The Softer Side of Pink

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!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Table resources
Dinner plates | Royal Doulton 'Alice'
Salad plates | Wedgwood 'Charnwood'
Stemware | Steuben 'Rose Swirl'
Coffee set | Haviland  '413 Torse White'