For this Valentine's Day I decided to embrace the color red for the table, with generous doses of white and silver — and a dash of sparkle!
My daughter suggested friendship as the Valentine theme, so I set the table for Julia and three of her friends who've been together varying amounts of time: Vera, Allison, and Kathy.
Please join me on a Valentine's Tablescape Blog Hop organized by Rita of the wonderfiul Panoply blog. She has gathered eighteen of us to share our ideas for decorating tables that explore all the different aspects of Valentine's Day! Whether you've come from one of my fellow participants or you're a regular visitor, welcome! I've included all the details for the hop at the bottom of this post.
I started each place setting with lovely silverplate platters that are the perfect size for chargers on a dinner table. Over the years I've acquired a dozen or so to use at parties for hors d'oeuvres, tapas, desserts, etc. Although a couple were purchased new, most were found thrifting, often for a song.
On them are creamy white plates with decorative scalloped rims that I find suit many types of tables, such as A Colorful Easter Table in Blue and Turquoise and Celtic Heritage Table Style. On top of them sit translucent glass plates in a sweet heart shape that I found on-line after Valentine's Day last year.
Large chrysanthemums in white are offset by carnations in vibrant red and in white with petals edged in the same crimson shade. Together they make a stunning centerpiece in the vase I talked about in The Thrill of Finding Beautiful Glassware. The vase is cut crystal — the flowers are from the grocery store.
I like to find tableware that goes well with things I already own, whether they are new and modern, or pre-loved and classic. Here I'm using inexpensive stemware in a deep shade of red with sleek lines that adds a fun touch to the table and echoes the red crystal candlesticks that you can see in the back of the photo.
I've contrasted the flutes with delicate mid-century cocktail glasses that hold chocolate truffles. I love the way the cocktail glasses are intricately etched! The elegant shape of the cocktail glass adds a note of sophistication, even when filled with candy.
Another fun touch are the pair of square votive candleholders whose sides are carved with hearts that are highlighted in red. I've had the votives for a long time and haven't used them very much lately so it was a delight to get them out once more. Taper candles were placed in candlesticks with a clear curvy base and stem, and a strikingly flared ruby-colored bowl. In this photo you can see the geometric pattern of cuts on the heavy vase more clearly. All the lovely glass and crystal bring holiday sparkle to a table for friends!
Now for the soft touches! I love the lighthearted table runner that was the inspiration for the table design of red and white. It is thin enough to drape and bunch prettily. Pressed white cotton napkins have cutwork embroidery on one of their corners and are held simply with wired ribbons that bring the color from the center to each place setting.
The colors of the flowers are a perfect complement to the other table elements.
The rims of the silver chargers add depth to the plate stacks with their rhythmic design repetition. Each charger is different but they can be viewed as two pairs.
The first pair depict simple continuous design. The charger on the left has a rope edge which complements all styles of plates, while the charger on the right has a border known as a gadroon. Their difference is subtle. A "rope border" features a continuous, spiral pattern that mimics cordage; it is often used for a delicate, thin border effect. (It was serendipitous that I happened to have flatware that also had a rope edging!) A "gadroon border" is composed of tapered, curved sections that alternate between convex and concave shapes; it is typically more sculptural, often appearing as a series of petals or flutes.
The second pair of chargers feature more ornate scrolling edges with organic designs. They go well with these scalloped plates and other more formal china patterns. The platter on the left has the larger, but simpler, design, while the platter on the right has intricate scrolls, florals, and geometric forms that have a longer repeat.
I like how the radial shape of the chrysanthemum petals also contrast with the frilly ones of the carnations.
I added little red enamel heart-shaped place card holders at each place setting. Julia will have the delight of labeling them for each of her friends.
I enjoyed how the table plays off the red and white curtains!
I would like to thank Rita from Panoply and my tablescaping friends for this wonderful Valentine celebration — please click on each title below to explore all their marvelous ideas!
Life and Linda 🩷 Hearts, Kisses, and Valentine Wishes
Home Is Where the Boat Is 🩷 Heartfelt Table with Snowmen & Cardinals
Hyacinths for the Soul 🩷 Whispering Love - Valentine Tablescape Hop
Everyday Living 🩷 Forever Is Long Enough
The Cat's Whiskerz 🩷 A Valentine's Day Table for the Guys
Red Cottage Chronicles 🩷 Setting a Valentine's Table That Feels Like Home
Celebrating Everyday Life 🩷 An Italian-Inspired Valentine for Two
My Thrift Store Addiction 🩷 Ivy and Roses Valentine Table for Two
Me and My Captain 🩷 Love Is Everything, Valentine's Day 2026
Little Yellow Corner Store 🩷 A Winter's Valentine's Day Tablescape - The Heart of the Matter
Thrifting Wonderland 🩷Valentine's Day: From the Heart
Corner of Plaid and Paisley 🩷 Cottage Rose Valentine's Table
Dinner at Eight 🩷 Celebrate with Friends and Flowers on Valentine's Day
Olla-Podrida 🩷 Cozy Valentine's Day Tablescape
The Bookish Dilettante 🩷 Valentine's Tea in the Library
Pandora's Box 🩷 Lunch With My Valentine
Mantel and Table 🩷 How to Design a Valentine Table That Feels Luxurious
Thank you for joining me today!
