- Stephanie Veltri
HAPPY VALENTINE'S AND GALANTINE'S!
Updated: Feb 25, 2021
February 21, 2021
Valentine's Table Scape
I always get so excited for the holidays when each and every one comes around! Creating a pretty table scape for your guests to enjoy is always appreciated. I go crazy for the details and making people feel appreciated in our home. My friends are like family to me, and I love to bring them into my world of design.
It is a great idea to have a variety of goodies for your guests to partake in when they come. You never want to run out of food or bubbly, so it is always better to have more than less. Having your guests leave hungry is not something you want added to your entertaining resume'! (; I've seen it before while attending a soiree', and the result is that people will leave your event early! :(.
I have loved entertaining since I was a little girl when my sister and I would set up our American Girl Dolls and have little tea parties with them. I still have my Samatha Parkington Doll in our guest room from when Pleasant Rowland first began the company as Pleasant Company. You can still buy Samantha who has been reinvented in later years by Mattel and is available on the American Girl Site. One of the best gifts you can give a little girl is an American Girl Doll! The adventures abound with these intricate and lovable dolls!
Setting a table may look daunting, but when you have the basics you can create a lovely experience! My favorite dishes that have remained a classic throughout my life are Villeroy and Boch's Petite Fleur Dinnerware. From the Opulent Westage Hotel in San Diego to The Arizona Biltmore Spa and Resort you can find tea cups to serving pieces in this pattern. It has been a staple throughout my life and can be featured in your home year-round. Floral dishes are always a great choice for festive occasions.
I love the Waterford Crystal Lismore Nouveau pattern. It can be found Bloomingdales or Neiman Marcus and shines like no other! They are a great way to create an elegant atmosphere for you and your guests at any table. When choosing a quality beverage glass pattern that you know you are going to be investing in it is best to choose something classic and not too trendy.
Are you always forgetting which wine glass is yours at a party? I know I am! When guests walk around and mingle its easy to forget where you put your libation. These fun, gold number charms by Viski are the perfect way to personalize glasses to goblets.
I love to dress up a table with elegant placemats. I use my Floral Boutis placemats year round. I love them since they go with absolutely everything. I just pop them in the wash after each use with a little Shout spray, and then they are ready to go for the next event!
Another fantastic way to add some bling to your table is by using sparkly napkin rings. On Valentine's Day I like to choose something with a diamond and pearl look. The ones I chose were a hit this year even with the kids! Napkin rings add another element to your table and make your display look extra special.
These mercury glass candle votives have a lovely vintage touch. I like to disperse them as part of a centerpiece along with a pretty floral arrangement. I typically use a flameless candle that I pop in to keep the candles from getting wax all over them. You can find those at Amazon in packs of twelve for a very reasonable price. These add a touch of romance to any space.
While real flowers are typically the best choice, sometimes it isn't possible to have or get. When using faux flowers they need a realistic quality to them to add color and pop to a space. I always recommend a bright pink. For a more demure look a white flower is best. You can never go wrong with hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, roses, tulips, or peonies. Pottery Barn has some lovely ones!
During Valentine's Day which is a celebration of love I use heart votive candles in many of my displays. Tiny tea lights are so pretty while adding a beautiful atmosphere to a table. I love citrus or softer scents for these especially during a dinner party.
Chocolate is a must at any celebration. Remember to have a balance of milk and dark chocolate for your guests. It can be incorporated into your desert display in so many ways either alone on a chocolate board, alongside some delicious homemade cookies, or Macarons.
