When it comes to Valentine’s Day, a romantic meal for two is a classic way to celebrate and show your love. But the perfect dinner isn’t all about the food – creating the right ambience is key to making the event seem special.
How you style and dress your table can make all the difference to the mood, for example, using valentines day flowers as a centrepiece immediately sets the tone.
Here are some style tips for dressing your table for Valentine’s this year.
Choose a Style That Reflects Your Evening
The first step is to decide what kind of Valentine’s meal this will be. For example, do you want something intimate, playful or classic? This choice will then guide everything from the colour of your tablecloth to glassware.
No matter what theme or colour you opt for, soft white linen napkins with loose seasonal stems always work well, as does low lighting from candles, tealights or fairylights.
Make Flowers the Heart of the Setting
Nothing says Valentine’s Day like fresh flowers, and a simple bouquet can anchor the entire table.
Placing seasonal blooms from a trusted valentines flower delivery service can tie together your colour scheme and place settings for a cohesive, polished look.
Be sure to clean vases thoroughly, and add flower feed to fresh water to keep flowers looking their best and improve the longevity of your bouquet. You’ll also want to consider the positioning of flowers, to allow for conversation to flow without a barrier.
Use Light to Create Warmth
Candles, table lamps and string lights are all great choices for romantic lighting, allowing you to see one another – and your meal – but without being harsh and unflattering.
Slow-burning unscented candles are a great option as they won’t interfere with the delicious aromas of the food, and can also help to slow the pace of the evening.
Layering lighting and mixing different sources, as well as using candles of different heights can elevate even the simplest dining arrangement into something that feels luxurious.
Add Small Touches That Feel Personal
If ever there was a time to pull out all the stops, it’s got to be Valentine’s Day. This is where meaningful extras, such as learning calligraphy to make handwritten place cards, demonstrates to your partner that you care enough to go that extra mile.
Other ideas for small touches that feel personal, include:
- Starter dishes to share
- Handmade napkin rings
- Valentine’s Day favours
- A personalised playlist
Gestures like these make the evening feel designed and curated, rather than improvised.
Keep the Table Comfortable and Uncluttered
When dressing your table for Valentine’s, it’s important to find a balance between aesthetics and function. Be sure to leave enough space for plates, cutlery, glasses and movement.
After dressing your table, take a seat to see how it looks from your date’s point of view, and remove anything that feels as though it will hamper their enjoyment of the wonderful evening you have planned.
