This is totally my Grandma's style but I'm afraid her tea set would get lost in it. She had her main family life during the Great Depression so her house was filled with stuff from that era, some of which I have. Which probably explains why I have a soft spot for Depression-era antiques . . . https://www.aprilcornell.com/product/Charming-Tablecloth-TPCHAP-Pink/kitchen-collection-1

Now that I'm shopping, I don't think I want a grey tablecloth, it would not go with anything else I have . . .

Here's my dining room. The blue carpet is something I LOATHE and hopefully we will be replacing it this spring with a hardwood floor that matches the trim. Those un-matching end chairs are gone, I have the matching ones in other parts of the house . . . they are going in soon for re-upholstery.

Mtn, what did you think of the "Lysandra" bpattern? I had considered it once before when I was working on this . . .

Edited to add that maybe I can get away with the aqua tablecloth if I find the right placemats and napkins. I collect ALL of those types of linens, I love to create mix and match tablescapes . . .

Unfortunately my "regular" china is cream/butter colored with gold trim. Nice and neutral but it doesn't pair well with white stuff, which is why I hardly ever use Grandma's tea set . . . something that could bridge white and cream might also be good . . . Mom's tea set and a serving dish from Grandma's cream colored china set, pictured, is earth tones, and I have lots of matching tea accoutrements for it. Grandma's tea set, on the other hand, is more garden-ish and I don't really have much to pair it with, linens-wise, which is what I would like to alter . . . I do have some cute geranium leaf green plates too, that I would like to somehow incorporate . . .

This time of year has pretty pastel linens at Marshalls, Tj Maxx,

Pink, the room is very neutral, I think you can do as you like!

Do you mean Lysandra by Thiebaut? Love Thiebaut, but the rectilinear plaid patterns may be a little casual for the delicate china, IDK.

I think I would carefully wrap up a saucer and visit Home Goods, see what you can find. And yes, layer!

Kswl, that one you last posted was one I am seriously considering. It comes in grey and pink so I can decide.

Unfortunately, there isn't a TJ Maxx, Marshall's or Home Goods store within an hour of me, although there is a Bed Bath and Beyond just under an hour away. That's why I do so much online shopping . . . I am going to the city sometime soon though, to drop off my chairs at the upholstery shop, etc.

Was thinking of maybe this as a table runner, but I might want to go more casual? My room is definitely not "country" but not super formal either. Sort of British Cottage . . .

Oh, just realized why I never got the Lysandra by Thiebaut, way too expensive since I would not be using it on a regular basis. But I would like something that maybe evoked that look. Even the placemats wer 100 bucks for four and the runner was too small. I thought about a plain pink tablecloth with that runner and placemats, but even that was more than I think I should spend, particularly since it is not my typical style. And again, the runner was too small. The runner photo I posted above evokes it, and is like 32 bucks from BB&B. But maybe not quite right . . .

In the pic, the runner skews toward maroon on my screen? I think you want light.

Some type of lacy smaller square tablecloth might be fun, layered over pink . . . in that case seems like I'd like to go a bit darker . . . Oh, just remembered I have a pink linen tablecloth with fringe trim but it is too small for the table. It would layer great with a white tablecloth and then some darker pink chargers or napkins . . . gonna have to see if I can fish it out an take a photo . . . on the other hand I might have donated it to Goodwill since it was too small for the table . . . I also have a white Mexican small tablecloth and napkins with pink, teal and black striped trim. That would layer over a darker pink tablecloth . . . I think I even have matching placemats. Off to do some digging . . .

The runner looks like a burgundy / violet color ton my phone.

I think the pink fringed cloth also comes in blue….

The other china also looks white to me, and i love the shapes. Agree you room looks completely neutral as is. A light tablecloth and some fresh flowers would be a fab background for any of those dishes.

Dang it this is why I never throw anything out. I think I did convince myself to donate that pink tablecloth because it was square and I didn't use it anymore in my larger home. Did not think about using it as a "table scarf." Well I did find the Mexican set, which what I found consisted of 3 placemats and 2 napkins so not very useful. But I found this sheet that I had been saving for the fabric. It looks good but maybe a little too gaudy? Thinking about maybe pairing it with a lace table scarf or some type of runner. I'd have to cut it to fit and hem it . . . Please try and ignore the blue shag carpeting, I do . . . sigh.

I think the sheet strikes a more 60’s vibe that doesn’t honor the china. The sheet fabric would be great with plain white dishes.

I think you want to go with something light/pastel to bring out the color and fine details in the pattern. I don't think you have to match the carpet or the furnishings-- you just don't want to clash. The pretty tablescape will stand on its own. April Cornell has some fun fabrics but they tend to be rather bold and bossy (that's what i love about them).