Table details
Dinner plates, salad plates | Villeroy & Boch 'Manoir'
Heart plates | Sur la Table
Vase | Waterford Marquis 'Quadrata'
Cocktail glasses | Bryce '758-4'
Candlesticks | Rogaska 'Weston'
Flatware | Reed & Barton 'Domain'
| * Table details are provided for identification/information only. Dinner at Eight does not receive any type of compensation. |
Shared with these fabulous parties!
Hi Sandra! Friends and flowers are perfect reasons for celebrating Valentine's Day and I would happily pull up a chair to your pretty table! I really love your silver chargers. Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cecelia! I like how all my silver "chargers" have different rims, varying from simple to ornate.
DeleteYour table is absolutely gorgeous, with so much attention to detail. I am in love with those translucent red heart-shaped plates. I think I could find a lot of uses for those. I also love those mid-century cocktail glasses. They are so beautiful! Everything is so pretty and well coordinated. Those little place card holders are just precious.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Pattie! I'm glad I found the glass heart plates -- they add just the right amount of 'Valentine' to the table.
DeleteSandra, this is a wonderful table for your daughter and her friends. Kudos! Love the idea of using the silverplate trays as chargers, and the stack of white topped with the red heart dish is perfect. How special it would be to dine at this "Friendship Table"! Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! I liked the idea of creating a special table for friends with all the Valentine trappings.
DeleteWhat a lovely dining room! And your table is set to perfection. I am sure your daughter and friends will enjoy this! I like the idea of the scarf as a base for your centerpiece and the flowers are such a welcoming site as I sit here watching snowflakes dance outside my window!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patti! The scarf made it light and airy and most of the flowers are still lovely today, with the exception of the solid red carnations.
DeleteThat is so very pretty!
ReplyDeleteThank you! So glad you came to visit.
DeleteYour table is so pretty, and I love how you placed sparkly elements on it (especially the chargers). I agree with your comments about your flower choices: They look so nice together!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rick, I like using things in unexpected ways. I was pleased to find flowers in reds and whites that weren't roses.
DeleteA lot of thought went into the presentation of your table setting, Sandra and it turned out beautifully. The use of the silver chargers sets the tone of the table. I love the sculpted edges and they go so well to with the simpler edging on the Vileroy and Bosch plates. I'm a big crystal collector and I always enjoy your selections. Mixing and matching crystal with china is such fun and the results are stunning. Using vintage glasses for your chocolates works so well. The flowers add another dimension to the table and the contrasting petal shapes another layer of texture. Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteLynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Thanks so much, Lynne! I love to use vintage crystal and glassware -- on the whole I find it more interesting in shape and treatment. The same goes for the vintage (mostly) silver chargers. I've found them in a size range that works well under dinner plates, with the added bonus that they are food safe and are put to good use at parties as well. I'm really pleased how everything came together. Happy Valentine's Day
DeleteSandra how sweet of you to set a table for your daughter and her friends. I am sure that makes them all feel special. I love the vibrant red and white of every element of your table...and love the curtains coordination beautifully. The flowers are perfect as are the cute name card holders. I also look forward to your tablescapes as they always inspire me. Happy Valentines Day, stay warm and keep the lights on❤️🥰❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kari, for your lovely comments! It was fun to go all-in with red! I'm somewhat surprised how interested my daughter and her friends are in setting tables and making a nice presentation. Happy Valentine's Day!
DeleteSandra, not only your table but your whole dining room looks so wonderful with all of those pops of red. With your dark dining table the red and white flowy table runner is just striking. So many complimentary pieces coming together making this a beautiful table. I love the etched crystal with the candy and the red glass heart plates. Fabulous job because that photo with your dining room curtains in it is stunning!! Have a lovely Valentine's Day!❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ann! Once I settled on the table runner to start, I was pleased to discover that I had more red items than I thought that went well together -- with a nice dose of white. I'm crazy about the etched cocktail glasses -- I'm on the hunt for more. Happy Valentine's Day
DeleteSandra, it is a lovely thought to set a Valentine’s table for your daughter and friends! I can just imagine how special each lady will feel. Have you recently changed the color of your dining room? The dining room curtains make a lovely statement with your table. I love your use of the silverplate trays as chargers, a great idea! The whimsical table runner adds a playfulness to your elegant setting. I always look forward to your beautiful stemware collection on each table you share. You have carried out the red and white theme perfectly. It is always a pleasure to join you at the table. Happy Valentine’s Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Pam! My dining room is still blue -- this was set in the garden/game room in our lower level that we use more for casual entertaining. Red is my husband's favorite color so there's red scattered about in these rooms. I'm glad I managed both playfulness and elegance with their interests in mind.
