Entertaining4 Steps to a Simple Valentine’s Table Setting February 13, 2014 I’m in the mood for love. I guess that’s good timing because tomorrow is the big day, right? Chris and I don’t do a ton for the holiday. He’s more of a mind that we should be loving each other and doing romantic things for each other throughout the year. And I’m thankful for that! But we always do a lovely dinner. We used to go out, but have kind of tired of the “go out to a fancy restaurant who just raised it’s prices because it’s valentine’s” routine. So, the last several years, we’ve stayed in and cooked some favorites and just enjoyed each other. This morning, I was thinking about our dinner and decided to throw together a quick and simple Valentine’s table setting. I had four goals in mind when creating this Valentine’s tablescape. I wasn’t buying anything for this, but I still wanted it to be pretty. I decided to go a little outside of my comfort zone for this one. I found this large fabric remnant of my mom’s and it became the tablecloth. I loved that it had red and pink, but wasn’t overly Valentine’s. It somehow feels romantic to me, though. It also feels fresh and a bit unexpected, which I’m always a fan of. What is a special dinner without real flowers? I used these pink and white tulips recently sent to me by my sweet grandma and grandpa in the center. I used the copper kitchen canisters for vases, but put a smaller vase inside because I didn’t want to put the water straight into the canister. I’ve always loved monochromatic flowers. I remember watching an old Nate Berkus show years ago and he suggested going with monochromatic arrangements because it makes them look more high end. I don’t know about that, but I do think it’s pretty! One of my favorite things on the table are these vintage glasses I found at an antique shop. We don’t use them often, but what better time to use fancy cut crystal and gold glasses? My second goal was to bring in a little romance. Naturally, I put out some candles, but I wanted to take it a step further. And being the writer at heart that I am, I pulled one of my favorite quotes. I’ve loved this quote forever, but have searched and searched and can’t find who originally said it. “You are a strange and beautiful creature. And you have enchanted me completely.” This next goal really goes under romance, but we’ll make it a separate one. Just humor me, okay? I think there is no better way to create romance than bringing in something personal. I love the romantic quote above, but if you have a specific memory, inside joke, or anything between the two of you, that would be great instead of a romantic quote. To bring in a little personal for us, I set out one of our favorite wedding photos beside the centerpiece. This usually stays on my nightstand, but it sure brings some memories and romance into our little dinner. And last, but certainly not least… My goal was not to set up a formal dinner party for the two of us. I wanted pretty and romantic. But I also wanted easy, simple, and no fuss. Since the tablecloth is so loud patterned, I decided to go with no placements, no chargers….just simple white plates and white napkins. I did throw in a little extra pattern with the blue navajo salad plates and brass silverware. I resisted my DIYer, bigger is always better, self and did not create napkin rings, intricate place cards, or crafts of any kind. Nothing wrong with that, but I wanted simple. As in, it can be thrown together in 30 minutes or less. So, I just took a black sharpie and white card stock and wrote out my little quote to rest on the plates. Sources: Brass silverware – West Elm White Plates – Pottery Barn White Cloth Napkins – Pottery Barn Vintage Navajo Salad Plates – Antique Store Vintage Glasses – Antique Store Geo Black Tray – Target Vintage Copper Canisters (turned vases) – Yard Sale Tablecloth – vintage fabric Frame – Home Goods It may have been simple and super easy, but I’m loving it and excited to enjoy it with my honey. How are you spending your Valentine’s?
Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says February 14, 2014 at 1:47 am What a riot of color! I love it! Have a lovely Valentine’s Day 🙂 xo Kristin Reply
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says February 14, 2014 at 1:52 pm I’m with Kristin, I love all the color! Have a great Valentine’s Day! Reply
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says February 14, 2014 at 2:01 pm So pretty! I adore those copper kitchen canisters! Happy VDay! Reply
Summer Hogan says February 14, 2014 at 2:53 pm So cool and indicative of your style! I hope you guys have a wonderful evening! Reply