How to Create a Soup Tureen Centerpiece: Cozy Decorating Idea
Discover how to create a soup tureen centerpiece using a vintage tureen and fresh florals for an easy, cozy table decoration.
You know I love to think outside the box and utilize pieces in new ways!
It’s fun to get creative, be imaginative, and use something in a way that is unique and slightly unexpected.
So, I want to share with you how to create a centerpiece using a vintage soup tureen.
Soup tureens are one of my favorite things to search for when thrifting.
There is something fun and exhilarating when finding a uniquely shaped, elegant, one of a kind soup tureen.
It’s like finding a long lost treasure!
Now to be honest, I have never served soup in any of our soup tureens.
However, there is something about the history and the idea that someone, somewhere did serve soup in a fancy tureen that I just love.
What is a soup tureen?
A tureen is a broad, deep dish that is used for serving foods such as soups or stews, usually with a lid to cover and keep the contents warm.
It seems that King Louis XIV was responsible for turning the tureen from a communal bowl into a practical covered serving vessel to keep soups and stews warm while on the dining table.
Tureens were originally made of pewter or silver but later manufactured using porcelain and earthenware.
What to Look for When Shopping for Vintage Soup Tureens
In full disclosure, I am not an expert in thrifting for antique or vintage pieces.
So I can only tell you what I look for when I am on the hunt for vintage soup tureens.
They come in all different styles, sizes, shapes, and price points so using these tips should help you decide if a soup tureen is worth purchasing.
However most of the time, if I love something I see and it’s within my budget, I buy it!
- Give a good look at the soup tureen from every angle. If it has chips and cracks it may not be worth the purchase.
- Look for marks on the underside of the tureen. Symbols on the underside can help you determine when a piece was made. Hand painted marks on ceramics suggest an 18th-century origin or earlier, while impressed or printed marks indicate a more recent date.
- Shop for tureens that fit your home design style and ones you want to put on display. Don’t purchase something only to have it hidden in a cabinet never to be seen.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the seller or shop owner. If you are unsure of something get the answers first to make an informed decision and purchase.
- Be patient. Sometimes it just takes a while to find the perfect piece. Enjoy the process and don’t get frustrated.
Step by Step Guide on How to Make a Cozy Soup Tureen Arrangement
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Step One. Selecting the Right Tureen
You can use any soup tureen for this centerpiece.
It doesn’t matter the shape or size, whatever tureen you love will work.
I decided to use a short, stout ceramic tureen with brown transferware flowers for this arrangement.
Step Two. Choosing the Flowers
Whenever I share floral centerpieces, I’m asked, “How do you know which flowers to select?”
The truth is that I am at the mercy of the store.
I buy fresh florals from our local Trader Joe’s and the flower selection changes every time I visit the store.
So, even though I might have a specific flower in mind, it doesn’t mean it will be available.
What I typically like to do is shop for flowers with a specific color scheme in mind.
The flowers I used in this soup tureen centerpiece include…
- 3 Shamrock Hydrangea Stems
- 1 dozen White Roses
- 1 bunch White Godetia
- 1 bunch White Large Mums
I’m Heidi, the heart and hands behind Eleanor Rose Home.
I’ll show you that your home can become a place of warmth, comfort, and style with practical tips, creative ideas, and my own journey to help you create a space that feels like you…welcoming, personal, and full of charm.
Step Three. Arranging Flowers in the Soup Tureen
Begin by clearing off a large workspace so that you have room to lay out all of your flowers to build the centerpiece, with a trash receptacle near by.
Fill the soup tureen about a quarter to half way full of fresh water.
With clear tape create a grid on the opening of your soup tureen like I did below.
This will help you to arrange the flowers and will help keep the flowers in place.
Add the larger flowers to the arrangement first.
Once the largest flowers are in the arrangement, begin adding your medium sized flowers.
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Work around the arrangement filling in holes and spaces with the flowers.
Use the smaller flowers to fill in holes between the medium and large sized flowers.
Move the arrangement around so that you are able to see it from all angles to make sure it looks full and symmetrical.
Don’t be afraid to remove or add stems and adjust the arrangement as necessary.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh water in a clean vessel.
- Remove most of the leaves from the stem of the flower. Removing the leaves will not only keep your arrangement looking neat and tidy, but it will allow the water to go to the flower and not the leaves. This means the flower will last longer in the centerpiece.
- Cut the flower stem at a 45 degree angle. The stem will be able to drink more water this way.
- Remove any dead or dying flower buds or leaves to keep the centerpiece fresher longer.
Where to Shop for Vintage Soup Tureens
Small local antique shops, thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales, flea markets, and antique shows are all great places to shop for vintage soup tureens.
Etsy is also great online resource when shopping for anything vintage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any soup tureen be used as a centerpiece?
Absolutely! Vintage ironstone, ceramic, or porcelain soup tureens all work beautifully. Just make sure it’s clean and sturdy enough to hold florals or greenery.
Do I need floral foam to create a soup tureen centerpiece?
Nope. I’ve found the tape grid I shared in this post works wonderfully. Another easy way to switch out fresh flowers easily is by placing a small jar or glass filled with water inside the tureen.
What can I put inside a soup tureen besides flowers?
A soup tureen centerpiece can be styled with greenery, faux stems, dried flowers, moss, or seasonal fruit.
Did you make this?
Mention us @eleanorrosehome or tag us using #eleanorrosehome so we can see your creations. You can also leave a comment below!
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xoxo, Heidi
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
Thank you! Yes, I didn’t even think of that!
Beautiful centerpiece. It would be pretty for St. Patty’s Day.
Thank you Rachel! I appreciate your kind words so much! I hope you find a reasonably priced soup tureen you love, they are very fun to include in home décor. Each one is unique and they are so full of character. Happy weekend!
It is just stunning. I LOVE transfer and this tureen is amazing. I haven’t been able to find a tureen in my price range yet but I’m going to keep at it! I love the color palette you chose to use for your arrangement. They pair perfectly with the transfer. Pinned!
Thank you! You guys are the best, thank you so much!!!
Love this Heidi — yet another gorgeous post! Thanks so much for sharing at the Fabulous Friday Link Party! We’re thrilled to be featuring this tomorrow!
Thank you Nicolle! Yes, I need to remember to link up to your link party!
Heidi this is such a pretty arrangement! I would love to invite you to share it at my weekly link party! https://www.ourtinynest.com/2023/01/18/weekly-link-party-331/
Such a lovely arrangement. Perfect for Winter, especially in a soup tureen. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thank you Linda!
Thank you Renae, I would love that!
Thank you Ann! I had fun thinking of something to share with you ladies!
Heidi, this is absolutely gorgeous! I would love to share this on my newsletter this week. Hugs to you.
Beautiful arrangement in a very pretty tureen!
Heidi I love what you did with this old tureen it’s stunning. I was totally inspired??