12 Valentine's Day Tablescape Ideas That Will Get You in the Mood
Sitting elbow-to-elbow with other couples at a restaurant? Hard pass.
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Just because you're staying in for Valentine's Day doesn't mean you have to stick to the same routine. In fact, sharing a meal in the privacy of your own home can be even more romantic than eating out at a fancy restaurant (not to mention a lot more affordable). And a stylish Valentine's Day tablescape will set the mood for an intimate, passionate evening. Whether it's just you and your partner or you're throwing a Galentine's Day dinner party, these Valentine's Day tablescape ideas will ensure an unforgettable night (and make that homemade meal look even better)—from subtle and modern to bold and dramatic, the hardest part is choosing which one to replicate.
Make It Moody and Romantic
For a moody Valentine's Day centerpiece, incorporate rich purple flowers like morning glories or orchids. Then sprinkle in some black candles and set the table with gold flatware. Opt for a loose linen tablecloth as an effortlessly elegant and sexy backdrop.
Go Lush and Rustic
Live somewhere that's warm in the winter? Celebrate Valentine's Day outdoors and channel this tablescape. The contrast between these lush green plants and the sleek, geometric copper accents is super romantic.
Write Each Other Love Notes
Leave blank note cards on the table so you can write each other notes of appreciation in true Valentine's Day fashion. Place a sprig of rosemary at each place setting for a fresh scent and pop of green.
Incorporate Unexpected Accents
Dim the lights for a romantic ambiance and then introduce drama to your tablescape with dried cotton stems or cherry blossom branches. Then stagger some sheepskin throws on your dining chairs for a warm, intimate mood.
Keep It Sweet and Simple
You don't have to go bold with vibrant reds—keep a soft, pastel color palette for a more intimate dinner. Set the table with baby pink salad plates, opt for copper or rose gold candlestick holders, and use plenty of light pinks in your floral centerpiece for an understated Valentine's Day dinner.
Watercolor Your Name Cards
These watercolor place cards pop against the sky blue plate and loosely tied navy blue linen napkin. Add some dried blooms and gold flatware to take your Valentine's Day tablescape to the next level.
Set Up a Buffet
For a more casual Valentine's Day dinner or lunch, opt for a buffet-style meal. Then beautify the buffet table with gorgeous florals and eye-catching citrus fruit.
Add Angel Wings
Why stop at your table? Dress up your chairs with white angel wings... Or you could just put them on your own chair since the real angel in the room is the one who prepared that gorgeous meal.
Pick a Theme That Reflects the Cuisine
Just because it's Valentine's Day doesn't mean you're limited to one theme. Allow your tabletop decor and centerpiece reflect the cuisine. For example, if you're having Mexican food, enhance things with colorful succulents and pom-poms. Tacos and margs on repeat, obvi.
Print Out the Menu
Print out the menu of your homemade meal to make the special occasion feel even more elevated. Plus, it gives your partner or dinner party guests something to keep and remember the night by.
Tie Velvet Bows
Even small details—like these gold utensils tied up with a red velvet ribbon—can make the whole table feel luxe.
Wire Napkin Rings
Wrap linens in wire matching your silverware for a cute holiday twist on a plain table setting.
Hadley Mendelsohn is the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House. When she's not busy writing about interiors, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, researching ghost stories, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again. Along with interior design, she writes about everything from travel to entertainment, beauty, social issues, relationships, fashion, food, and on very special occasions, witches, ghosts, and other Halloween haunts. Her work has also been published in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, Man Repeller, Matches Fashion, Byrdie, and more.
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