My absolute best tableclothes have all come from Williams-Sonoma... second best source has been TJMaxx (which has an online site-- though limited, you can find sometimes find something special). I'd hit etsy and ebay also.

OMG the Etsy and Ebay wormhole . . . !

As per usual, the right size is hard to come by though. Reminds me of the hours I spent shopping for my wedding dress . . . maybe I should look at JC Penny, that's where I bought my wedding dress eventually. 40 bucks! I found all kinds of other ones I liked but they rarely were in stock in my size . . .

Should I just go old school battenburg lace and call it a day. Comes with six napkins, which is how many my table seats . . .

https://poshmark.com/listing/Tessile-Battenburg-Lace-Tablecloth-66-x-102-Oval-61d0fcaf8ae37cecf3fe8952#utm_source=gdm_unpaid

This is a linen colored tablecloth with white embroidery. Not sure if it would work with my pink roses tea set, but if it would, it would go with both my tea china patterns . . . wish this one came in pink . . . love the embroidery flourish.

https://www.touchofclass.com/french-perle-embroidered-swirl-tablecloth-natural/p/AO41-001/?code=SMF16&color=Natural&size=60%20x%20120&tid=SMFPLA&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmKiQBhClARIsAKtSj-mNAZWsoxqq6gjsT7FkSDyppa-nKnuo17kfjfA0ty7hUmuj_z3AMCYaArZoEALw_wcB

In general, I don't like the feel of Lenox table linens. I see the one you listed is a mix of linen and polyester, so maybe it would be okay. Just make sure you can return it.

You didn't like the lace tablecloth I linked?

I like them all! Trying to parse what will work. I sort of need placemats since I'm so messy and a lace tablecloth would then need something under that was close in size . . .

Pink, I love the tea set and depression glassware. Are you going to put it on the table or side board? I think the first thing to do is get a spring colored tablecloth with a small pattern. No matter where it sets, I think it would look pretty sitting on a large tray. Not all of it has to go on the tray though.

I wouldn't layer. Maybe in winter, but for spring summer, less is best, and it makes the room light and airy. Especially with dark wood. A tray with most of the tea set on it would be a gorgeous centerpiece for the table.

The side board could hold other pieces, maybe with a white lace table runner? If you have extra depression glass, you could add some colored glass in the china cabinet.

Etsy is your best bet, even Amazon.

So I've spent quite a bit of time on this. In a casual glace I thought the tea set had a formal rose pattern, but upon closer inspection it's actually a pink daisy type flower with sagey green grey leaves that look like ivy. So more casual than I thought. I'm kind of going for a French country casual vibe. Due to the way I dress the table, I need placemats and a runner. I like that look. I don't think I should get a lace tablecloth, I'm not sure how well it would hold up to all the repeated washing and inevitable stains . . . but perhaps lace placemats or napkins . . .

What do you think of this pattern, it comes in tablecloth and placemats so I could pair it with a solid tablecloth or do it as a tablecloth paired with solid placemats . . .

Or maybe this, I can't copy the picture.

https://www.couleurnature.com/products/french-tablecloth-granada-jaipur-pink?currency=USD&variant=32597551972484&gclid=Cj0KCQiAu62QBhC7ARIsALXijXQyGdLyv-j7JIiDfSn5KgYiN_DM3HNSoHLCQk0ztG66_A0zWaMCKWUaAhadEALw_wcB

I love this one but I think it is way too big. It would drape 14 inches on the sides and 19 inches on the ends. So then would also look kind of lopsided . . . this is just like my wedding dress all over again . . .

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/monique-lhuillier-rose-bouquet-floral-jacquard-table-cloth/?sku=3168462

Maybe this with a solid placemat

This one is called "La Vie En Rose" but may be a little over the top . . .

Geometric??

Cherry blossom has a certain appeal

https://www.spoonflower.com/en/home-decor/dining/rectangular-tablecloth/4830872-cherry-blossom-watercolor-cherry-blossom-floral-by-magentarosedesigns

Larger rose pattern on white, picking up the ivy green

https://www.spoonflower.com/en/home-decor/dining/rectangular-tablecloth/5608644-8-sweet-blush-roses-by-shopcabin

Smaller more pale version of the first one

https://www.spoonflower.com/en/home-decor/dining/rectangular-tablecloth/9393412-vintage-floral-baby-pink-by-flowersalways

Totally kitsch pagoda toile

https://www.spoonflower.com/en/home-decor/dining/rectangular-tablecloth/8116124-pagoda-forest-pinks-by-danika_herrick

Hmm, it's harder than it looks! I think some of the pinks are too blue, some are too peachy, some are too bubble gum.

