Pop the champagne: we’re celebrating our 130th birthday this year! Lenox has graced your table for over a century and our patterns are still just as versatile as they were 130 years ago. In honor of our birthday, we pulled together some inspiration on how to mix our modern pieces with a few retro favorites to create a classic-meets-contemporary tablescape. So, if you’re looking to create a retro and modern look in your home, this guide is here to help you get started.
Golden Glow
1915 & 2018
The luxe, 24k gold-etched Westchester™ pattern is instantly updated with the Moroccan-inspired shape of Contempo Luxe™. Created in 1915, Westchester™ is a beautiful choice for elevated settings, while the Contempo Luxe™ brings a modern flair.
This combination is a nod to retro design without feeling dated—perfect for dinner parties that call for a bit of drama and decadence. Think mid century modern accents, retro furniture in warm woods, and statement lighting that ties the whole vintage style look together. Whether you're setting the scene for an Easter brunch or an intimate celebration, this mix brings together heritage design from Lenox's past and present in a way that feels effortlessly chic.
Looking to really make a statement with gold finishings? Check out our Beacon Gold Mirror 20-Piece Flatware Set and our vintage-inspired Cambridge Stainless Steal Wine Glasses to really make your table shine. Our Federal Accent Plates are also the perfect dinnerware pieces to exude fine elegance.
Color Splash
1918 & 2017
This Autumn® dinner plate gets a colorful refresh when paired with our scalloped Marchesa by Lenox Shades of Blue™ accent plate. We love this combination for making the vibrant blue details of our classic Autumn® pattern really pop.
Want to bring a pop of color into your space while blending retro and modern elements? Start by layering vibrant tableware or bold accent pieces against a neutral backdrop—think a vintage-style floral plate paired with sleek, modern design bowls in saturated hues like deep blue or olive green. You can even add a set of our green Tuscany Classics Stackable Tall Glasses to your table for a pop of color. This high-contrast look adds instant personality.
Night & Day
1920 & 2015
The art deco design of Rutledge™ is made modern when paired with the dark backdrop of a Marchesa by Lenox charger plate. Our favorite element here is the contrast of bright, colorful florals with dramatic, glossy black.
This bold mix of vintage and modern design proves that opposites don’t just attract—they elevate. To recreate this retro style look at home, pair dark, moody pieces like our LX Collective Black Dinner Plates with floral plates for that high-contrast feel. Add in textured napkins, sleek black flatware, or even matte gold flatware to strike a balance between retro design and modern flair. 
Effortlessly Elegant
1965 & 2018
This feminine pairing combines the '60s designs of Eternal® and Trianna Slate™ with a romantic Goldenrod™ dessert plate. The combination of these gold-accented styles together creates a fresh, updated feel.
To bring this look into your own space, focus on contrast and curation. Start with a soft base—like a neutral tablecloth or light wood tabletop—and layer in accents that balance vintage elements with contemporary shapes. Add warmth with gold-toned flatware and delicate florals, then introduce depth using slate-gray dinnerware or smoky glassware for a moody edge.
Mixed Media
1998 & 2018
Go bold with regal Vintage Jewel® over the dark design of Chelse Muse. We love the pairing of our modern matte black collection with the moody elegance of this ‘90s pattern for a current (and trendy) look.
Tips for Layering Old with New: Creating the Perfect Tablescape
Not sure how to pull off a retro interior design or nostalgic tablescape? This section offers practical tips for blending vintage elements with modern interiors, helping you create a cohesive and stylish vibe—whether you're refreshing your living room or setting the perfect table.
Play With Pattern
Mixing patterns is a bold and expressive way to bring personality to your table. Don’t feel limited to coordinating solid colors—layering prints can create a rich, curated look. Try stacking a patterned dinner plate with a complementary patterned or solid dessert plate on top to create visual interest and depth. The key is to vary scale and color while keeping at least one design element—such as a shared hue or motif—consistent throughout. This approach feels both collected and intentional, echoing the charm of retro style while embracing the freedom of modern design.
Add Some Color
For a tablescape that truly stands out, color is key. Start with your everyday basics—like classic white porcelain—and layer in color through accent plates, bowls, or glassware. Mixing materials such as stoneware and porcelain adds depth and texture, and it's perfectly acceptable in today’s modern interiors. Try pairing Lenox’s Profile™ stoneware with vibrant Sprig & Vine™ bowls or keep it subtle with Tuscany Classics™ wine glasses. If you're looking to refresh your table without a full overhaul, adding a small plate in a bold hue—like blue or green—on top of a neutral base can create instant visual interest while keeping the overall look cohesive and budget-friendly. This technique works beautifully in both retro and modern spaces, giving you flexibility to experiment while staying stylish.
Have Fun!
The most important rule when styling your table? Have fun with it. Whether you love a bold, colorful mix or prefer a more muted, tonal palette, your tablescape is an opportunity to reflect your personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. Think of the table as a thoughtful gesture—a visual treat your guests can enjoy before the first bite is even served. From layering vintage elements with modern design to experimenting with color, pattern, and texture, every choice is a chance to make your gathering feel intentional, personal, and beautifully styled.
Your Table, Your Style: Mix Vintage with Modern
We love how these vintage patterns complement and contrast our contemporary dinnerware and modern flatware. Planning to try one of these combinations or inspired to create your own unique take? Share your vintage and modern mix by tagging us at @lenox on Instagram and Facebook.
