I don’t really do Valentine’s Day. There are a few reasons for this. First, my birthday is in late January, just one short month after Christmas and by the time Valentine’s Day rolls around, I always feel like it’s a little unfair to expect my partner to spend even more money on me after the excesses of those two rather important dates in such quick succession. Secondly, I always think of it as a way for companies to make just a bit more cash from us. I mean, shouldn’t every day be about showing our significant other’s our love? Shouldn’t we appreciate them every single day rather than just on that one? I think most people feel this way but well, they’ll still spend all the monies on teddy bears that say ‘I wuv you’ and overpriced roses at the supermarket. So after all that, here I am with a Valentine’s Day post. ‘The hypocrisy!’ I hear you cry.
Well, yes and no. The thing is, I decided this year, to give myself a little challenge. I wanted to create a romantic Valentine’s Day setting without the cheesy motifs of naked babies practising archery or the overt pressure of everything having to be red. I wanted to create two ideas, each showing how you can use what you already have with a bit of added attention to the details to create something rather special for your other half. Today, I’m sharing my Valentine’s Day table setting and on Friday, I’ll be sharing a romantic coffee table styling post. Let’s start with breakfast, shall we?
The way I figure, you can’t go far wrong with flaky pastry and fruit for breakfast. On one hand, fruit = healthy and pastry = naughty but on a special occasion, then sod the rules and just enjoy what makes you happy. Clearly, you don’t have to serve up either of these things (let’s be honest, this is really more about the setting than anything else) but the point I’m trying to make is that you don’t have to cook up a feast to greet your significant other in the morning. Keeping thingsΒ simple is never a bad thing and it’s far less stressfulΒ to fry up a couple of eggs on toast or make a lovely bowl of porridge with fruit toppings thanΒ it is to try to make a lavish meal that’s only going to stress you out.
I always like to layer my table settings. There’s a definite more-is-more approach to my styling but I always feel the additional details create some lovely texture and colour that make a table setting just that bit more interesting and engaging. Starting with a simple pale pink linen table runner, I layered white and gold chargers on top and added casual napkins that take it to the next level with a gold zebra print.
I also layered my plates – the bottom plate is from Anthropologie which I’ve had for aeons now. The extra burst in colour from the pattern really sets off the entire setting. You really don’t have to just stick strictly to a red-pink-white palette for Valentine’s Day. Bring some other colours into the mix to make it a bit more multi-dimensional. One top of this floral print,Β I chose two gold stripe plates – the larger one in white, the smaller one in blush pink.
I pulled out some of my prettiest gold and white mugs and gold glasses to keep the setting a little less formal and a bit more relaxed. You can find the DIY to those marble and gold coasters here.
What you really don’t want for a two person table setting is anything too high in the middle. I set some fresh tulips in a vase to add colour and height – but setting it off to the side instead of in the centre. Instead, use a small votive or glass candle to add a bit of ambience alongside your prettiest mix and match pieces. As a side note, every time I share that gold elephant teapot, I get questions! You can find your own here*.
Consider using some unusual pieces as well to mix thing up. These little ceramic trays were perfect for additional fruit and add more pattern to the table without overwhelming it as they are in the same gold and white palette as the plates. I also mixed a few of the finishes – the shiny gold of the teapot and creamer, the brushed gold finish of the sugar bowl. It all adds layers and interest and creates a setting that’s just that bit less fussy.
As a final little nod to cheesy Valentine’s cliches, of course, I had to add one tiny little detail to the table. Little red and pink chocolate love hearts. I know, I know. Well, no one is going to argue with chocolate for breakfast, are they?
For those of you enjoying singledom, there’s no reason you can’t treat a mate or just yourself to a little added fun at Breakfast come 14th February. Or do it Lesley Knope style with a Galentine’s Day breakfast instead. #ovariesbeforebrovaries There really are no rules.
What do you think of my Valentine’s breakfast table setting? How would you style up your own breakfast for V-day? Are you a fan of the holiday – or not so much like me??Β
SO pretty, Kimberly! My brain instantly zoomed in on those zebra napkins – I definitely need some of those in my life!
They are so gorgeous right? A friend gave them to me as a gift and I rarely use them because they are just too pretty!! Ha! xxx
I think they are tulips on your table and not daffodils! Last minute change perhaps :)
Oh my goodness, you are absolutely right Zaheen! Corrected now! No idea why I typed daffodils! Long day clearly ;) xx
Oh that’s lovely! The layering works perfectly and I love all the little details.
Thanks so much lovely! :) xxx
A Valentine’s Day breakfast (preferably in bed!) is my kind of Valentine’s ;)
Hell yeah! Ya know, I was going to share this one on the bed but then realised my last post showed breakfast in bed (you might like that one instead – haha) ;) Thanks lovely xx
I love this! Your table settings are always so gorgeous – more is definitely more when it comes to table settings – I need more stuff!!!! I think having the chargers and plates layered together really gives a lovely abundance of colour and pattern and interest. I really want to eat one of those pastries RIGHT NOW! Even the healthy fruit looks so pretty! I think I’m coming to yours for Valentine’s breakfast! Wayne is just going to have to go without I’m afraid! ;) xx
Oh I love doing posts like these – it gives me a good excuse to keep adding to my collection – ack!! lol Also you are more than welcome – we’ll do it Galentine’s Day style ;) xxx
The table setting looks beautiful, and I have to say you have learnt me to have a layered table. Which is great when you can only find a few things of something you really like, you can still buy, and enjoy them (thank you xx).
I am in your camp when it comes to Valentines day, a couple of years ago, I was having a good clear out, when I came across a box full of teddies cups, and everything else you can think of , and all it was doing was collecting dust, so all we tend to do is have a nice meal we’ve both cooked together, plus sometimes we aren’t at home as it’s Keith’s birthday the day before.
Have a good Valentines day. xxx
Thanks darling! I do like a layered mix-and-match look myself ;) Oh and a very happy birthday to Keith!! xx
Thanks Kimberly xxx
As always my brain is drooling over the colour combo’s…and I love those gold and white chargers (in addition to your fab teapot of course), now where did you get the lovely chargers from, prey tell lady?
Aww thank you lovely! The chargers were from Wayfair a couple of years ago so I don’t think they carry them anymore :( I do wonder, however, if you couldn’t just find a plain white one with a curvy edge and just paint the edges in gold? ;) Sounds like a nice little DIY! xxx
Your Photos look so amazing and so does the table setting.
Aww thank you lovely lady! xxx
Everything looks amazing! Stunning photos x
Thank you so much Izzy! xxx