Looking for some ideas for how to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home this year? I’m sharing a pretty (and easy) romantic table setting that’s perfect for creating a wonderful date night at home!
For me, Valentine’s Day dinner has always been an ‘at home’ affair, but I know for many of you, you’ve enjoyed the ritual and romance of going out. But since this year many of us will be staying home, I’ve got lots of tips for how to create a romantic evening that’s beautiful and easy!
In many recent years, I enjoyed setting a family table and we celebrated a day of love with the kids. But since our last one just went to college, it’s just us this year! So since we’re alone, and we need to stay home, this is the perfect year to pull out the stops and create a romantic evening right here at home! After all, there’s no reason a night at home can’t be as special as an evening out. 😉
Six Tips for Creating a Romantic Valentine’s Table Setting at Home
Tip One: No Cell Phones
This should actually be at every dinner (IMHO!) but most definitely there shouldn’t be any phones during what’s supposed to be a romantic night for the two of you. Try setting your phones aside and pretending like you’re alone in the most romantic restaurant around.
Tip Two: Create Ambiance with Candles
Candles are part of almost any table setting I create, but since this is the night of romance, I’d say it’s a must! These brass candlesticks are a favorite of mine, and I love the little bit of gold mixed with the pale pinks.
If you’re anything like us, we don’t light candles on a regular basis so that simple act makes the whole evening feel different.
Tip Three: Include a Treat (or Dessert)
We love chocolates so I sprinkled some around the table, as well as on each place setting. But whether you do something similar, or go for a decadent dessert, something sweet needs to be on the menu!
Tip Four: Flowers are a Must
If you’ve been a subscriber or reader for awhile, then you know flowers are almost always part of any table setting I create. But in this instance, I’d say they’re a must!
Since this is the day of romance, I went with pretty pink roses and some white filler flowers placed in a simple glass vessel. These were all from the grocery store and couldn’t have been easier to pull together!
Tip Five: Add Something Unexpected
I found these little bottles of rosé wine and I knew I had to include them on my table! I mean how cute are these? And the color is so perfect!
It’s always fun to include something unexpected – whether that’s a special note, an expression of love, or in this case, a special wine or treat.
I also added these cute new coupe glasses to the table. I’ve been wanting some for awhile now and these were a great price – and I love how elegant they feel! Anything that elevates the evening and makes it feel like more than an average night at home is the name of the game here.
Just because we need to celebrate at home this year doesn’t mean it can’t be as romantic and special as going out! And, you have the added benefit of no crowds, disappointing food, or feeling rushed. Usually we watch a movie after dinner, but some years we get so involved talking that we end up sitting here for hours lingering over dessert or a second glass of wine!
Tip Six: Presents are Welcomed!
We don’t do anything fancy with our gift giving – there’s no jewelry or anything of that nature. But we do usually exchange cards or small, thoughtful things to celebrate the holiday. It doesn’t need to be expensive or fancy to be meaningful or romantic. In fact, I would say just the opposite!
Some of the best gifts we’ve given each other are heartfelt, simple gifts or gestures that mean more.
Some ideas for meaningful gifts that aren’t just a box of chocolates from the drug store. These are at all different price points, but whether you spend a little or a lot, they’re more about the effort and thought than the amount:
•First edition of a favorite book
•Gift certificate for a massage or spa day
•Monogrammed anything
•Personalized photo puzzle
•Subscription to a wine or beer of the month club
•Coupons for doing something for your significant other (ie; doing dishes for the month, or a “honey-do” that hasn’t gotten done, etc.)
•Photo collage
•Make a CD of your favorite music
And two that you can plan for!
•Tickets to a play, musical, or concert
•A romantic getaway
And even the getaway could be something as simple as renting a cabin in the woods. Anything that gives you the chance to reconnect is what matters.
Whether you order in or cook the whole feast yourself doesn’t really matter. What does matter is putting that little extra bit of effort in to create a romantic table setting and creating a great date night at home – no reservations required!
Romantic Table Setting Resources
And if you’re looking for more cute Valentine’s decor, I’m sharing some of my favorites below!
Sheila
xo
Now be sure to visit my friends who are also sharing beautiful Valentine’s Day decor and celebration ideas!
Maison de Cinq | Designthusiasm | Happy Happy Nester
Modern Glam | French Country Cottage | Zevy Joy
For even more Valentine’s Day tables and decor inspiration, check out some of my other posts below!
Janine Waite says
Love your dinner for two! You have some great ideas! We always deck our table out with candles, and it just sets a nice mood. I love your flowers and of course your new glasses. Thanks for including me in this fun hop! Pinning it all!
Sheila says
Thanks so much Janine – I’m so glad you joined us!!
Sheila
xo
Teresa Snipes says
We’ve never allowed cell phones at the table at home or when eating out. We’ve actually had total strangers come up to our table at restaurants and compliment us on seeing a family having real discussion during dinner. What a sad commentary on parenting in America!
I’m so glad you are the same way!
Sheila says
Us either! And we’ve had the same experience with people complimenting us. I’m always sad when I see another family at a table in a restaurant and all 4 or 5 of the are on their phones – even the parents. And I have friends whose husband’s have them out at dinner at our house or even at a restaurant, so maybe they should read this, haha!
Thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
DeAnn says
I’ve been reading your posts for awhile now and want you to know how inspiring and motivating they/you are! Our tastes are very similar and my home is ‘frenchish’ so I can pull off a lot of your ideas. Thank you Shiela!
Sheila says
Aww that is so kind! Thank you for making my day DeAnn – I’m so glad you’re here!
Sheila
Lory Bernstein says
What a lovely table, Sheila!! The floral is gorgeous and those rosé bottles are adorable!
Sheila says
Aren’t they the cutest? I couldn’t resist! 😉
Thanks Lory and thanks for joining us!
Sheila
xo