While dining at fancy restaurants is always a treat, creating a one-of-a-kind date night from home on Valentine’s Day can be just as special. In fact, sharing a meal in the privacy of your own home can be even more romantic – not to mention a lot more affordable and memorable.
To ensure an unforgettable night, a stylish and unique Valentine’s Day tablescape can go a long way in setting the mood for an intimate evening, not least making your homemade meal look even better. With that in mind, we’ve here to share our tips on creating an at-home Valentine’s Day date like no other.
Pick a colour scheme
The colour palette you choose can make all the difference in creating a romantic setting. Deep reds and pinks are the obvious choice for Valentine’s Day. However, soft pastels like blush and mauve will provide a fresh take for a more intimate dinner.
Set the table with pink hues, decorate with rose-tinted candlestick holders, and use swathes of baby and bubblegum pinks in your centrepiece for a fun Valentine’s Day dinner. White table linen is the perfect backdrop for making romantic shades stand out, while hints of gold or rose gold will create a feeling of opulence and luxury. Simply by matching your dinnerware, napkins or tablecloth, your romantic table setting will transform from drab to dreamy in no time.
For an opulent, alternative Valentine’s Day centrepiece, incorporate rich purple flowers like orchids and use tableware in deep shades of purple, black and gold for an atmospheric and romantic take on this classic date. Then sprinkle in some black candles and set the table with gold cutlery to complete the look.
Wine and dine
If there’s a meal that the two of you can’t stop thinking about, why not learn to make it yourself and bring your favourite restaurant to your dining room? Not only will it allow you to relive a classic date night, but now you can have your favourite dish every week without battling for a reservation weeks in advance.
The ultimate romantic recipe, ‘Marry Me’ Chicken is packed with flavour. Consisting of seared chicken breasts and a tasty cream sauce, prepare for love at first bite. For a veggie alternative, beetroot risotto with feta is bound to put you in your loved one’s good books. If you and your partner prefer a more casual setup, opt for a buffet-style meal, using serveware, such as the Blue Italian Handled Serving Tray, to present each dish. Beautify the buffet table with gorgeous florals and eye-catching citrus fruit.
Of course, no dinner date is complete without wine. Pair your creamy chicken dish with a Chenin Blanc or Burgundy White as neither will overpower the flavour. If you’re tempted by the risotto, opt for a Merlot or Pinot Noir to complement the dish’s ingredients.
Don’t scrimp on the details
Ambience is an integral part of tablescaping. Elegant candles and sweet-smelling flowers can really lift the layout without overcrowding the table. The flickering lights from the candles will create a romantic, cosy vibe that’s perfect on Valentine’s Day. Coloured glass candleholders work especially well, as they cast beautiful hues across the table. For a sophisticated twist, pick up a set of candlestick holders in varying heights to add depth and visual intrigue to your table setting.
Layering textures is another way to effortlessly take your tablescape from basic to beautiful; seagrass and jute always fare well. Finesse your setup by adding pretty bows to napkins and cutlery, and handwriting name cards. This is such a simple idea that will add a personal touch to your evening. They also make quick and easy keepsakes to surprise the one you love.
