Valentine Table Decorations: Romantic Red and Pattern Mix
In this post: For unique Valentine table decorations, this tablescape goes beyond simple red hearts and utilizes an interesting pattern mix.
Every holiday I love having the opportunity to put a new table setting together. What I most enjoy is trying to capture visually the spirit of the celebration. For this Valentine’s Day, I wanted to utilize only pieces that I already owned, yet use them in a completely new way. I opted to go bolder than the soft pinks I did last year, yet I wanted something a bit different than the typical red valentine table decorations. I wound up with romantic red in an unusual pattern mix.
Initially I was playing around with various dishes, trying to find the hook that would communicate what I was trying to say. Generally, my concept is driven by the patterned plates I choose, but this time the challenge was to ensure these patterns looked fresh and not a repeat of the tables they were used on in the past. I realized the best way to do this was with a dramatic underpinning, achieved with a claret velvet throw, playing the part of the tablecloth.
The other key component was a mix of flowers, rich in color and playing off one another. In the center, I used lacy edged roses which caught the light in a beautiful way.
The plate stack is where things really got interesting, working with a tartan plaid offset by English florals. I was most concerned that in using the bold plaid, it would be difficult to make it different than this Christmas dinner table setting. But I think the result is quite an individual look.
The foundation of the plate stack is a copper charger, which brings a glint of metal with a warm rosy glow.
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To keep it all from getting too heavy, I went with a pale blush pink for the napkin clusters, ringed with a simple copper band.
A pair of silver lovebirds are actually salt and pepper shakers that add an air of romance to the tabletop.
The florals vary in height and shape, but the use of shades of red lends a cohesive note. On one side of the roses, I incorporated sunny gerber daisies in a perky rich tomato red. Rounding out the floral trio are welcoming red tulips, with petals that seem to be opening in a warm embrace.
The floral trio looks delightfully rich against the gentle sheen of the velvet background.
In the pale pink flutes rest red wrapped chocolate hearts.
Brass candlesticks are topped with rosy crystal bobeches.
The vases on the table are all glass but they vary in shape, from a simple cylinder to a cut crystal with a voluptuous round base. China coffee mugs add another vibrant pattern whose palette brings together the various tones that surround it. A vintage china teapot is a sweet little addition, helping to keep the tableau from getting too dark.
The many elements come together to offer a romantic setting for a love-filled Valentine’s Day.
Resource Guide
To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
- Copper chargers
- Plaid dinner plate
- Vintage floral salad plates
- Floral china mugs
- Pink champagne flutes
- Pink ruffle napkin
- Copper napkin ring
- First Love silver flatware
- Crystal vase
- Lovebird salt and pepper set
- Brass candlesticks
- Bobeches with color drops
- Red velvet throw
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Beautiful, classic, elegant. Everything has come together perfectly. Your flowers make the table complete.
Thank you, Valerie! I guess with pretty flowers, it’s hard to mess up… 😉 Thanks for stopping by!!
I love all your ideas! You are really creative and your table is always unique!
Thanks, Stefania!!
That’s beautiful Lory. Love the gold charger then the layers of plaid and floral. Good mix!
Thanks so much, Kim!!
What gorgeous and colorful eye candy to enjoy on a cold Friday morning!
Brenda
Aw, what a nice thing to say, Brenda!! Thanks so much… 🙂
Such a romantic setting: love your choice of florals and different patterned plates. Beautiful. Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
Thanks, Rosie! If there’s one thing I love for adding complexity is mixing patterns. That one is left over from my fashion design days… 😉 Thanks for visiting!!
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks, Gina!!
Lory, you never cease to amaze me. I love how you bring so many unexpected elements together and magically it works. This is so beautiful!
Wow, thanks so much, Lani! Sometimes even I wonder if these disparate elements will work, but it’s almost like going somewhere you think is above your means – just act like you belong and no one will know the difference. That’s how I approach my dishes on the table… lol!
Very romantic…love your pretty tea pot, how sweet are your bird salt and pepper shakers, just perfect for a Valentine’s Day table….
Smiles~
Maritza
Thank you, Maritza! Sometimes I get so caught up in the bigger pieces like furniture and such, that I forget how much I love shopping for these smaller gems. I think I’m due for a trip to the antique market!!
Absolutely perfect, I can’t think of a favourite element! 🙂 The tartan and china mugs were a stroke of genius… great job!
Thank you, Mariele! It was actually a kind of happy accident, as I was looking for something red and I saw them in the cabinet and thought, “could I?” Wsn;t sure at first but kept coming back to them. So glad you like them… 🙂
Very beautiful and perfection – as is all your tablescapes 🙂
Thanks, Denise!!
So beautiful, I love the romance of Valentine’s Day too. You just can’t go wrong with a red tablecloth, beautiful china, and lovely flowers. Stunning.
Thanks, Judy! I enjoyed working with the reds, because I usually lean towards softer pinks. This one was fun… 🙂
The stack came together beautifully and the tartan plaid is wonderful!
Thanks, Sandra! It really wasn’t originally planned, but sometimes serendipity takes over… 😉 Thanks for stopping by!!