4 Valentines Day Table Setting Ideas.

You know how much I love any chance to set a pretty table! With Valentine’s Day coming up there will be lots of excuses to gather friends (or just that ONE special friend). Setting a particularly lovely table is an easy way to make our people feel extra special.

I’ve always thought that “doing” says even more than “telling.” It’s nice to tell you I love you. It’s even nicer to show you that I love you! Taking time to create an extra special environment is my way of showing the people in my life how much they mean to me.

This was a table I set for a special Valentine’s Dinner in 2021. We were still coming through the pandemic and just beginning to gather again. But still in very small groups. One of the good things that came out of this weird time was the return to gathering in our homes. We weren’t really going “out” at this point. Remember when there weren’t many places open to even go out to?

We had a few friends over for dinner the evening of Valentines Day. I kept it simple by ordering out for the food. I did make dessert. And I set an extra pretty table. We played cards and laughed and had so much fun together! It was a fun, easy way to gather.

Idea #1 ~ Use what you have for a table cloth.

For this table I used a piece of leftover soft pink upholstery fabric as my table cloth. I also like to use wrapping paper as a table runner. A great scarf or a pretty blanket can also be fantastic table coverings. I’ve even used clean (new) rugs, as well as drapery panels on my tables. Don’t get stuck by the word “tablecloth.” Think outside the ordinary and expected!

Idea #2 ~ Mirrored Table Runners

A great “go to” for upping the elegance factor on any table is to use mirrors as table runners. I love the way a mirrored table runner bounces light from an overhead chandelier. Or even better, how it reflects flickering candle light.

Mine are just basic, beveled edge door mirrors. The kind you can find for cheap at any Walmart or Target.

Idea #3 ~ Add Chocolate

It’s Valentines Day . . . we NEED chocolates on the table! I piled chocolates on vintage cut glass candy dishes, mixing in a couple of little heart bobbles for extra color. I made these elevated candy dishes using a pretty cut glass plate and a glass candles stick.

You can find my tutorial for how to create these little pretties HERE

Idea #4 ~ Flowers Make Everything Better

I added low mounds of pink and white roses to the table. Keeping the centerpieces low is important for encouraging cross table conversation. If the centerpieces are too tall, no matter how pretty they are, they’ll end up being removed or pushed aside so that guests can see each other across the table.

These flower arrangements were created in shallow, trough like glass containers. I got mine from an event planners “going out of business” sale. But similar ones can be found HERE and HERE.

You can find my Tutorial for creating these lovely little flower arrangements HERE

Other Things ~

My stack of plates include gold chargers, I pretty much always use chargers. . . I’m crazy for a great charger. I used my mother-in-laws wedding crystal for drinks. Gold utensils and low cut glass candlesticks with soft pink tapers finish it all off.

My very best gathering advise? Just pick a day and shoot out a text to invite some friends over. Do it right now. This way it’s on the calendar and now you’ll actually make it happen!