Let me ask -- what do you have now in the way of tablecloths? any pure white? Id like to see your dishes on something like this (disclosure, I am considering them too)

I do not have a white tablecloth, no. That's the dilemma. In general, I skew away from white stuff. My china is "ivory" or whatever you would call it, cream, light butter . . . and white is a dreadful color on me. I don't have a lot of white in the house. If I wear white pants, that will for sure be the day I sit in ketchup . . . etc. The only other tablecloth I have that even remotely goes with the tea set is the aqua one shown in the photo. My casual dishes are ivory too, not white, although I do have a summer set of nautical lighthouse trimmed china . . . but that's a whole other story on that one too . . .

I also have some geranium leaf plates that someday I would like to incorporate into a tablescape, but not yet, I'm focusing on the china first. I have fake geraniums in pots on the back porch which could be part of it, and I'm kind of channeling Peter Rabbit for the last couple of years, being a sort of Beatrix Potter Wannabe . . .

I have actually toyed with the idea of giving tea parties for pay . . . not there yet either.

Edited to add that the tea set is a little on the twee side, which is why I haven't used it. Trying to snazz it up . . .

Adding that if I was going with green, I could see them on something like this, along with my other tea set. Can't copy picture. https://www.jcpenney.com/p/design-imports-sage-round-fringed-6-pc-table-linen-set/ppr5008190336?pTmplType=regular&country=US&currency=USD&selectedSKUId=78921480018&selectedLotId=7892148&fromBag=true&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Table%20Linen%20Sets&utm_content=78921480018&cid=cse%7Cgoogle%7CUnisex%20Adult%7cTable%20Linen%20Sets_78921480018&kwid=productads-adType%5EPLA&gclid=Cj0KCQiAu62QBhC7ARIsALXijXRTQJZuZmqYMg5-ngw41aAopXP1Fe8TuFJnWml8KmIXyXbe1YF6zuMaAlLTEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or this

https://www.jcpenney.com/p/design-imports-mint-floral-pp-woven-round-6-pc-table-linen-set/ppr5008190324?pTmplType=regular&deptId=dept20000011&catId=cat100240103&rrplacementtype=pdp1_jrecs&criteriaName=E1_Seq_VV%20v1

This is one of my inspiration pics, I could totally pull off that look with the right tablecloth and I LOVE the placemats, but they are SO EXPENSIVE, $150 for four. If I could find some kind of knockoff look that would be great . . . sans carrots though . . . I'm not even sure what purpose they serve . . . but I have the crystal and also a nest and candelabras, etc. Even a little ceramic rabbit . . .

https://www.etsy.com/listing/920243390/blush-pink-linen-scalloped-table-mats?click_key=ed351a1e8943be27486448af31070354a413f5aa%3A920243390&click_sum=3a489731&ref=shop_home_feat_2&sts=1&variation0=1729753241

Pink, here is the beginning of a way to imitate your layered inspiration picture. these are inexpensive laser cut felt placemats from target. i bet you could stitch up your own runner and napkins to coordinate.

Hmm.. maybe this is too obvious but if you are a Beatrix Potter wannabe, why not go the whole way and get a Beatric Potter tablecloth? It doesn't match-- but i think I think the wee pattern on the tea set coordinates well enough.

I'd use woven green placemats or a leaf/cabbage styles Mtn has shared -- or blue gingham!

Sorry, this may be OTT ... but i was ordering one for my sister for her birthday and thought of your love of Beatrix Potter. My middle sister adores BP and has prints hanging in her DR. She hosts Easter with an Easter Egg hunt for her 2 grands each year -- but I am sure she will use it to just have her coffee and toast. :)

That cloth looks quite good with the dishes!

Pink, do you eat at the table every day, or will this be a full-time tablescape?

We actually eat at the table every day, which is why I haven't gone full blown with a "theme" tablecloth, trying to keep things general because I'm not really wanting to set up the table all the time and have limited storage, so I like to find stuff that can do double or triple duty for several looks . . . I do have some sort-of "thematic" looks that I do depending on season, as you can see from the photos I posted. Fall is leafy and maroons and terra cotta and gold and brown, etc,, winter is deep colors and sparkly, summer is nautical and garden stuff, lighter more garden colors. I don't have as nice of a spring tablecloth set as I would like. The teal one is kind of short, and I have another one that is peach and it is even shorter, barely covers the table. I'd love something pink or mauve or even burgundy . . . I've been playing around with some stuff I already have seeing what I can use and what I can tweak . . . some photos to follow . . .

oh my bad-- i thought you wanted a tablecloth/placemats specifically for the tea set. I assumed you were having a tea party. Sorry! What do your actual everyday dishes look like?

