Valentine's Day Tablescape Ideas

1. Look for INSPIRATION at home. Let your table be a canvas for your love and appreciation of your friends and family, and you'll see how beautiful it can be.  Always shop your home first to keep it budget-friendly. I like to go around my house and grab things I already own to use in my tablescape:  Party chargers, cloth napkins, candles, linens, and special glasses (like this red set.)  I also ask that you think of non-traditional items for the table.  Things like this cute bird lamp (I added the red beaded shade.) Special knick nacks like a red glass heart paperweight work too.  I put it all on my dining room table and look to see if I can see a theme.

2.  Choose a color scheme: Red and pink are traditional for Valentine's Day, but consider other romantic colors such as blush, lavender, or gold. When you have a specific color scheme, your décor is much more likely to look cohesive. Sometimes using non-traditional colors for table décor is fun, try apricot, blue, or light green. Now go around the house and find things in your Valentine colors

Select a tablecloth: Find a traditional tablecloth that fits your table.  You can also layer a tablecloth with luxurious fabric such as satin, silk, or velvet in your chosen color scheme.  Try additional tableware like napkins, and runners: I love linens and mixing them on a table.  If you have been storing them for a while by all means iron them so they will look more elegant. In the past when I needed a red accent for my table I took apart an old red knit velvet formal dress (that no longer fit me) and made it into a beautiful table runner.  So don’t be afraid to gather from everywhere in your home because you never know where you’ll find items that will make your tablescape unique. When you think “outside the box” the results are surprising and will save you money.

4.  Table setting: why not opt for elegant plates, glasses, and silverware that complement your color scheme? I like to mix dishes and layer them.  Many times I find wonderful sets of dessert plates, and I use them as accent plates.  Don’t be afraid to mix bone china with ironstone or plain-colored plates with floral or pattern plates.

5.  Make a list of what you still need:  I like looking online for more inspiration once I have a direction.  Places like Pinterest and blogs have some great ideas. (My Valentines Pinterest Board is here: https://www.pinterest.com/jonelle3/valentines-day/ )  Do not look at just the Valentine's Day Isles in stores.  Many times those items look too juvenile and loud or the colors are too bright.  Instead check out the florals, linens, glassware, and more in the regular aisle of the store.  And don’t be afraid to check second-hand stores, many times they have Valentine's items on display in January and February. **Take a photo of your inspiration item or swatch of your colors with you when you shop

6.  Arrange centerpiece: A bouquet of roses or other florals, candle arrangements, or a large pink box centerpiece are great options. Tie in your centerpiece to your table settings by repeating some elements and colors. Remember people talk to each other over the table so don’t make your centerpiece too tall to distract from the line of sight.

7.  Add personal touches: Place cards with your guests' names, a printed menu at each place setting, sprinkle rose petals, or include a small favor or treat for each person are just a few ideas.  These noteworthy touches adorn the table and make the guest feel so special.

8.  Final touches: Consider misting the room with essential oils, dimming the lights, setting a romantic ambiance with music, and placing votive candles around the room to complete the look.

Your Valentine's Day table setting is an expression of your love, and that's what makes it truly special. Why not create a special table that tells your story, it will be Valentine's Day to remember!

"Love is not just a feeling, it's a beautiful work of art - and your Valentine's Day table setting should reflect that."

Check out my video where I set an entire table in less than one minute on You Tube:  Jonelle Tannahill on YouTube

Thanks for joining me as we discussed Valentine's Day Table Decorating

Until Next Time!

Jonelle'