Sunday, February 3, 2013

Valentine's Day Tablescape

So my husband comes home a couple of weeks ago, looks at the dining room table and asks who's coming for dinner.  I tell him that no one is coming, I'm just decorating for Valentine's Day.  He shrugs it off.  Several days later he comes home, glances at the table again, and asks who's coming over (I'm a little worried here that he didn't remember the conversation of a few days before).  I explain a second time that I'm just decorating but I add that it is for a blog post.
 
"This is getting weird," my husband says, with one of those over-the -top-of-the-glasses looks.
 
"No, it's not," I reply, "That's what home decor bloggers do.  They decorate their tables for holidays and post pictures to share."
 
"We don't even EAT at that table and you're decorating it for your blog."  Hubby shakes his head and walks away.
 
"Maybe I can invite some people over for tea . . . ," I call after him.
 
So, this is my first shot at tablescaping and you would not believe how much time I spent fussing over this table!  When we began having holiday dinners at our home (after my mother became too ill to do it) my oldest daughter was put in charge of polishing all the silver (to this day she declares with great determination that she will NOT own silver) and my youngest daughter was in charge of setting the table.  She is a bit driven when it comes to decorating (five bedroom re-do's in 5 years?) so this was a natural for her and I never had to worry about it.
 
 
So here is a birdseye view of my table.  What was really hard for me about this setting was that I decided to use black scarves, along with the other layers of table coverings.  I'm really not used to using much black in my decorating and it was hard to get used to. I think it has grown on me over the past couple of weeks.
 
 
Yes, weeks!  I've been arranging and rearranging, adding to and subtracting from my table almost daily.  I really wanted to do it right. I'll admit . . . both my daughters got their driven-ness (which my husband calls it stubborn-ness) from me.

 The Old English Rose china was my mother's and now belongs to my oldest daughter, but I get to enjoy it for awhile.
I found the red cordial glasses at a yard sale.
Round candles placed baking cups become Candle Cupcakes!
I covered the table with a vintage bedspread and layered lace runners and scarves on top.  Black, gray and white pearls (some new, some vintage) were added as table jewelry.
The silver tray was a thrift store find, painted with chalkboard paint.
For the place settings I layered a first a rose plate, then a paper doily, love quotes on vellum paper, and pink depression glass plates on top.
 The little napkin rings with the roses were made by my mom. It was so much fun to find them wrapped up with the china!
 
 I think you could make a game out of reading these quotes . . . 
 
. . .  they could be used as ice-breakers at a boring party . . .
 

. . . of course none of my friends or family are very boring. 
 
 Now . . . who to invite to share my Valentine's table?  I wish you all could come.  I'd serve you a cup of  tea and homemade chocolate truffles.

 Well, at least I can share the recipe with you.  I think I'll DO just that . . . in my next post!!!
 
 
 My heart belongs to you dear readers . . . because you put up with my silliness . . . when my husband just cannot understand!
 
 
Happy Valentine's Day and many blessings to you,
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55 comments:

  1. Aw, the table is beautiful! The table is beautiful enough that you won't have to take your husband out to a romantic valentine's day dinner. He can just sit tight at the table for a delicious dinner on Valentine's day! Great effort lady! Can Tylor and I come over for tea on Valentine's? :) <3 Love and blessings to you lady!

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  2. Thank you dear Monica. Come on over for tea and truffles! Love & blessings back to you.

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  3. He will get used to it. The table is a dream!

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    1. Yes, he will indeed! Thank you for stopping by and the nice compliment.

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  4. How sweet! I love all of your layering and the story about your husband is one we all can appreciate! Ellen is right - he will get used to it and probably will start to enjoy the process. I finally won my husband over - lol!! Great job!

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    1. Thank you Diane. I've had so many comments on my husband that I told him I may have to talk about him more often in my posts! Hahaha! Not sure how he feels about that. :)

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  5. What a pretty Valentine table. I especially like those round candles in the cupcake papers and goblets. Very unique and pretty. Your husband is too funny, but I can see why they don't get it. It's a girly thing :)

    Cindy

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    1. Thanks so much Cindy. What a funny, lucky thing to think of putting cupcake wrappers under my candles. Sometimes I have a little burst of creative genius (Haha!), mostly I get my ideas from other wonderfully creative people! So glad you stopped by.

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  6. Love your table and that china is amazing!!!

    Yes, we do get the comments from others, but I have to admit my family is used to it. They only get annoyed when I purchase a food item specifically for a blog post. I've take to putting "Do not eat" signs on things. Of course there are tons of things to eat in our home, but it seems they want what they cannot have - well at least they can't have it until I've finished my post. Right now they're eyeing some heart shaped cookies. I best get my post done before they disappear.

    Wonderful to have you at Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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    1. Thank you for hosting a great party. Love the "Do not eat" sign idea! I am going to love following your blog also. P.

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  7. What a beautiful table, Pattie, and funny story about your husband! I prepared mine before I started "doing tables," otherwise I'm sure I would've gotten the same response. In fact, I asked the same questions when I discovered all these bloggers doing tables--FOR NO ONE??!! I was just remembering that earlier today. Your details are lovely; love your mother's dishes and the cranberry cordials--what a find! I think you should now leave it up until Valentine's Day and enjoy your dinner there! But please let me know what your husband says about sitting at such a "girl" table! :)

    I enjoyed your post a lot! ~Zuni

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    1. Oh, thank you so much Zuni. I think my husband really likes the table. I really think he liked reading the comments about himself but . . . shhhh . . . don't tell him I said that. So glad you stopped by.

