Valentine’s Day Tablescape

It’s a dreary, gray day here in Dallas, a perfect day for slowly cleaning and organizing. And slow sure does describe me these days! I’ve been recovering from a nasty back sprain, the reason for my absence here. But I’m on the mend, and happy that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It’s my anniversary (23 years now!), and one of my favorite holidays.

 

This simple tablescape came together really easily with the addition of just a few Valentine items. I started with our red dinner plates, the same ones I used at Christmas. My mom and I bought these on sale, after Christmas, at Crate and Barrel sometime around 1988 or 1989. They were only about $1 each, and how I wish I had bought a few more. I guess I just never dreamed that I would still be using them 20-plus years later! The Italian salad plates came soon after that, also from Crate and Barrel, and I’ve used these quite often, also. For today’s table I topped them with Old Britain Castles rim soup bowls. It all looks very festive with my homemade Country Life toile tablecloth.

 

Festive heart doilies embellish the soup bowls. Sparkly crystal-looking (but plastic!) hearts, found in the wedding section at Dollar Tree, are filled with red cinnamon candies. I bet somebody will be snacking on these after school today!

 

 

 

I couldn’t resist these adorable red flutes with the hearts, another DT treasure. They’re just plastic, but still a lot of fun.

 

My thrift-store silverplated flatware got a bit of a polish, and is gleaming beautifully now. It’s so pretty – hard to believe that I found service for 12, with serving pieces, for $17. I love thrifting! The vintage napkins were a thrifty find too. I saw some similar to these on Ebay recently, and they were listed for $75. I’m glad I only paid a few dollars!

 

 

Fresh flowers are always lovely, and even better when they can go into the garden later. I have never seen primrose quite like these! The flowers are really large and have pretty yellow centers. Three of them fit nicely into this soup tureen, with tiny alyssum tucked in between. I added a little Spanish moss around the edge to camouflage the soil. I have used this vintage tureen for making live plant centerpieces often, as it makes a nice low arrangement. Funny though, that I have never actually used my soup tureens for soup!

 

 

I hope this inspires you to create your own simple Valentine’s tablescape! You can click here to see the other lovely tables for Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

 

Comments

[Martha]

So glad that you're feeling better in time to celebrate your special anniversary -- A lovely table you've set -- and the tablecloth is stealing my heart!

[ann]

Lovely tablescape! I really like red and white and you have set a wonderful table using these colors. I am always amazed at what folks find at the Dollar Tree and can then make it look so nice with a few creative touches. Guess I'll be heading to my local DT tomorrow to look for the little hearts! :)

[Shelia]

Happy Anniversary! Your table is so pretty and I just love all of your special touches!
I love your tablecloth.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

[Dreamgoddess]

What a pretty table! Count me in as another that will be hitting DT to see if they have the little hearts. That was such a cute idea!

[black eyed susans kitchen]

The toile and the white lace set the mood for this romantic table...I love the Valentine theme.
Susan

[Dining Delight]

So pretty! I really love your idea to put the cinnamon hearts in those little heart-shaped cases! A perfect treat for guests!

DD

[Sherry]

This is just gorgeous! I love the dishes and the primrose was brilliant for a centerpiece.

[Carolee]

Very lovely, festive, Valentine table! Love it!

[~ ~Ahrisha~ ~]

Very pretty! I love the lace napkins are they battenburg lace? I once had a tablecloth with similar design. The narrow lace edge really sets it off and adds a sweetness. Perfect.

[Brenda Kula]

I was starting to worry about you! Sorry about your back sprain. I sure know how that goes. I love this red and white tablescape, as you surely know that's one of my very favorite color combos. And the flatware I am absolutely in love with! Hope you feel much better soon. I always enjoy visiting you.
Brenda

[Sarah]

Such pretty elements on this tablescape! Love the toile tablecloth and your vintage napkins. The red accents, the silver, the redware plates, . . . I think it is all terrific!

[m]

Be still my heart! I love red toile!

m ^..^

[Rhondi]

Hi Thanks for visiting me today and leaving a comment. Your table is beautiful. Ilove the toile cloth and the red transferware dishes!
Rhondi

[The Tablescaper]

What a festive table. Love the tablecloth.

- The Tablescaper