January 28, 2025

Artistry and Romance — A Valentine's Table

With February 14 fast approaching, it's time to think about what type of table you might want to set for Valentine's Day! I know that not everyone celebrates this holiday, but I find it a welcome respite from the winter blues. It's a holiday that's very flexible — you can celebrate romantic love, love for your children, family bonds, or the strength of friendships. Or all at once!
 
I'm delighted that you're joining me today for I have a special treat in store for you! Including myself, there are eighteen stylists that have been organized by Rita of Panoply in a special tablescape hop to share our ideas for Valentine's Day tables with you. All the details are included at the bottom of this post.

    
I decided to set a table that celebrates Valentine's by focusing on romance through artistry. And what better way to do that than selecting table linens and fine china that my husband surprised me with!


Greg brought me the tablecloth and napkins from a business trip this summer to Strasbourg, France. It's a beautiful, textural cotton woven with four colors in a wonderful design of leaves, vines and flowering racemes in large blocks of color. The colors are variations of lavender, lilac, orchid and plum. The fabric reverses to its opposite colors. It's a lovely complement to the delicately patterned plates with their shades of purple in the violets edged in gold. He gave me the china for Christmas, having purchased it at the antique mall after I had regretfully passed it up (with more than one look back).

   
The china has a story of its own. The current collection (1967-present) is based on a pattern originally created for the Empress Eugénie of France, who contributed to the cultural life of France and helped create the Napoleon III style. The original design can still be seen on display at the Haviland Porcelain Museum in Limoges. I just think it's gorgeous!

For stemware, I chose vintage water glasses with a slightly fluted bowl in lavender, contemporary champagne flutes and vintage cordial glasses in lilac with a cut-to-clear design on the bowl. I think the three shapes and colors work well together.


I added crystal candle holders in three heights to either end of the table's center, placing them in semi-circles around a vase of fresh flowers. Velvet hearts joined the centerpiece.

   
I think all the components combine for an enchanting table!

  
Artistry is in the delicate design of the plates, the lovely organic patterns of the table linens, the pretty crystal shapes of the candle holders and the interesting contours of the stemware.

  
Romance is in the language of flowers, the thoughtfulness of the gifts and the glowing light of candles.

      

    
The two types of chrysanthemums are perfect matches for the colors in the tablecloth and napkins. The blue hydrangeas are a nod to the violets in the plates. To fill out the centerpiece I added faux flowers in shades of white.

 
This is a closer view of the jacquard tablecloth and napkins, which I tied with lavender ribbons instead of using napkin rings. Note that the largest block is in the palest of lavenders, not white, as is the thread outlining the botanical motifs.

   
I couldn't set a Valentine's table without desserts! I've placed them on the buffet along with a coffee service and pitchers for water and iced tea.

   



   

      
Should we celebrate Valentine's Day at a late lunch?

 
Or embrace the romance at a dinner by candlelight?

   

    


I would like to thank Rita from Panoply for organizing this Valentine's Day tablescape blog hop. I hope that you'll visit each of my fellow stylists — you are sure to be inspired by their marvelous ideas!   


Home is Where the Boat Is - Galentine's Tea Party
Everyday Living - My Love, My Valentine
Hyacinths for the Soul - Whispers of the Heart
Pandora's Box - A Valentine Tea for Two
Me and My Captain - Cupid's Arrow 2025
The Bookish Dilettante - Conversation Hearts for Valentine's Day
My Thrift Store Addiction - Vintage Style Galentine's Gathering
The Little Yellow Corner Store - Valentine's Day and a Snowman's Smile
Corner of Plaid and Paisley - For All the Roses in My Life
The Painted Apron - Love Talk 
Dinner at Eight - Artistry and Romance - A Valentine's Table (you are here)
Belle Bleu Interiors - A Celebration of Love

   

For my Valentine's tables in smaller settings, you are welcome to visit The Softer Side of Pink, Valentine Romance, and A Little Romance.                  


Table details
Table linens | Garnier-Thiebaut 'Glycines Parme'
Dinner, salad and bread plates | Haviland 'Imperatrice Eugénie'
Silverware | Reed & Barton 'Eighteenth Century'
Water/wine glassware | Fostoria 'Wisteria' 
   
* Table details are provided for identification/information only. Dinner at Eight does not receive any type of compensation.   
    
