What could be more romantic than flowers? Perhaps setting a lovely table to showcase their blooms and enjoy their fragrances on a winter's day. Especially if done for Valentine's Day!
I'm delighted to be joining a group of stylists for a wonderful blog hop organized by Rita of Panoply. Please join me in visiting the other stylists' Valentine tablescapes linked at the bottom of this post for a variety of ways to celebrate this charmingly romantic day.
I knew that I wanted to use a very special base for my table, a tablecloth that Greg bought for me at the Bran Castle in Bran, Transylvania, 30 km from Romania's capital Bucharest. The castle was built in 1377.
The linen tablecloth was intricately embroidered by hand. The perimeter panel was embroidered then sewn onto the tablecloth. I laid the cloth on top of a larger lavender tablecloth. The colors in the embroidery set the color theme for the table — shades of lilac, lavender and amethyst.
The centerpiece is composed of lavender chrysanthemums, magenta alstromerias, white spray carnations and white baby's breath.
The alstromerias were a deeper magenta, more purple than pink, before they began to open up.
Though the flowers are standard grocery-store varieties, they are beautiful and very fresh.
The plates are designed with violets, similar in size to the embroidered field flowers. I love this pattern! I've used these dishes for several tables including Spring Comes in Shades of Violet and Vintage Meets Modern on a Late Spring Table. I've again used my favorite cross-hatched glass chargers in a lovely shade of green that echoes the leaves.
Lilac and purple candles in crystal candle holders and several velvet hearts bracket the centerpiece.
Vintage glassware seemed the perfect choice for a Valentine's table. The amethyst glasses have rounded bowls on columnar stems and date from the fifties. I found them years apart — the wine stems first, then the water goblets. The champagne glasses are later mid-century and were Greg's mothers. This champagne shape was very popular in the 1960-1970's. I particularly like the abstract etchings.
Taking the cue from the tablecloth, I've tied the satin napkins with lavender ribbons.
I think flowers, soft colors, lovely linens, sparkling crystal, and candles all contribute to a sweetly romantic dinner.
Greg has created a wonderful menu for the dinner: classic Caesar salad, salt-crusted beef tenderloin, potatoes au gratin, roasted prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, Bearnaise sauce, and red velvet cake in our rose bundt pan.
Larger velvet hearts bring a Valentine touch to the buffet along with a scattering of chocolate truffles.
Happy Valentine’s Day
I'm sure you will find wonderful ideas for setting your table for Valentine's Day in the tablescapes listed below!
Panoply - Color My World, Valentine
Hyacinths for the Soul - Cozy Moments of the Heart - Valentine Tablescape
The Cat's Whiskerz - Hearts, Snowflakes and some Sparkle for a Valentine's Day Table
Red Cottage Chronicles - Family Fun Valentine's Tablescape
Everyday Living - Valentine's Day - A Celebration of Love
Life and Linda - Love You Beary Much
The Painted Apron - Rosy Valentine
My Thrift Store Addiction - Must Have Flowers! Vintage French Valentine's Day Tablescape
Me and My Captain - Elementary, My Dear Watson
Home is Where the Boat Is - The Birds and Bees
Karins Kottage - Flirty and Fun Valentine Table
Pandora's Box - A Valentine Breakfast
Mantel and Table - A Vibrant Blue Tablescape for Beautiful Valentine Romance
The Bookish Dilettante - Valentine's Day
Tablescape: Hearts and Lace
Thrifting Wonderland - Be Mine...Valentine
Dinner at Eight - A Valentine's Table with Flowers, Ribbons and Hearts
Table details
Salad and bread plates | Rossetti 'Spring Violets'
Dinner plates | Villeroy & Boch 'Manoir'
Goblets | Fostoria 'Classic Amethyst'
Champagne coupes | Libbey Glass 'Windswept'
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This is lovely and I especially like your amethyst stemware. The pretty tablecloth coordinates so well with your dishes. What time is dinner?
ReplyDeleteAt eight of course! I rarely see amethyst stemware so I bought them as soon as I saw them. I think their shape is more modern than vintage.
DeleteThis is glorious - a joy to see! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteThis color combination is gorgeous, Sandra, and the table setting overall is just stunning against your blue dining room color. One of my favorite Valentine tablescapes was with a similar lavender / amethyst color palette. The petite violet pattern in your plates goes so well with the layered linens. Let's talk about that beautiful tablecloth. My goodness, it is exquisite! I love hemstitching and how the artist assembled that border. Greg did very well with his choice, and also with his menu choice! The solid amethyst glassware and napkins ground the airiness of all the clear glassware. The green cross-hatched chargers are so fresh as a base. This all makes me wish to see my pansies, violas and our grass once again after more than a week covered in snow pack here. Thank you for bringing the beauty of late winter to the table with this Valentine's Day table. I love it!