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  8. Romantic table indeed....The colors used are very pretty.everything looks lovely....:):):)

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    1. So happy you came to take a look and I thank you for your kind words Crystal :)

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  9. Such a pretty table, Patti. I can tell so much time, thought and planning went into your design. There is a humorous side of doing a home decor blog. Your husband wonders who is coming to dinner(and that wasn't the purpose of the table dressing) and I have a one sided conversation with my camera feeling intense dislike for it right now. The things we do... but blogging is just too much fun to stop the insanity. Thanks so much for your visit and kind words. I'm happy to be following along with your creative designs.
    melinda

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    1. The things we do is right! It will be so much fun to get to know you and share design ideas :)

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  10. I had to laugh when you described your hubby's reaction to your table, mine always asks the same! He is getting used to my re-arranging and staging finally. I LOVE your table decor, sooo pretty :)

    xo, Tanya

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    1. Thank you Tanya! Our husbands are a great source of amusement aren't they? I wonder if they find us as amusing???
      So glad you stopped by.

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  11. Still smiling about your lovely story. It made me laugh, we must be blog sisters. I make my table up, then a couple hours later we eat off of paper plates. I keep telling myself that we'll use the table I set, but I never wanna mess it up! I had to become a follower of your blog...Thanks!

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    1. Haha! Fun to have a blog sister. I'm following you back. Hugs!

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  12. Your table looks beautiful! I can relate to that driven-ness. I might have passed it on to my daughters as well! Life to the full, Melissa

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    1. That you sweet Melissa. It is kinda sad that we pass on this trait to our children . . . but on the other hand, no one will ever call them lazy! So glad to have you back and busy blogging after your little break. Blessings to you.

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  13. Your idea of using black scarves was genius and set off all of your layered plates beautifully. I loved the quotations under the pink depression glass plate. A very successful table and a funny post!

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    1. Thank you! I love your pink and blue table decor!

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  14. Your Valentine table is absolutely beautiful. I haven't given much thought to mine. Guess I should get busy.:-)

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    1. Thank you Pat. I'm sure you'll have some beautiful decor. You always do!

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  15. Your Valentine's tablescape i stunning. I love your beautiful flowers and all of your dishes are perfect for this setting. Totally lovely. Thanks so much for joining TTT and I am your newest follower. Hugs, Marty

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    1. Oh Marty - I am thrilled that you are following because I so admire everything about your decorating style. Thank you for th compliment! Hugs back to you.

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  16. gorgeous and so glow-lovely!

    found you via tuesday's treasures and hope you'll have a moment to pop by!

    smiles to you.

    michele

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    1. Thank you Michele - I did stop by & love all the beautiful photography your blog contains. I will be back often.

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  17. What a gorgeous table! I especially love the round candles set in cupcake liners in the glasses - so clever. I had to laugh at the conversation between you and your husband, because I've had almost the same scenarios at my house. One Christmas, I had a bowl of Granny Smith apples, which are green, and pomegranates in a bowl. My husband asked about them and I told him it was for "decoration". He said, "You're kidding, right?" Ha! And my 22-year old son has frequently complained that I make things pretty, not useful. I told him he can have useful when he gets his own place. ;-)

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    1. That is funny Melanie. I do have two daughters so at least they can understand . . . sort of. :)

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  18. Patti, the table is gorgeous and you two are so cute! Thank you for sharing this at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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    1. Thank you Kathryn :) I'll see you there.

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  19. Patti, Your tablescape is beautiful! Love the centerpiece and the red cordial glasses! ...and I can identify with your husband's reaction. My family just didn't get the blog thing and staging either when I began. Now they actually suggest blog ideas! LOL! :)

    Thanks for visiting my blog, and for the sweet comment left!

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    1. Haha! You've trained them right! My husband was actually retelling the story to one of his guy friends last night. I do think he enjoys the attention :)

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  20. Oh, and I forgot to add, love the quotes under the plates! What a wonderful idea!

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  21. Oh my goodness, it's gorgeous! Now I understand why your husband was so confused. :)

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  22. Cute story....hubs are that way! Your table is aborable...wish I was coming for Truffles :) Thanks for sharing.

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  23. Very pretty Valentine's table! Gina

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  24. This is so pretty, Patti! I just love it! Very romantic! =D

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    1. Now to get my husband to see the romance in it! Thanks for your comment.

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  25. Beautiful job on the tablescape. My husband does not get it either. He thinks blogging is a giant waste of time. I love Royal Albert Old English Rose.

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    1. Husband's are so funny. Thank you for the complimiment :)

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  26. Hi lovely lady.
    What a beautiful table! I would feel so special if I was your guest!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family. Im your newest follower on your blog now.
    XXOO Diane

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    1. How sweet Diane! Can you hop a plane for the weekend? I love the tablescapes on your great blog and I'm following you back :)

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  27. Oh my goodness everything is just beautiful! You did a wonderful job and just wait to you start decorating like that when the family is over for the holidays (that is if you don't already) my family thought I had lost my mind. They just want to sit down and chow down they don't care about pretty! lol Thanks so much for sharing at Transformed Tuesday. Hugs, Peggy

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    1. No, I don't go this over-the-top for family gatherings but I'm sure the women in the family would like it! Thank you Peggy :)

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  28. So beautiful! Assure the Mister that it was totally worth all the fuss. Love all your attention to detail. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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