When Daughter J was small, she hosted Valentine's Day Tea Parties for her friends. She and I selected the tablewares to use, the goodies to eat and the crafts to make. Miss J and her friends dressed up, brought their favorite dolls (who had a table to themselves!) and had such fun on otherwise deary February days.
I didn't create Valentine's Day tables again until I began blogging and found such delight in creating pretty tables and vignettes for a charming holiday. For this year's table I chose as a theme the softer side of pink paired with white and accented by gold.
During a quick trip for groceries I found very fresh flowers -- tulips that were still tightly furled and chrysanthemums just beginning to unfold. Two days later they are opening perfectly for the table!
I began with damask placemats in a rich gold, followed by dinner and salad plates edged in gold. I chose flatware that came from Greg's mother's house. I don't know whether I would have bought gold flatware for myself, but I have enjoyed using it for various tablescapes and it has a nice feel in the hand.
In this photo you can see how the tulips have begun to bow gracefully. I think this tulip stage makes such interesting flower combinations!
Mini silk ranunculus bouquets hold the hemstitch napkins; both echo the pink of the tulips. As a bonus, the handles of the flatware are covered in flowers.
I'm using vintage rose colored stemware that I've used before here and here. I love its shape and the way the swirls toss the light around.
I found these enamel heart-shaped place card holders in the bottom of the valentine decor box. I've probably had them for a dozen years but I have never used them. I realized why when I set them on the table — there's only three place cards! I'll need to get more before the dinner.
I'm pleased with the interplay of white, gold and soft shades of pink and rose.
The salad plates are favorites that I find charming and romantic. The flowers are primarily in shades of pink and lavender, visited by several butterflies and bees. While they depict a summer scene, I tend to use them for valentine and spring tables because of their pastel colors.
I love the rhythm of the swirls . . .
that is repeated in the coffee set on the sideboard. I like the shape of its pieces, the split handles and the decorative knobs on the lids and handles. This vintage set is very versatile.
I bought the heart votive holders long ago for Miss J's tea parties. When the votives are lit they glow prettily.
A Valentine's Day table is a lovely treat for yourself and your guests. Especially on dreary, rainy (or snowy) days!
A tablescape on the softer side of pink would make a lovely table for any spring-time dinner.
Thanks for stopping by!
Table resources
Dinner plates | Royal Doulton 'Alice'
Salad plates | Wedgwood 'Charnwood'
Stemware | Steuben 'Rose Swirl'
Coffee set | Haviland '413 Torse White'
Absolutely gorgeous,so dainty and romantic!Greetings!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sweet comment! Good to see you, Maristella. Happy Valentine's Day!
Deleteoh so very pretty love the soft side of pink thanks for showing it to us come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Annie, glad you liked it! Will do
DeleteSo pretty Sandra! I love any table with pink tulips. Thanks for sharing at the Valentine's Day Link Party. Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amber! I know what you mean about pink tulips!
DeleteWhat a lovely tablescape, Sandra! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cecilia! It's always a pleasure to visit and find others who love vintage!
DeleteLovely Sandra. I'm loving all the pink! And your china fits in perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Although I love designing tablescapes that reflect the season, the colors of Valentine's Day are a nice break from wintry scenes.
DeleteLove your soft pinks Sandra - what a lovely table! Your tulips and salad plates are just gorgeous too! Kudos all around!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara! I love that Valentine's Day gives us the perfect reason to indulge in a bit of romance.
DeleteLovely. Pinned this post. Visiting you at Refresh and Restore at the Hearth and Soul Link Party. You’ll discover colors I like, when you visit my blog Colors 4 Health. Happy V-Day. (posts 97,98,99 at party)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy! I'm glad you stopped by
DeleteI never get tired of looking your gorgeous tablescape!Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet comments, Maristella! I'm always glad you've come to visit!
DeleteI now have the sudden urge to go buy some tulips. So beautiful. And that pink stemware is stunning! Thanks for sharing your beautiful table with us this week. #HomeMattersParty
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna! There's nothing like fresh flowers to brighten the mood on winter days!
DeleteThis is so lovely, Sandra! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm--pinned!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cecilia! And another thank you for pinning!
DeletePink is my favorite color, and you have done it justice with this table setting! I love every detail!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at the Sundays on Silverado Link Party!
Niky @ The House on Silverado
Thanks so much, Niky! I loved how the pinks and golds complemented each other.
DeleteBeautiful table! The mums and pink tulips make a good combination. I like the pink side of Valentine's Day too. Your plates are very pretty and perfect for your table.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy! I liked the softness of the shades of pink I've used here. It's a different effect than the tables I've used with darker, more dramatic deep pinks. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteBeautiful table Sandra - I love all the pinks and they look fabulous with the gold! The flowers are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim! I loved the richness that the gold added to the table. Those were definitely the freshest flowers I have ever bought at the grocery! Thanks for visiting.
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