie is simple enough to throw together for a casual meal with the family, it’s also a thoughtful addition to holiday gatherings. We always set up a dessert buffet in our dining room for Thanksgiving, and this Southern sweet potato pie recipe will be included this year. (I’m already looking forward to enjoying a slice with a hot cup of coffee!)

I served mine in a white ceramic pie dish with some simple linen napkins and vintage silverware that I found at an estate sale. I used some fall themed plates and added a small scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream on the side.

If you’d like to recreate this setup, here are a few of my favorite pieces and some of the kitchen tools I used while baking.

Southern-style kitchen counter with vintage pie plate, rolling pin, glass prep bowls, and a stand mixer surrounded by baking tools used to make a sweet potato pie.
Timeless kitchen essentials that make holiday baking a pleasure. Simple tools, classic materials, and a touch of Southern charm.

Why These Recipes Still Matter

When is the last time you ate sweet potato pie for dessert? Have your kids ever tasted it? Our country enjoys many different cultures throughout the different regions across our great land. In the North you’d probably expect to find cheesecake. In the Midwest, we would probably eat scotcheroos.

Unless we do something to preserve our traditions, they will continue to meld into one indistinguishable, bland culture that has forgotten the spice and flavors of the people who live in each region.

When I found this cookbook and came up with the idea of sharing one of the recipes, I intentionally looked for one that had very few ingredients. Anyone can make pie recipe, even a beginner home cook.

This holiday season, I hope you’ll slow down, honor the stories behind your favorite recipes, and make a little space in your kitchen for history to live again. Whether you’re baking with family, sharing dessert with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet slice with coffee, this sweet potato pie is a delicious reminder of how good the simplest things can be. And Mrs. Shirley Wise, if you’re out there, I loved your pie.

Explore More from This Series

Each article in this series celebrates the beauty of Southern living through the seasons. You can find the full collection on the homepage under Home for the Holidays: A Southern Season of Charm.

Each article in this series celebrates the beauty of Southern living through the seasons. You can find the full collection on the homepage under Home for the Holidays: A Southern Season of Charm.

Abby Smolarsky7 Comments