Valentine's Day can be interpreted differently depending on who you choose to celebrate with. Classically, it's a quite romantic holiday, shared with a partner over dinner and sweet treats. However, there are no rules for how we choose to celebrate Valentine's Day. Whether it's a ladies brunch, a family dinner with the little ones, or a traditional intimate dinner for two—you can adapt your table setting accordingly. Applying the same design techniques but adjusting decor elements will allow for either a sophisticated or sweet Valentine's Day design.
Elaborate Patterns
A moody, sophisticated design is all about rich pattern and texture. We layered patterns that complement each other but still show contrast and work together. The star of this table setting is the layered vintage China plates in shades of pink. A mix of Richard Ignore charger plates, Fitz and Floyd dinner plates and Charles Reizenstein salad plates make for a beautiful serving set. The gold rimmed salad plates add a layer of glamour to the whole look. Linen tasseled napkins add a focal point and element of interest.
A Refined Color Palette
What makes this look so refined is the color palette. For this look we incorporated shades of deep mauves, pinks, purples, maroons, and blues. The cool tones and overall moody colors create a sophisticated look. Pops of gold work well with the olive wood serving pieces. Monochromatic peonies, hellebores and scabiosa styled in vintage porcelain claw footed vases are the perfect touch of floral for this glamorous look.
Simply Sweet
In this more playful look, we piled on the whimsy. The same stacked vintage plates take on a whole new look when layered on bold fuchsia linen, centered atop conversation heart-printed paper placemats by Hester & Cook. The same hellebore arrangement is the focal point and still works beautifully. The yellow flower centers are a sweet touch.
The Cutest Touches
This fun look is complete with selenite dishes of candy hearts and pink tipped matches. Lucite napkin rings complement the bright pink linen napkins perfectly, and the gold flatware complements the floral-patterned salad plates. Taper candles in a soft shade of pink sand add another layer to this table. It's the perfect playful look for a sweet little gathering.
No matter your style preference, using elevated design techniques will help you achieve a memorable table setting to enjoy with your loved ones. Mixing every day and vintage decor helps to create a modern and polished table. Remember to play with color and textures for different looks. Happy styling!