 
Shared with these parties
Home Matters    
Saturday Sparks     
     
     
 

33 comments:

  1. Sandra, your table setting is lovely--I adore the velvet hearts and it all looks absolutely enchanting in candlelight!

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    1. Thanks, Cecilia! I loved it in candlelight.

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  2. I adore your assorted stemware and your china is lovely! But what really caught my eye is the dessert table - LOL!! YUM! I love the color scheme as it is so different - I would enjoy being a guest at your table!

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    1. Thanks, Patti! What would a Valentine's dinner be without desserts ;)

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  3. I volte for dinner at night, Sandra, the candlelight adds such a romantic glow to the table. Loved your choice of French linens and the history of the china. It's nice to know where things originate. All the lavenders create a beautiful soft palate for the table setting. Using three crystal glasses is a favorite of mine as well. Your husband gave you a lovely gift and it's so nice to see you using it on Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day!
    Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland

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    1. Thanks so much, Lynne! I enjoy setting tables with the things my husband has brought me. These were especially wonderful!

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  4. Sandra I love your shades of lavender...I always think of spring lilacs and how much I love that color. Your flowers are perfect for your table and how thoughtful of your hubby to get you such a lovely cloth and napkins, as well as the dinnerware. I love the gifts the Captain gets me after I have passed them by. I have a little church that lights and is like a snow globe that he went back to Cracker Barrel to get for me several years ago. I treasure that little church. Happy Valentine's Day for you and yours. ❤️🥰

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    1. Thank you, Kari! I have always been drawn to all the shades of purple, from lavender to aubergine, and always enjoy having an occasion to use them.

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  5. Oooooo I love all your plums and purples with just a touch of blue via the hydrangeas. This is why analogous colors always work well together to make things pretty! Your tablecloth is stunning, as are your plate stacks. I truly love your table. Also, thanks for including nighttime photos: so romantic. Happy Valentine's Day!

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    1. Ricki, thank you for your sweet comments! I was so pleased that the linens and the china were so compatible.

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  6. Sandra, your table is so lovely with the special gifted china your husband purchased. A beautiful pattern. Plums and purple are my husband's favorite color. The French linens are so fabulous. Your crystal; glassware is stunning. The table looks gorgeous with candlelight, so romantic. The velvet hearts are a lovely touch to your romantic table.
    Always a pleasure joining you on these fun blog hops. Happy Valentine's Day.

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    1. Thanks so much, Linda! I was in the mood for a romantic table and I think the many shades of purple give it that added spark. I was thrilled with the way my candlelight photos turned out.

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  7. So so pretty Sandra! What a sweetheart you married and he certainly knows what you like, the napkins and china are beautiful! The flowers match perfectly and it's all elegant and romantic! I always enjoy seeing what you do on the sideboard to go with your tables. I think it looks extra special at night by candlelight, Beautiful!!
    Jenna

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    1. Thank you, Jenna! With such lovely elements, the table practically styled itself! I couldn't resist adding pretty (and delicious) desserts to the mix.

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  8. The color combination is nice for any holiday, and the candle light in the dining room is a dramatic touch. The other bloggers missed the boat on the romantic candle light, they must be green with jealousy.

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    1. Thank you, I was pleased the candlelight photographed so well.

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  9. That is such a beautiful table!

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    1. Thanks, Joanne! Happy Valentine's Day

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  10. Oh Sandra, your table is just lovely. All the different shades of purple are so pretty and work so well together. The linens and china are gorgeous and what a great way to celebrate Valentine's day with gifts from your husband. The stemware is, as always, so elegant, and I love the flowers with the pop of blue. I love sunshine on a table but I think the candlelight shots are beautiful. Whichever you choose, I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

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    1. Thanks so much, Kim! I loved using a mix of purples on items that spanned various design styles and I'm glad the result read as romantic. I was especially happy with the candlelit photos. Happy Valentine's Day

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  11. What a gorgeous dinnerware pattern Sandra! I can see why you regretted passing it up initially. Greg has excellent taste in tablecloths, I can only imagine what my hubby might bring home if I tasked him with buying me a tablecloth while travelling. 😊 So many lovely shades of lavender and plum on your table and beautiful crystal stems to complement your dishes and tablecloth. The blue hydrangeas are beautiful against the background of your dining room walls too. As always, it’s a treat to hop with you and join you at the table. Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day ♥

