A Honey AFFAIR

This fall tablescape is inspired by a heritage of local farming and is perfect inspiration for small-gathering hosting this season.

If your family is part of the local produce and farm trade, and you own a 150-year-old farmhouse, it’s the perfect opportunity to create an inspired tablescape. That was the case for Kayla White and her husband, Dennis, who own a Civil War-era farmhouse, which they’ve restored and turned into a wedding venue in Lynchburg, Tennessee, called The Promise Manor. “Our hope is to continue making memories and sharing in the glory of all that God has blessed us with through special celebrations and events,” Kayla says. Here’s how she created this beautiful honey-inspired party.

HONEY, I DO

“The design for the fall tablescape was inspired by my grandfather’s local Lynchburg, Tennessee, honey,” Kayla says. She started with a honeycomb as part of the table’s centerpiece, then added other honey-colored pieces, including a set of vintage glasses and several armchairs with honey-colored velvet upholstery. Kayla also added other reminders of the honey theme, like the custom-stained honey dippers she placed at each place setting.

FAMILY FLORALS

Since the whole party was inspired by Kayla’s family and local produce and goods, it’s only fitting that the flowers have a local origin too. “We started growing our own florals on the family farm this past year, and love to use them as much as possible for events,” Kayla says. “We believe the florals are the anchor to any table design.”

VINTAGE FLAIR

The other striking element about this table is all the vintage items Kayla assembled, starting with the tables themselves.

“They are handmade by my grandfather,”she says. “The two 10foot tables adorned with mixed-and-matched farmhouse chairs are not only welcoming, but they also make our guests feel as though they’re back at Grandma’s house.”

Not only the table, but much of the dishware is vintage as well. “We have a whole room of antique items our guests can rent for events,” Kayla says. The plates, napkins, glassware and centerpiece books are all vintage, adding to the history the tablescape can reflect. Together with the personal touches from the family, this party will be one to remember.

PHOTOGRAPHY B Y S TACY P R E S TON P H OTOGRAPHY

(opposite) Kayla decided on a floral centerpiece that travels down the table, leaving enough room for the place settings but creating a stunning focal point for the table as a whole. (top, left) The plates, napkins and glassware Kayla used are all vintage pieces. She paired them with custom-stained honey dippers to keep with the honey theme. (top, right) Kayla dressed the rest of the dining room to fit with the theme as well, using vintage books, amber glass vases and fall greenery for the mantel. (bottom, right) “The florals were designed by our onsite floral designer, Tracy Anderson—aka, my sweet Mama,” Kayla says. The flowers for the centerpiece come from the family’s own farm, which adds to the family focus of the table design.

The farmhouse wedding venue is over 150 years old, and Kayla has reflected that in her furniture choices too. “My grandfather used 100+- year-old wood from his backyard stockpile to make the tables,” she says. “We have had so many amazing families say grace at these tables.” When setting out your cutlery, remember to put them in alphabetical order: the fork on the left, with the knife and spoon on the right.