Hearts and Roses: A Valentine's Day Table
Romantic Victorian style is at the heart of this table set for a Valentine's Day luncheon with friends. The soft rose pink with mint green, ecru, and white accents presents a soft and feminine look. A subtle color palette like this brings to mind the elegant style of a bygone era rich with tea roses and vintage lace.
To create this table, begin with a neutral tablecloth such as the ecru damask one shown. Next select a few glass candleholders for the center of the table. Here patterned glass votive holders of varying heights are used for visual interest, but a similar look could be achieved using hurricane vases or any style of embellished glass candleholders. When the candles are lit the glass will catch the light and create a sparkling effect!
Roses are a traditional choice for Valentine's Day events and can be purchased in abundance near this special holiday. This table features a miniature rose bush in a decorative pot as I prefer to purchase potted roses that can be planted in the garden after an event, but cut roses would also work well. To get the vintage look, as seen above, clip a few blooms from the plant and place them in mismatched small vases or glasses. They will add a pop of soft color and perfume the table with a beautiful scent.
The lovebird salt and pepper shakers add a romantic element to the table. There are countless varieties of bird salt and pepper shakers available during the spring and each have a charm of their own. These are sitting in a "nest" of white organza ribbon on a silver platter. The diaphanous texture of the ribbon along with the birds adds to the ambiance of the table. Passing the salt and pepper will be part of the fun!
The table setting features green patterned glass plates and bowls layered with simple white dishes beside clear wine glasses and goblets. Green is used as an accent color to brighten up the neutral table.
Woven place mats provide texture and ecru napkins are ringed with ribbon roses to contribute to the feminine style of this setting. I found these napkin rings at a boutique years ago, but those of you who are crafters could probably make them.
Heart-shaped candles like the one shown below can be placed randomly throughout the setting to evoke the Valentine theme. Also, it is always fun to send guests home with a little treat and these inexpensive costume earrings attached to a heart-shaped card are perfect for a favor! Just cut heart shapes out of card stock and use a paper punch to attach the earrings to the card. Then wrap in a little organza bag and add to each place setting. After all, what woman doesn't love jewelry and roses on Valentine's Day?
