Bring out the glam.
For a dramatic yet personal display of love and affection, exploit your living space creatively and tot he fullest. For this Valentine’s Day, I dressed the chandelier with opulent plumes in pale blush and light pink-colored feathers. There is just something so romantic and ethereally stunning about it– the feathers create a beautiful illusion of clouds suspended from above the dining table. These ostrich feathers are available in a variety of colors, find them in the fashion district of your town or simply order them online. They cost pennies but produce a real “wow” factor when tucked into the floral arrangements or served along with the breakfast tray in bed for that special one.
If you don’t have a chandelier, you can just string up some romantic photos of the two of you, perhaps in black & white, or just the letters spelling “LOVE”on the wall , mirror or from anything else that strikes your fancy.
Think ombré, think different.
Following the newest hair color trend— ombré, the French term for gradually-dyed lightening of hair’s ends, I was inspired to design the floral centerpiece with the gradient of shades. Thus, with just a swing of my locks, I stylishly decided to go “ombré” for this floral display!
The saturated deep fuchsia-colored carnations mixed in with the fragrant garden rose in a similar hue became the center of the arrangement with shades gradually melting into the color continuum of lighter purple chrysanthemum and then into the white assortment of lush hydrangea. Elegant yet delightfully exuberant, this trend remains my personal favorite!
To see floral designer Tips on how to work with the floral foam, click here.
Table setting—modern twist.
White china is the staple of the entertaining world and let’s be honest here, the food DOES look better on that white canvas of the plates! For this occasion I used my porcelain modern set with diverse grainy textures and interesting finishes.
To balance off the color scheme, I chose equally modern, stylishly simple silverware with inlaid fuchsia handles which had an appealing tactile feel. I picked these linen napkins embroidered at the edges with the cascading shades of burgundies and reds that further tied-in various elegant hues of this tablescape.
The glassware provided by Martinka Crystalware & Lifestyle, a boutique seller of high-end stemware. These beautiful, handcrafted in Czech Republic wine glasses are aptly named the“Morning Frost” and work magically with the entire setting. Martina’s family has been in the glass industry for four decades but this is their first foray into the retail side of the business. All of their stemware and barware looks super elegant whether filled with Champagne or orange juice.
Champagne on ice.
What comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day?—I say, of course Champagne! But make it a little extra special by simply freezing thin slices of strawberries, whole raspberries, small rose petals or whatever speaks Valentine to you in ice cubes. Serve the bubbly in the bucket covered with the ice for a stunning celebratory presentation.
Make it personal.
Show your affection and love by artfully displaying Valentine’s cards from all the previous years you collected on console table or leave a few around the house your loved one may look for to find.
Sweet Valentine.
Whether you’re hosting this Valentine’s Day for likewise madly-in-love couples or thinking about a more intimate setting for just the two of you, don’t skip desserts! And with my easy to follow recipes of Red Velvet & Strawberry Mousse Verrines or Chocolate Pavlova Meringue with Strawberries, to finish off the night on a sweet note!
Can’t go without candles.
Everything looks prettier with the candle glow– from our complexion to our living room! So don’t be shy and use as many as you have in your house. A cluster of oversized candles or, au contraire, elegant display of mismatched candle holders clustered together as a display create an intimate warm ambiance.
Play romantic tunes.
Your first dance song, a romantic selection of modern beat or all-time classics like the famous Dean Martin’s “Dance with Me” will kick off the romantic mood.
Now that you have all the necessary tools take the inspiration from my table to yours!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
In summary, here is what you will need to set the scene for your perfect Valentine’s Day Celebration:
- Ostrich feathers from Fancy Feathers
- Flowers are courtesy of Floral Plush
- Wine glasses and water glasses Martinka Crystalware & Lifestyle
- Double sided (grey and light pink) tablecloth can be special ordered from Art de Fete
- Corded Ombre Napkin in Natural/Plum by Kim Seybert
- Mepra Fantasia Flatware in Light Mauve color from Gracious Home
- Rosenthal Studio-Line porcelain plates and chargers
Photographed by Gary Flom.
