Vintage-Inspired Dinnerware Launches at Moda Operandi

Amidst the pandemic hobbies we adopted over the past year, taking the time to set the table is one that we actually plan to keep (sourdough starter, you can see yourself out). When interior designer Cece Barfield Thompson decamped to her in-laws’ family home in the Virginia mountains, the simple act of setting the table with her mother-in-law evolved into the elegant Virginia collection, which launches today on Moda Operandi. “The family has shared this house for generations and so many objects in it were a testament to quality and a celebration of things that last a lifetime,” says Thompson. “My mother-in-law would pull out 1920s napkins and plates, pairing them with her own wedding china, and maybe something she picked up at like, World Market. She is not afraid to use these heirlooms because they are so well made."

Thompson started sketching out what future heirlooms might look like, taking cues from these vintage pieces as well as the perennial garden that bloomed all season long in an ever-changing palette. Then, she began searching for the craftspeople and ateliers who could produce sophisticated, but durable pieces. She landed on an atelier in New York City’s Garment district, whose seamstresses also sew for Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta, to create embroidered napkins. Each one takes five hours to create, start to finish. Her limoges dinnerware is hand painted in Paris and Burgundy (going back and forth with the artisan himself). Together, they are delicate, yet modern interpretations of classic florals and lace, meant to be layered together, or mixed with traditional pieces—Thompson recommends Herend Chinese Bouquet and Ginori 1735's pink hues to start. Shop the collection, below.