DeleteSandra, how sweet to have set such a special and beautiful table for friends. I was so attacted with your collection of various silver chargers that you have found. They work beautifully together even with the different style of edges which also work so well with your flatware. They were just meant to be there. The red glassware and various kinds of flowers really speaks volumes to the holiday. The detailed touches like your heart runner and the sparkle of the lovely crystal makes it so elegant and a feeling of being exclusive and dear. I hope you all enjoyed your time together as you dined at such a signficant table for Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I love finding and using the platters as chargers. The antique malls and vintage shops usually have several on hand though I stopped looking for them when I reached 12 LOL. I was always surprised how inexpensively they were priced and only needed a good polish. Happy Valentine's Day
DeleteSandra, you have set a lovely table for your daughter and friends. The silver trays are so pretty and make great chargers. I love how your curtains match the table. The Villeroy and Bosch plates are gorgeous, along with the red heart plate. Mixing and matching crystal is a way to add elegance. The red glassware is so perfect with the pops of red. Flowers and chocolate are the finishing touch. Always a pleasure joining you at the table. Wishing you a lovely Valentine's Day.❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! I enjoyed adding the sparkle of silver and crystal to a table for a group of friends. And it was fun to go all-in on reds with just enough white. And who can resist good chocolate? Happy Valentine's Day
DeleteOh boy Sandra – those chargers stole my heart right off the bat. Don’t you love thrifting for silver? It’s not quite as easy to find in my neck of the woods anymore, but I can still find some lovely trays every once in a while. Yours are just beautiful! I love your plate stack too with the glass heart on top. I think a picture of the whole stack would be a lovely Valentine’s card! And the cocktail glasses! Yes, I love the intricate engraving on them. And chocolates inside don’t hurt either! Your whole table is beautiful, and I know your daughter and her friends will love getting together around it in that beautiful room! Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Barbara! While I was still collecting silver trays (I stopped at a dozen in this size LOL) I was stumbling over them just about everywhere. One vendor stuck way in the back of a huge antique mart had several stacks about 2 ft high for about $10 per platter. The drawback was they all required a lot of polishing. I like the larger trays too, but this size is far more versatile. Happy silver hunting!
DeleteGenius to use the silverplate trays as chargers Sandra! I love the casual and playful vibe from the draping effect of your table runner. The pops of red from your heart dishes, votives, stemware, frilly carnation (and even drapes!) make for a festive table for a Valentine’s Day celebration. As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary! I've used silverplate trays this way whenever I wanted to add a certain extra 'something' to somewhat casual events. I like that they added elegance to a table meant for young women in their 20s who still love the playful side of things. Happy Valentine's Day
DeleteSandra, what a lovely table you've designed for your daughter and friends! It's so nice to share your designing style with the girls, and I'm sure this table will leave a lasting impression on them. The use of silver platters as chargers is such a great idea, for instance. I have done that before, and it not only is useful, but it keeps those platters multi-purposeful. I love the SLT plates to top your plate stack, and although you say the red glassware is inexpensive, it looks elevated by use of the delicate champagnes, the crystal vase, and the candlesticks. That entry shot of the dining room tablescape with the rug, the drapes, and black and white lamps on the buffet is STUNNING! (is this Julia's home, or is that your breakfast room, I can't remember. I know it's not your DR, as the blue walls in that room are locked in my memory). Beautiful work, Sandra. Thanks you so much for joining in this hop and sharing your work!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Rita! When I decided to drench the table in red, I was concerned it might be overpowering, but I think the whites and silvers toned it to 'just right'. I was wowed the moment I saw the champagne coupes and I'm on the hunt for more! This table is in our game/garden room which is in the lower level that has lots of red accents (my husband's favorite color). Thanks so much as well for hosting these fantastic table hops. Happy Valentine's Day!
DeleteThanks for sharing with us, I'm featuring you when the next To Grandma's house we go link party starts!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely feature!
DeleteSandra, what a perfect table for your daughter and friends! It looks wonderful in the room - almost made to order. I love the idea of silver platters as chargers, and must remember that the next time I'm at a thrift store. The scarf as table runner is brilliant too. The creamy white dinner and salad plates are perfect to showcase the pretty red heart plates on top. The deep red flutes and the flower mix in the crystal vase are showstoppers. Julia and her friends are going to love love dining at this beautiful table with all it's wonderful Valentine's ambiance. Happy Valentine's Day to all!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim! I love the variety of silver platters you can find from minimally designed to quite ornate. They seem to go with just about any china pattern. I loved the challenge of setting a table with 20-somethings in mind -- just a bit of elegance, some fun and only friendship vibes. Happy Valentine's Day!
DeleteGorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope you'll visit again.
DeleteI love how it all came together, featuring you at Wednesdays in the Studio!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jennifer!
DeleteSo pretty! Featuring your post tomorrow at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, thank you! I'll be sure to stop by.
DeleteChloe, this is such a joyful and welcoming Valentine’s table — I love the focus on gathering with friends and celebrating connection together. The fresh flowers add such a beautiful sense of life and movement, and the layered place settings feel warm and inviting without being overdone. It truly feels like a table designed for laughter and meaningful conversation. So happy to be hopping along with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer! The theme was such a wonderful suggestion from my daughter and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Valentine’s Day
Delete