Valentine’s Day Tablescaping Ideas To Fall In Love With
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1 hour ago
Galentine’s dinner? Valentine’s date? Your table settings are sorted
If you’ve got your heart set on a cosy night in rather than a lavish restaurant reservation on 14 February, then congratulations: you’ve got the perfect excuse to dress up your table. Make your Valentine’s Day dinner a success (and impress the object of your affections) with these handy tips, called in from the UK’s top tablescaping experts.
Valentine’s Day Tablescaping: A Guide
There are plenty of ways you can impress a loved one this Valentine’s Day. A date in the city, some sparkling jewellery, a surprise getaway or a big, beautiful bouquet all make for wonderful gifts. But if your plans don’t involve straying past the front door this year, then you may need to get a little more creative. An intimate dinner date at home can feel just as romantic as a top tier restaurant – especially if you take the time to make the space your own.
‘The perfect Valentine’s set-up is all about creating warmth and generosity,’ notes Laura Hart, co-founder of Wildflowers and Bar Flor. ‘With a table that feels indulgent, glowing and inviting. I picture big bowls of fruit, a dusty pink and burgundy colour palette running through the linens and flowers, and then lots and lots of candlelight.
‘Anything done en masse feels luxurious and generous, so don’t hold back,’ she adds. ‘Whether it’s flowers, candles or fruit, more is more when you’re decorating for someone you love; it’s never too much on Valentine’s Day.’
Addison Ross
Not one to be wooed by maximalist displays of love? Before you cringe at the idea of pink hearts everywhere, fear not – there’s more than one way to make your table feel romantic. ‘Valentine’s Day can sometimes veer into cliche, but it is possible to create an intimate, romantic dining setting with no red hearts in sight,’ confirms homeware designer Rebecca Udall. ‘A table based around a tonal palette and layered with soft linens, woven rattan and flickering candlelight reflecting from beautiful crystal glassware creates a subtle and timeless backdrop while feeling authentic to the setting.’
Feeling inspired? Below, we round up the experts’ tips and tricks for curating the ultimate Valentine’s Day tablescape:
Top Tips For Setting The Table For Valentine’s Day
Nail The Lighting
Before you even start thinking about laying the table, look first to the room’s lighting. A romantic dinner relies on creating an intimate atmosphere – which can only be achieved with the right lighting. ‘My usual starting point is the table linens, but for this one special date in the calendar the lighting creates the ambience,’ emphasises Rebecca. ‘I will dress the room from a lighting perspective first, adding candles and low lamplight before starting on the table.’
This means saying goodbye to the big light for now, and instead relying on a small army of portable lights. ‘We find cordless lamps essential for setting a warm, romantic ambiance,’ add David and Sarah Ross, co-founders of Addison Ross. ‘Placing them strategically around the table helps softly illuminate both the food and faces, creating an inviting atmosphere.’
And don’t forget the candles. You can never have too many of them – especially on Valentine’s Day. ‘Everything looks better in candlelight, and that soft glow instantly makes the table feel more intimate,’ agrees Laura. ‘Try mixing different types and heights so it feels organic.’
Mrs. Alice
Pick A Palette
From there, you can start to think about the colours you want to lay on the table. ‘When we think of Valentine’s Day, we envision soft blush pinks, rich crimson reds and the subtle allure of luxurious textures like velvet and silk,’ say David and Sarah. ‘On the table, these romantic hues come to life through carefully placed pops of pink and red, beautifully contrasted against a neutral, understated backdrop.’
And if you want to make these colours pop even more, the pair recommend complementing these vibrant tones with sleek, monochrome elements: glossy blacks, matte whites, and refined metallic finishes. ‘This approach allows the pinks and reds to take centre stage, drawing the eye while preserving a sense of elevated simplicity and sophistication.’
But if this feels like a little too much colour for your space, then don’t be afraid to tone it down. Rebecca recommends sticking to just a handful of colours: ‘It doesn’t all need to match but I like to keep to a palette of two or three colours and steer clear of the obvious reds and pinks for a more subtle, warm and romantic mood.’
Don’t Forget The Flowers
What would Valentine’s Day be without a bouquet of flowers on the table? While you don’t need to pick up the biggest bouquet from the shop to impress, it’s still worth decorating the table with a few blooms to give it that wow factor.
One thing that remains a must, however, is using seasonal British flowers. ‘Hellebores in pinks and burgundies are perfect for Valentine’s Day,’ recommends Laura. ‘Display them abundantly – some potted, some in simple bud vases – to create a whimsical, romantic rhythm down the table.’
And if you’re working with a smaller table, Rebecca suggests opting ‘for simple florals in stem vases to create a celebratory atmosphere without blocking conversation’.
Rebecca Udall
Weave In Personal Touches
Don’t be afraid to get personal with your Valentine’s Day tablescaping plans. ‘Personal touches, such as handwritten name settings or bespoke place cards, make the table feel thoughtful and unique,’ say David and Sarah. ‘These elements add depth and contrast to the sleek, polished accents often associated with romantic tablescapes.’
‘That human touch makes everything feel more intimate,’ agrees Laura. ‘I love leaning into something personal and artistic on the table. That could be as simple as a handwritten menu or as playful as a fully illustrated tablecloth, it doesn’t need to be fancy. Grab some crayons, scribble, doodle, write little love notes. These small details make a big impact – and can be great conversation starters.’
Use What You Have
While it can be a nice treat to splurge on a few pieces for the table every now and then, don’t feel like you need to buy a brand new tableware wardrobe just for the occasion – especially if they’re seasonal things you will only use on Valentine’s Day.
Instead, see what you already have available in the cupboard and think of ways you can make them feel elevated on the table; some polish, an artfully folded napkin, floral decorations and glowing candles can easily bring your Valentine’s Day tablescaping game from zero to hero.
‘I like to embrace a considered yet relaxed look with the elevated pieces that we use every day,’ emphasises Rebecca. ‘They feel comfortable and familiar yet when using them together, with floral stems and candlelight, create a sense of occasion. Bringing in varying textures, glass, metal, handprinted ceramics and linen, gives a layered look and adding in thoughtful details such as handwritten menus or a small table gift are the perfect finishing touches.’