I do want a tablecloth for a tea party and I am planning one, but I would like it to be something I could use for other purposes too . . . My everyday dishes are cream colored Corelle, devoid of any ornamentation. I get my color and design kicks from linens . . .

It sounds like you need several, I have a wide variety of tablecloths and runners and placemats and I use them all for different occasions. I have found lovely inexpensive things on overstock, Wayfair, Amazon, ebay

I’m in love with these napkins from Annie Selke. I’m considering buying the coral, fushia, or chartreuse. The price cannot be beat - on sale 4/$15!

https://annieselke.com/Stone-Washed-Linen-Fuchsia-Napkin-Set-Of-4/p/PC2767-NP?_br_psugg_q=napkins

Would the coral napkins work with your tea set?

So I pulled together all my springy stuff I might use so trying to figure out what would pull some of the various elements together. I don't know if there is a napkin out there that would go with both the tea set and my geranium plates. I saw some cute carrot napkins which would go great with the geranium plates but not the tea set. I only have two of the mauve placemats so was trying out the color. It's OK with the geranium plates and looks good with the tea set. The tablecloth is blah. Not sure if a runner would help. Or if I should get a lace tablecloth, like the Batenburg one in my inspiration photo. Or a pink one . . . Or even that Peter Rabbit or something similar. https://www.amazon.com/Maison-HerminePrintemps-Cotton-Holidays-Kitchen/dp/B084X2BFS7/ref=asc_df_B084X2BFS7/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=417001897811&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11483642517558661759&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017298&hvtargid=pla-901473181186&ref=&adgrpid=97671772007&th=1

But then my hand painted floral tray is probably out . . . I couldn't find my nest, I think I bit the bullet and threw it out. It held some guest soaps that looked like robin's eggs and it had been sitting around for quite a while, no one used the soaps so I think I may have thrown the whole dusty thing out . . .

Looks like you're on the right track. I wouldn't get a bunny tablecloth - it really limits when you can use it, but a lace one would work for most holidays and you can change the background cloth color for other occasions. Lace tablecloths go for a song around here at thrift stores.
I have a question about the little plate/cup set. Do people set tables with those? I've only seen them used for when people don't sit at a table and need a place to set their beverage and balance the plate on their lap (or in the olden days maybe a tv tray. But I'm no expert by any means.

Yes when my Grandma had afternoon teas everyone would sit around the living room and balance the little china tray with tea and a cookie. She had 7 sisters and one brother and five of them lived nearby so they would get together for tea including sometimes cousins. I would love to get a serving cart someday for serving tea in my parlor, but right now it is in the dining room at a table.

Seems to me you would best be served with a pretty white tablecloth and pink placemats for your table. if you google round pink placemats you’ll see a plethora of beautiful options, including this pink and white toule from countrypotch.com for only $5 each!

You can get pretty things right now at Target and WalMart too. I have tablecloths from there that are nice. You have a short window which is right now, then the colors will change to more summer colors which are brighter. This Easter color palette is NOW.

Well, after hours of Internet surfing, WE HAVE A WINNER! Not sure how "therapeutic" this was, but it did stop me from spending too much time thinking about my Mother's death from a fall while unloading groceries, found with her purse on the table containing Valentine's Day cards for my Dad and me. Who would have thunk my Mom would have something in common with Bob Saget . . .

I did come to the realization it would be much easier to go with a solid or neutral tablecloth and jazz it up with placemats and runners, which are much easier to wash and change out than a tablecloth. And I have the ivory tablecloth now for a background. It's not white, but reads close enough. So as Bpath notes, I can jazz it up with placemats of many styles and patterns!

But that large expanse of such a pale color still bugged me, so I kept looking, considered a sage green and maybe even a green and pink plaid, if I could have found one not too sickly sweet in color. And lo and behold this crossed my path . . . it checks almost all my boxes, (including being washable and the right size!). it's a muted pink, has some detail to break up the expanse, but not too much, can be dressed up in a lot of ways, and has a little fringe, which for me is always a plus, lol! I hardly ever order from Walmart, and it is through a secondary vendor, so we'll see if it arrives, it's going to take a month. But it's at least some progress. Now to order some placemats at a little more leisurely pace . . .

Pink that is very pretty! An excellent shade of pink. NIcely done. I think the table you posted above (as of now, it says 14 hours ago) is very nice too.

