Elevate Your Valentine’s Day Tablescape: Creating Elegance with Simple Touches
This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your continued support!As we approach Valentine’s Day, it’s the perfect time to transform your dining space into a romantic haven filled with love, warmth, and delightful memories.
A beautifully arranged table can turn an ordinary meal into a cherished experience, allowing you to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories.
Today, I’ll guide you through creating an elegant tablescape that celebrates love, along with step-by-step instructions for two enchanting napkin folds that will elevate your dining experience.
Sharing a meal is one of life’s simplest preasures, but when the table is adorned with thoughtful details, it becomes something truly special.
A beautifully set table invites conversation, laughter, and connection. Whether you’re hosting a romantic dinner for two, a gathering with friends, or creating a bit of magic for your children, the ambiance you create will enhance the joy of the occasion.
Here’s everything you need to know to create an inviting and sophisticated tablescape for Valentine’s Day!
Your Guide to Creating a Beautiful Tablescape
CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE: For Valentine’s Day, consider soft pastels like blush pink, creamy whites, and rich reds for a traditional look. Incorporate these colors though table linens, dishes and decorative elements.
LAYER YOUR TABLE LINENS (THE RIGHT WAY): Decide if you will use a tablecloth OR placemats. There is no need use both. Placemats are great for children, luncheons and more casual affairs, while tableclothes will lend a sense of formality no matter the time of day. You may also want to include a table runner to add texture - a lace or gauzy runner will add a romantic touch! Napkins, which we will talk about a lot today, should be linen or cotton.
SELECT YOUR DINNERWARE: Whether you are opting to use your fine china, your everyday collection, or even a fun assortment of paper products, gather the items you will need for the table. Remember, when setting the table, you only need to place that which will be used for the meal. Consider the menu and only set the items (knives, forks, spoons, glassware, etc) that will be needed to enjoy the food.
ADD DECORATIVE ELEMENTS: A floral centerpiece (get your guide to create your own here), candles (unscented and only after 6pm, please), and other decorative elements are a great way to exhibit your personal style.
INCORPORATE PERSONAL TOUCHES: Valentine’s Day is all about showing your love, friendship and care for those special people in your life. Consider adding an individual flower, a card, or a small gift to each place setting to ad a personal element to your celebration.
Need a reason to decorate the table? Here’s Your Guide to Hosting a Galentine’s Day Favorite Things Party!
HOW TO: Two Napkin Folds to Elevate Your Table
To truly impress your guests, mastering a couple of elegant napkin folds can make all the difference.
Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite napkin folds: The Flower Holder and The Ascot. Both of these napkin folds are super simple and easy to do, making them perfect for both the beginner and experienced hostess. You can learn even more napkin folds from this classic book: Decorative Napkin Folding for Beginners.
THE FLOWER HOLDER:
Open the napkin to full size. Turn the napkin so a corner is facing the top (it should look like a diamond) then fold in half lengthwise, bringing up the left side from the bottom.
Fold in half again, this time widthwise, bringing up the right side from the bottom. The napkin should now look like a small diamond.
Turn down the three points in succession, each one higher than the last.
Turn over and fold the right and left corners over in thirds.
Turn over again and place on top of the plate. Insert an individual flower or small gift in the pocket.
*These instructions were modified from the original instructions found in the recommended book: Decorative Napkin Folding for Beginners.THE ASCOT:
Open the napkin to full size. Turn the napkin so a corner is facing the top (it should look like a diamond) then fold in half lengthwise, bringing up the left side from the bottom.
Fold the bottom up midway.
Fold the bottom up again to meet the fold above, the turn up the fold once more.
Turn the right point to the left of the top point.
Turn the left point to the right of the top point.
Place the napkin on top of the plate or charger. Add a personal touch, like a card or small box of candy, within the napkin fold.
*These instructions were modified from the original instructions found in the recommended book: Decorative Napkin Folding for Beginners.
Basic Napkin Etiquette Tips to Elevate Your Everyday
To elevate your everyday dining experience, here are a few napkin etiquette tips that will serve you well.
PLACEMENT: The napkin should always be set on top of the plate or charger, or to the left of the forks. In a private home, wait until the host sits down and puts their napkin on their lap, and then follow suite. This is the signal that meal is ready to begin. In a restaurant, you should put your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down. In the event you need to excuse yourself from the table, leave your napkin on the seat of your chair.
DAB, DON’T WIPE: The napkin is arguably the most important tool at the table — don’t be afraid to use it! Use the inside bottom of the napkin to dap your mouth lightly from left to right rather than wiping. This will help avoid smearing of sauce or lipstick and instead, absorb any mess and keep your face tidy.
FINISHING TOUCH: The napkin should stay on your lap for the entirety of the meal, until you are ready to leave the table. Once you are ready to leave the table, place your napkin to the left of your plate in a neat heap. This shows that you have finished your meal and the table is ready to be cleared.
By incorporating these simple yet elegant touches, you can create a Valentine’s Day tablescape that not only delights your guests but also fosters connections and lasting memories.
Take this opportunity to try something new, be creative and take notice of the joy you bring to your guests!
How can you use what you already have to create a memorable experience?
Remember, it’s the thought and care you put into the experience that will be cherished long after the meal is over!
Need last minute gift ideas? Check out this recent post featuring pink beauty, style, and home decor.
Interested in enhancing your life with a touch of sophistication? Register for the upcoming Social Etiquette & Elegance Masterclass.