ReplyDeleteSandra, I love your romantic table setting. I am partial to lilac (we can't grow them here but I grew up with them and Iris) and even though neither of those are in your lovely flower arrangement, the colors are all over your beautiful table. The glasses are stunning and go so well with your color palate, including the lovely covering for your table. And the menu is almost the same as my menu so kudos to Greg for a popular yet delicious meal. It is always fun to see the inspiration from each table and the stylist's concept for the special occasion. Stay warm my friend and Blessings to you and yours on this coming Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteSandra, the tablecloth is breathtaking, Greg has excellent taste! With the gorgeous foundation, I love the sweetness of the violet plates and the green cross-hatched chargers. I always admire your beautiful crystal and collection of glassware. Greg’s menu sounds delicious! This is a lovely, lovely table! It is always a treat to join you at one of your tables!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeus! I think I could never do this myself. I realy admire people who have such great taste for arranging things so lovely together. Thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning tablecloth with the pretty embroidered sprays of flowers and perfect for your 'Spring Violets' plates. Your napkins tied with satin ribbon is such a sweet touch to pair with your tablecloth. The lavender and amethyst hues make for such a pretty table and nice departure from the traditional pinks and reds of Valentine’s Day. My mouth is watering from your menu too! As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day. ♥
ReplyDeleteI have a set of Springs Violets that was my mothers. Your table setting is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful Sandra, inspired by your very special hand embroidered tablecloth from Europe! I love your purple and white color palette, it looks amazing in your deep blue dining room! The purple napkins tied with lavender ribbons, purple stemware and scattered hearts look so pretty and your crystal candlesticks are stunning! The fresh flowers in the crystal vase are a lovely centerpiece and I always enjoy the way you carry your theme to your sideboard. It sounds like you're in for a very delicious Valentine's dinner, have a wonderful Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteJenna
This is so elegant and I love all the purple!
ReplyDeleteThis is just so beautiful Sandra that I hardly know where to start. Well, no, that tablecloth that Greg bought is the where to start and oh my, it is stunning! Oh my gosh, he did well. I always love to see what glassware you have chosen because you have such an amazing collection of beautiful pieces and these amethyst pieces are no exception. Then there are those lovely violet plates and that you added the bread and butter plates takes it to another level. The green cross-hatched chargers are the perfect complement to bring everything together. Greg's menu sounds delicious and I hope you have a wonderful dinner and wishing you a happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteI am loving the purple and green combination what a unique twist for Valentine's day. Something new and different. Your elegant tablecloth is really quite beautiful. Your tablescape sure makes me want to own some purple goblets.
ReplyDeleteSandra, I'm crushing over the beautiful colors on this table. The exquisite detail on the table cloth is amazing. What a wonderful gift from Greg and the perfect souvenir of your trip. All the family pieces on this table are treasures as well. .Love those velvet hearts! Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteSandra, Greg did a fantastic job in purchasing that gorgeous embroidered tablecloth. The color palette with shades of lilac, lavender and amethyst are so pretty. The violet plates are so lovely with your treasured green cross-hatched chargers. The crystal adds more elegance to your romantic Valentine table. The velvet hearts 💜 are adorable, I have some too. The purple stemware is perfect, my husband’s favorite color. The menu Greg designed sounds delicious. What a treat to sit at your table and enjoy a lovely dinner. A pleasure hopping along with you.enjoy your Valentines dinner.
ReplyDeleteSandra, that was me above. Somehow using my iPad with Safari showed me as anonymous.
DeleteWhat an elegant table, Sandra, and the tablecloth is stunning. It really sets the tone for what follows. The dishes are a perfect compliment to the tablecloth and that lovely soft lavender is highlighted by the green charger. The flowers tie all the colors together and make a gorgeous centerpiece for your table. You even have matching stemware. Super menu and so nice your husband is a participant in the day. The crystal candlesticks and velvet ribbons are the perfect finishing touches. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteLynne
Sandra, your pretty dishes remind me of some my grandmother had, instantly taking me back! I love that beautiful tablecloth, too!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh Sandra, this is lovely!! Those colors! The tablescloth is stunning, and how sweet of your husband to get it for you. The craftsmanship is exquisite. I love how perfectly your darling violet plates match it too. You are so creative with the ribbon napkin ties that echo the tablecloth. And the lavendar candles ... Really, it's beautiful! Looks fabulous with your blue walls too! Plus, your husband's menu is calling my name! Thanks for sharing the beauty - and the deliciousness!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow. These purples (and pinks) are just gorgeous. That tablecloth is so beautiful. Visiting from Crazy Little Lovebirds linkup.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a beautiful table; I love all the purples and pinks!
ReplyDeleteYour Valentine's table is stunning! Simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteVisiting today from Crazy Little Love Birds 22 #27,28&29
The pretty purples on your table are making me smile. I appreciate how the green in your plate stacks compliment them. Your embroidered tablecloth is so pretty, and the crystal on your table sparkles and brightens-up everything. I'll take any sparkle and shine this time of year...it has been so rainy and gloomy here in Central Alabama lately! This is one of my favorites this time around. Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteLove that you chose purple instead of red and pink. Looks beautiful
ReplyDeleteSandra, your table is beautiful! I love the colors you chose to go with. I'm happy to to feature your post tomorrow at the Crazy Little Love Birds link party #23. We enjoyed your valentine's table so much!
ReplyDeleteStunning Valentine's table top design. Love the lilac and purple touches. Happy V-Day.
ReplyDelete