Oh Pink, that is such a shame about your Mom. I'm so sorry. When did she pass?

Yes, that is very pretty! Good job!

February 11, 2015. Ten days after I officially moved back to Michigan to be closer to her. I just sold my East Coast home and was about to put an offer in on a house near work. Mom and I went and looked at it five days earlier. After she died my Dad sort of fell apart mentally (he was going down already), he ended up moving to a condo and I moved into their house with most of Mom's stuff. For now. Dad is still around and needs tending. Still paring down, and then sometimes upgrading . . .

I'm sorry Pink. It is hard. My mom's b-day is 2/15 and it's always an emotional time for me. She will be gone 12 years in September. I miss her. I'm glad you found something to lift your spirits! Pretty tablecloth.

Very pretty tablecloth, looks like it will work perfectly.

Much sympathy about your mom, so sad that she had such a horrible fall. Unexpected deaths are especially hard. Understand your feelings about Valentine’s Day as well, my mom passed two years ago early February 15th. Spent most of Valentine’s Day itself with her, as we knew it was her time. Currently her passing is what I associate Valentine’s Day. While I will never forget the day, hoping that before too much time goes by, her death will not be the first thing I think of on that day. Wishing you the same.

So sorry about your mother, Pink 🌸

I got tired of mulling this, ready to move on, so I pulled the trigger and got some items that will complete my version of the "inspiration photo." I still may get some other pieces but at least I have something I can do right away. After all the effort I just wanted it to be over and make a decision. Not sure if this will all look good, but here goes: (Note, the runner would be used with my current ivory tablecloth, not the pink one, and the lace doilies are to place over the pink placemats) . . .

Awesome Pink!

I am so sorry, Pink. I hope you were able to find some peace as you worked on this project.

I lost my father in 2020 as the result of a fall and head injury. It's hard to accept that after a long life and so many other health challenges that it was a fall that ended his life. Hugs to you.

Glad you are happy with your choices-- now you have the freedom to wait for the unexpected treasures you will find. They can be the most fun additions.

BIG HUG to everyone who shared about losing their parents. I feel ya! The problem with losing a parent as an adult is not that one misses or needs parenting, it's losing the history and shared memories that is so difficult, at least for me. And then like Funky says, my mother was such an optimist, joie de vive person, and then she died on a most ordinary day, doing a most ordinary thing and there was no happy ending/rescue to be found. I try and appease my sorrow by continuing on with her traditions. I can't hardly have tea in the afternoon though, because my Mom died at tea time. I know that she was probably planning on making herself a cuppa after unloading those groceries, looking forward to it . . . but anyway, teatime is such a strong tradition in my Mom's family, all the kids of all her cousins tell me the same thing, they have all these memories of teatime . . . We had a memorial tea at the library after Mom's funeral (she was the librarian there) and when I got married in 2018 it was just outside of the area where the family farms were, and we had tea in all their honor. One of my Mom's few remaining cousins gifted me with a teapot that my Grandmother had given her as a wedding present. Then ironically my own cousin died a month later of a massive stroke. I still am haunted by her saying that one thing she wanted to do with me was have tea on Grandma's tea set. Never got to do it, although we did have many teas together. I hope this spring I can find at least one relative willing to have tea with me . . . they are far flung now, I doubt any would come to my house, they never ever have, even when my Mom was alive. Only my beloved cousin would visit . . .

Pink, it hasn't been that long since your mom passed, but one day soon you'll be smiling at all the memories. I remember the exact moment I first smiled after my dad's death, and I've smiled ever since. If I lived closer I'd come have tea with you!

I think someone did Bob Saget in, did you read the coroner's report? Yikes.

I love what you decided on. This made me think of you!

Kswl, I had totally forgotten about Country Porch! I used to order from them a lot. Must go check them out again. :)

Putting a fine point on it, my Mom died exactly as Bob Saget did, falling backwards, abrasions, lots of blood. It was a nightmare and when my Dad found her he initially could not even fathom what had happened. We were somewhat lucky in that I had to call a family friend to help with the whole scene at the hospital, my Dad was having a complete breakdown, and her husband was a state trooper who had experience with similar gruesome tragedies and how they affect the families. He and another family friend cleaned up all the blood before we got home from the hospital, but he took pictures of the "scene of the accident" if we wanted evidence to piece it back together. The more you piece together the more horrific it becomes. No one was with my mother when she was going through these horrors. BTW, the only reason I am sharing it here is to point out that this is why Bob Saget's family wants to keep his death report private, not to cover anything up, but to spare them additional trauma by having all the gory details be the subject of gossip.