On February 14, nothing says “Valentine’s Day” more than a romantic table set for two — in your own home. Dining at home is not only more private than a busy restaurant, but the extra effort put forward will not go unnoticed by your sweetie pie. It can also be fun!
Judy Williams and Susan Allan from Best Table In The House demonstrate how to creatively assemble a romantic, but whimsical Valentine’s Day Tablescape.
The most popular colors for Valentine’s Day, of course, are red and pink. Best Table In The House used a red, diamond patterned tablecloth as the backdrop for their romantic table for two.
“Susan had that table sitting in her foyer. We put a leaf in it and moved the table in front of the fireplace,” explains Williams. “We used living room chairs and added Valentine’s pillows to complement the theme.”
As the traditional symbol of love, a pretty arrangement of fresh Freedom Roses accented with Bupleurum, Myrtle Leaf and Aspidistra Leaf, was set in the center of the table, courtesy of Freeman’s Flowers and Gifts, located in Franklin. Note that Freeman’s thoughtfully placed tiny rhinestone studs in the center of each rose, adding sparkle and flair to the entire arrangement.
The dark glass flower vase contrasts nicely against the red tablecloth, and the greenery between the roses make the flowers pop. The arrangement is purposely low enough to remain in the center of the table during the meal, so the lovebirds can easily converse.
According to Best Table In The House, it’s important to have objects of different heights and textures on your table. To add height and provide soft lighting here, two tall glass candleholders sit prominently on the table. In keeping with the color scheme, each off-white candle sits in a bed of red crystals. Small, mercury votives provide additional soft lighting.
To add interest, two whimsical white ornaments shaped like hearts, and adorned with little pink bows were positioned inside a glass pedestal. “We took cake cardboard and glued red glitter to it and placed it in the bottom of the pedestal,” explains Judy Williams. Also, little white Valentine themed trinket boxes were added to the table.
A bottle of champagne sits in a bronze bucket on the table to celebrate the day. “The champagne bucket holder is really a big candle holder that I happened to have, and made it into a champagne holder,” reveals Williams. She emphasizes that while tablescaping, it’s not necessary to purchase all new tableware, and you can simply find things around your house to re-purpose. To dress it up Williams adds, “We put red beads in the bottom of the bucket along with a piece of pink chiffon.”
The two beautiful place settings are a mix of old and new, and the colors contrast nicely against the tablecloth. Best Table In The House used two chargers, one hot pink and one gold –set at different angles — for a “layered look,” as Williams describes. Fittingly, the fine China, “Heavenly Host” by American Atelier, is embellished with cherubs around its border. The salad plate on top is clear glass with solid gold beads around its edge. Although the salad plate looks pricey, Williams says it’s not. “It doesn’t have to be fine China, that’s why people are intimidated about setting a table.”
On top of the plates, a light pink Chiffon napkin is wrapped around a solid gold napkin and placed in a unique napkin ring that is also a bud vase! Williams and Allan placed a fresh rose in each napkin ring bud vase. It’s adorable and memorable. The flatware is a smart, contrasting mix of silver with red-handled knives.
To hold the beverages, delicate wine glasses embellished with a thick gold stripe complements the gold splashes in the tablescape. A simple water glass sits next to a fancier Versace champagne flute.
Chocolate covered strawberries sit carefully on a simple, glass cake plate for the couple to enjoy before or after dinner. “We thought that would be romantic with the champagne,” adds Williams.
To add to the theme, Williams displayed a piece of “heart” artwork she was given as a gift. Allan took a statue she had in another part of her home and placed it on a pedestal.
As a finishing touch, Williams says, “We sprinkled little clear crystals around the table for a romantic, shimmery effect.”
So remember, when tablescaping your Valentine’s table, Best Table In The House advises: mix new and old, re-purpose, use varying heights and textures, layer, don’t break the bank, sprinkle in some sparkle, and most importantly, have fun.
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