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  12. Sandra, first off, I have to say that the beautiful lavender details took my heart straight to thoughts of my sister. Thank you! She would have loved the details of this table. Your French linens are gorgeous as are the gold chargers and the amazing set of dishes are swoon worthy. How sweet of your husband to buy the set for your Christmas gift. Mixing the stem adds interest and texture. Always a good move in my mind! Yes, your table is full of romance in each of the elements. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  13. Oh, Sandra! What a fortunate woman you are to have your guy know your tendencies in tableware elements! What beautiful textiles and china! What a very thoughtful gesture to bring those back to you. The colors are so beautiful! I gravitate toward the lavenders and pinks so much more than the reds (even though red was my choice this year). The lavenders and pinks really tug at my heart. Your crystal choices couldn't be better to complement the linens and china! And I think we should go for the dinner with that enchanting glow it brings. Une belle tableau! Thank you for bringing your style, creativity and collections to the table, Sandra. Happy Valentine's Day to you & Greg!

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  14. Sandra, your table sends such a romantic vibe with all your crystal and beautiful china. I love the lavender color pallet! How nice to set your valentines table with a tablecloth gifted to you by your loved one, makes it that much more special. So pretty in candlelight, too!! Have a lovely Valentine’s Day 💜

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  15. Sandra, the linens are beautiful and so very special that your husband purchased them in France. The china is also gorgeous and once again, Greg did a wonderful job! I always look forward to your glassware. The crystal is gorgeous, and I am smitten with the lilac cordial glasses. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Greg!

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  16. Sandra, such delicate romance. Your soft colored tablescape of lilac, purple and all of the gold accents truly gives a intimate and tranquil setting. The soft candlelit table is perfect for a leisurely dinner and a glass of wine to help linger long into the evening. The flowers are such a lovely compliment to the colors in the table. Your husband's gifts are spot on together and will be perfect in style for many years to come. Such a classic. Have a wonderful time celebrating Valentine's Day.

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  17. Oh Sandra, this is such a gorgeous table. The linens your hubby brought you from France are so pretty, and the china is absolutely beautiful. I know you treasure these thoughtful gifts so much. I enjoyed reading about the history of the china pattern. Your flowers are gorgeous and tie back to your linens and dishes perfectly. Happy Valentine’s Day! Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors

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  18. Oooh I love the colors you chose for your table Sandra! Really sweet and romantic, especially with the velvet hearts! Your husband is such a great partner in your tablescaping projects. If I recall, he’s provided lots of your beautiful pieces! He certainly has a good eye and knows what you like! I love the three shapes and colors of your stemware too. Those vintage cordials are especially stunning. Any meal would be wonderful at this table, but I vote for candlelight – those pictures made me sigh! Thanks so much for the gorgeous inspiration - You definitely ARE an artist!

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  19. Oh Sandra, Your "Artistry and Romance" Valentine's table is truly enchanting! The tablecloth and napkins in shades of lavender and plum, are so gorgeous And that Haviland china, I can totally understand giving that many longing looks at the antique store!! Hurrah for your husband taking note and surprising you with all of these lovely elements!! You've styled this entire table beautifully - and I really love the velvet hearts - are some of them wearing a crown?! Too sweet!!! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful table. Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!

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  20. Sandra, your table is so lovely! Featuring it this Friday at the Crazy Little Lovebirds Link Party #75.

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  21. Sandra, wow! This table is STUNNING with the lovely jacquard tablecloth and napkins, the beautiful Limoges plates (Awesome Christmas present, Hubby! You did good!!!), the flowers and candlight... Really pretty! Isn't it so fun to set a table? I set them then we hardly ever use them. This time, we finally did (my Valentine's table in the living room). I have one French tablecloth and I should pull it out and get a spring table ready. ;)

    I hope you have a wonderful time sharing this tablescape with your family or a group of friends!!! It is stunning... I shared this week at SYS #451 for you. <3

    Happy Valentine's hugs,
    Barb :)

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  22. p.s. Pinned many photos, as always! <3

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