Many elements go into a thoughtfully arranged tablescape. When hosting a Valentines dinner with other couples or with friends, I implore you to think of designing your table in layers. While the food and the drink that are served play an important role in how your guests remember your gathering, the table setting is equally important. The table is what everyone gathers around to enjoy each other’s company, and after dinner has commenced, it is often the place we continue to gather around for games and socializing. Therefore, the tablescape you design can be designed to fit you and your guests’ needs for the evening and also as a feast for the eyes for all to enjoy throughout the event. Let’s dive into the elements of a well-set table and what unconventional elements you can add in the process.
Tablecloth
The tablecloth can be thought of as the backbone of the table setting. I often aim for my tablecloth to hang ~12 inches off each edge of the table. However, in this case, I opted for one that was 30 inches off each side, as it allowed me to add whimsical soft wrinkles to the tabletop for added dimension. While a tablecloth can be any color of your choosing, I chose white as it can be used for nearly every occasion. When considering the fabric for your tablecloth, each material has its benefits and drawbacks. I often opt for cotton because of its beautiful woven texture and soft feel. For this tablescape, I opted to use a satin polyester tablecloth, as it gives off a beautiful sheen with lit candles.
Lighting Source
In this case, I opted for the use of brass candlesticks because of their timeless beauty and the warmth that brass exudes. Over the years, I have slowly collected these whenever I see them at local charity shops. I love the mismatched styles and heights and arrange them scattered down the table to create visual interest. When lit during golden hour, these quickly stole the show and became the anchor point for the table setting. Other lighting sources you could use in your tablescape include lanterns (battery-powered or candle-lit), battery-powered string lights, or a dainty rechargeable lamp. If trying to create a cozy, romantic feel, opt for warmer-toned bulbs (2700 K).
Flatware, Dishware, and Stemware
While these elements serve an essential purpose at the table, they also help establish the overall tone of a tablescape. For this setting, I chose a vintage Currier and Ives dishware set, drawn to its ornate red detailing, which naturally suits Valentines Day. Paired with modern everyday flatware, the combination creates a thoughtful contrast between vintage character and contemporary simplicity.
Stemware offers another opportunity to add subtle visual interest. I sourced these glasses from Ikea and appreciated the vintage-inspired look they provide without the traditional price tag. Their added texture brings depth to the place settings and complements the existing elements without overpowering them.
Additional Elements
This is where you can really let your creative side take over. Look around your house for what objects may play into your existing theme. For instance, I found this silver compotier in my vintage servingware and decided it fit the romantic Valentines theme perfectly. Playing into the red theme further, I purchased various red fruits in different sizes (plums, strawberries, raspberries, apples, grapes) and arranged them in the compotier. I also scattered them about the table and amongst the candles as filler. These added a lot of visual interest and dimension to the table and added a lovely pop of red against the white tablecloth and brass candlesticks.
I chose an organza ribbon to tie around the napkins for additional red accents. Organza has a beautiful translucency to it that adds a softness to its surrounding elements. I then created a gold wax seal for each place setting on parchment paper and gently taped the back of them to the ribbons on the napkins. Don’t be afraid to play around with colorful, unconventional elements for your tablescape; you may surprise yourself!
Conclusion
I hope after reading this, you have a newfound confidence in experimenting with your next tablescape, whether it be for Valentines Day or another hosted gathering. While there is a place and time for traditional place settings, I feel Valentines Day is a holiday where you can explore more creative tablescapes when hosting. Please let me know below if you decide to use any of my tips during your Valentines Day dinners and send me pictures of how they turned out. I would love to see your creations!
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