More Than Beautiful Tables: The Stories Behind Our Redeemed & Restyled Designs

Every tablescape tells a story.

Long before the dishes are placed, the flowers are arranged, or the candles are lit, a tablescape begins with an idea—a spark of inspiration that grows into something much bigger than beautiful décor. The tables created for the Redeemed & Restyled Vintage Fashion Benefit were no exception.

It all began with a simple text message: “I have an idea.” I sent those words to my friend Angela Yarborough, director of Amadea, a nonprofit organization that gives women hope, healing, and greater independence through creativity. Amadea had a need, and I had a desire to help.

Our first thought was to host a vintage fashion show featuring clothing from Purvey, the beautiful vintage shop owned by Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage in Minden. But as often happens with God-sized ideas, the vision kept growing.

Once we secured the venue, we imagined something even more meaningful—a room filled with beautifully designed tables, each created by local businesses using their unique gifts and talents to tell a story of redemption, restoration, hope, and grace.

The vision truly came to life when Summer Hammons of Hammons Nest, Melissa Hoganson of L’abeille the Honey Bee, Nikki Hays of Gracefully Gathered, Millie Grace Yarborough of Dearest Daughter, Lisa Taylor of The Willow Shed, and Pippa Lane of Minden each agreed to design a table. Their enthusiastic “yes” transformed a simple fundraiser into a collaborative work of art.

That still left six tables to design.

Since the idea had started with me—and because I’ve always had a habit of saying “yes” first and figuring out the details later (my family calls it my “ask why and melt down later” approach!)—I happily took on the challenge. I created tables representing my three businesses—Southern Ivy Emporium, Honeysuckle Hollow Flowers & Plants, and The Crow’s Nest Primitive Treasures—along with tables honoring our title sponsor, Regions Bank, Amadea, and a special Louisiana table celebrating the many vintage businesses whose generous donations helped make the evening possible.

From those first conversations to the final moments of setting each table the night before the benefit, ideas evolved, details shifted, and every centerpiece found its place. In the end, these weren’t simply twelve decorated tables. They became visual stories—each one carefully designed to remind the women we were honoring that beauty can be restored, broken things can be redeemed, and every life has immeasurable value.

In the posts that follow, I’d love to invite you around each table to share the inspiration, meaningful details, and heartfelt message behind every design.

And, as with all great ideas, this is only the beginning.

Creating these tables reminded me that a thoughtfully set table is about so much more than dishes and decorations. It is an invitation—to gather, to linger, to share stories, to encourage one another, and to celebrate God’s goodness.

This collection has inspired a new creative journey for Southern Ivy Emporium. As I continue designing tables for holidays, seasons, gardens, celebrations, and everyday moments, I’ll be sharing them here as part of a new blog series, Gather at the Table.

My hope is that each tablescape will inspire you to look at the treasures you already own with fresh eyes, gather the people you love a little more often, and remember that some of life’s sweetest conversations begin with a simple invitation to come to the table.

So, pull up a chair, stay awhile, and let’s gather at the table together.