How I Host with Vintage: Part 1
vintage coupes, tomato tinis, and so many silver dishes
Growing up, my mom was the known host, there was always a constant flow of friends coming over to our house. From casual gatherings, dropping kids off after school and staying for a glass of wine, to her infamous “Margarita Moms” where on Friday afternoons, the neighborhood moms alongside our elementary school teachers would congregate on our deck to drink frozen margaritas. She hosted holidays with the fancy china passed down from previous family members and book clubs with her pairing of homemade ginger snaps and blue cheese, a small tradition that has made its way into my own book club.
During this, I remember wishing our house was more designed, more put together, or that things matched. Looking back, I see that she wasn’t concerned with having perfectly paired plates because what was truly important were the people sitting around the table.
It wasn't until I added the word "gather" to my vision board this year that I realized how much that word resonated with my experiences and had shaped me in believing my life's purpose is to bring people together.
But I also felt at odds with myself- while it is impactful to connect people, from years of producing brand events, I know how wasteful they can be too. That’s what led me to host events with sustainability circularity at the forefront. One of the ways I incorporate circularity is by using vintage or pre-owned pieces as much as possible and reusing those items again and again.
For my hosting essentials, I've curated a collection of items that can be used repeatedly, regardless of the size or occasion. I've sourced as much vintage as possible, complemented by products from small brands I'm passionate about supporting. The beauty will be in the eclectic assortment and most importantly, the people you gather.
This quickly became a very long substack so I decided to break this into at least two parts- (maybe more!) as I continue to share favorite pre-loved pieces for hosting and events.
Vintage Glassware
The same motto for guests goes for vintage glassware, the more the merrier. If I see a random one I love at a flea market or thrift shop, I add it to the collection without being concerned with having sets or matching, when guests come over it’s a choose your own adventure which coupe you want, I think of it as the modern day charm to know who’s drink is who’s.
Above is a martini bar for a friend's tini bit older birthday, you can recreate with Silver rim coupe glasses, the same vintage buffalo china green rim small dishes, a small silver dish, and Extra Dirty embroidered napkins
For wine glasses I collect vintage Luminarc green stem glasses, I had two from my grandparents and then have found more on ebay and even a single one at a Goodwill once for $1.99! They are a smaller pour which I find perfect for a Summer skin-contact enjoyed with friends.
Here are some other green stem glasses I like + some other cute coupes and cordials:
Vintage Candlesticks
I love the point in the night where the table is lit only by candles and the dripped wax has taken a sculptural form. Having candleholders you always use and then just changing the color of the taper candle is an easy way to set the color story and theme for your tablescape while using the same product over and over.
Hot tip: Keep taper candles on hand in a variety of colors so you don’t have to panic day of when Michael’s (the store) doesn’t have your ideal color (based on a true story). This is so cute how my friend Delaney keeps them out on display.
Baldwin Brass candlesticks- Baldwin Brass is an iconic American manufacturer of brass pieces since 1946. I have a set of these and you can feel the quality = longevity of these being a dinner party staple for years to come.
Mid-century Sweden Opal Mons Besk Silver Plate Lily Candle Holders- I love mixing metals with jewelry and on a tablescape, seen above mixing heights of silver candle holders alongside the brass ones. Even more candleholder options here.
Assortment of Small Vessels
An assortment of small dishes or bowls are always useful to have on hand. Silver dessert bowls can double as matchbook displays, vintage ashtrays can moonlight as an olive pit dish. The green rim buffalo china bowls work well for martini accoutrements (as seen above) as they do for olive oil dipping during a pasta party.
Wine Coaster
This is a super niche one, however it is one of my most used items. We restored a wooden table for the garden and I want to keep our (mostly Michael’s) hard work protected and it adds a little fancy flare to a dinner party of any size.
Drinks for Everyone
My wine fridge is filled with both chilled reds and my non-alcoholic favorites, part of being a seamless host is having something for everyone.
I stock up on canned NA spritzes on Bardelia and they graciously shared a 15% off discount for my community, use code HILLIARY15 to stock your fridge too! I’ve been trying different ones all Summer and here are my personal NA favs.
The next installment of hosting essentials will include table linens, plates, more glassware, if there is anything else you want to see vintage and smaller brand options for- please comment or reach out!
Thank you for reading, I really appreciate all of your support! You can shop and see more hosting pieces here and follow along on Instagram. If you are interested in being on the list for future Circle of Friends events- send a dm xx