Today I am joining Mary Ann and Annie and a group of talented bloggers for a little Valentines fun. You can find their links at the bottom of the post. I have to admit Valentines Day is not high on my holiday list. I am not a huge fan of commercially created holidays or hearts and ruffles. Let’s chat today about How to Create a Collected Valentine Tablescape.
Look around your house and see what you can repurpose or go thrifting for meaningful, interesting items. There is no need to buy a bunch of valentine specific decor that you might never use again.
WHAT I USED FOR A COLLECTED VALENTINE TABLESCAPE
Dinnerware (still available from Anthro) that I have owned for many years, my own flatware, goblets and chargers. The table skirt was purchased on eBay years ago, and the toppers I had made many years ago for a celebration of life at our home.
The vase is recent purchase (also from Anthro). It normally resides in the bedroom. All available items are linked at the bottom of the page.
What I purchased:
Vintage Silver Napkin Rings & old skeleton keys from Vineyard Antique Mall. You can find vintage silver napkin rings on eBay here or on Etsy here. You can also find the keys on Etsy here. You could also wrap up the small candles and give them as party favors and use the keys on the packages with cute homemade cards with the saying “you hold the key to my heart”. If you have time you could make
If you had time (I did not this year), you could make homemade toffee. You can find the recipe here.
You could wrap the toffee up in clear plastic (see example here), and make gift tags (also here) with your friends pictures on Canva, attach one of the old keys with the saying “you hold the key to my heart”, or something like that. I plan to do that for Summer later in the week. I will share that on Sunday.
I love the stories these napkin rings tell. The one on the left is celebrating someone’s wedding anniversary and the one on the right has the name Evelyn engraved on it.
One Bunch of Tulips from Trader Joes
Four small Volupsa candles from local gift shop House of Mosley
SHOP THE POST
Thank you for reading How to Create a Collected Valentine Tablescape. You can find last years Valentine’s tablescape here if you would like more inspiration, and more fun Valentine fun here as well. All of my tablescapes reside here. Do you buy new decor for a tablescape, or do you use what what you have in new ways? I would love to hear about it. Now let’s pop over and visit my blogging pals for more inspiration.
Those red tulips are beautiful. So much nicer than roses. I love your table setting. I agree with using things you already have rather than buying new. As I get older I find than I would rather use the things I have rather than accumulating more stuff.
Hi Diane
I agree accumulating more stuff at our age is not a good thing!!
Fun post, fabulous ideas! You really do inspire!
Hi Nancy
Thank you so much!
That is one of the most beautiful table settings I have ever seen. The fabrics are beyond gorgeous and your mix of patterns, colors and textures is masterful. And I love 5he idea of using what you have. I’m off to find one of my old tablecloths in red and taupe. You’ve inspired me!
Hello Cindy Lou
I am so happy to hear you can use my idea to create something of your own. Have fun!!
Hi Cindy,
You are the master when it comes to setting a gorgeous table! I love the layered look and enjoy pulling out things from my storage and using them in new ways. What a great idea to collect vintage napkin rings. I have a few silver ones with my name engraved that were used during my childhood, and my silver baby cups which would look so cute with mini flower arrangements in them. See, you’ve got me thinking now!
Thanks for all the great inspiration. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Xo Heidi
Hi Heidi
I do love setting a pretty table especially when I can use what I have in a new way. I bet you will come up with something wonderful!
Absolute love your table setting, in fact I have that same red Peter Dunham tablecloth, also purchased on eBay long ago., I love the way you added the Suzani on top. I’ll be copying that THANK YOU ! I got married 23 years ago on Valentine’s Day, so the date holds a special meaning for me. Other than that, I really don’t celebrate Galentine’s or anything alike.
Hi Liana
That is crazy that we both found those tablecloths on eBay. I bet you were thinking the same thing as me. If the tablecloth doesn’t work think how many pillows one could make out of all that fabric! I bet you have a treasure trove of great fabrics.
Absolute love your table setting, in fact I have that same red Peter Dunham tablecloth, also purchased on eBay long ago., I love the way you add the Suzani on top. I’ll be copying that THANK YOU !
Hi Liana
I bet you do not need any ideas from me when it comes to textile creations! I have seen your beautiful work!
I love the linens you used, and the table looks lovely.
I’m ready St. Valentine’s Day. 😊❤️
Karen B.
Hi Karen
Thank you so much. Happy almost Valentines Day!!
Cindy, this his such a beautiful table. I LOVE LOVE the linens! And the little keys and candles and everything. I could not agree with your more, shop your house to decorate!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Eliz
Thank you so much. I had fund doing this table.
Absolutely perfection. I love your collected look for any day of the week. Keys hold a special spot in my heart so the addition of keys is very special. Everything you touch turns out to be beautiful. 🤍🤍🤍
Hi Kathy
Thank you so much. I thought the keys were fun as well, and they are so inexpensive!
I’m not sure why, but the font on my personal comments section is very very light. It’s like typing with invisible ink.
Assuming you might have received this, I know what you mean about Valentine’s Day’s artificiality. I guess I think it’s great for new lovers and should be celebrated only by them!
I remember being in a new relationship and receiving a dozen red roses in a big long box — now, that was a great feeling!
Hi Eva
Very good point! I am not sure why your print looks too light. It comes through beautifully on this end, and I always enjoy your thoughtful comments.
Cindy this is gorgeous! The mix of the different patterned reds really is lovely together with the tulips. Love those dishes and vase. Of course the addition of the vintage napkin rings are very CINDY! A perfect touch . How fun it would be to sit at that table! Hope Summer has a great time with you. Always fun to do this with you all.
Hi Kim
We are not going to see Summer after all. They have colds and we don’t want to take a chance of Steve getting sick before his surgery. I sure miss her! Your table was absolutely beautiful as well.
I am all in with this approach. I never buy decor for Valentine’s Day. Instead I gather and creatively use what I already have, including taking a creamy door wreath and adding velvet roses and dark bird feathers. It is a tasteful “suggestion” of the holiday. As we have a lot of red accessories in our colorful home, the rest is a cinch!
Hi Jean Marie
That sounds wonderful. It’s so satisfying to repurpose something, isn’t it? I try not to purchase anything that is holiday specific, that way it can be use multiple times.
Stunning, Cindy … .just stunning! I’m with you about Valentine’s Day … fun to do things with the littles though. However, I would happily enjoy a lovely Valentine dinner around your gorgeous, collected table. Those napkin rings and keys are treasures and I love your idea for the keys. If I was young and newly in love I’d be all over it! And is there any flower better than tulips (sorry, roses) to create a feeling of cheer and happiness?! I don’t think so. Absolutely enchanting table and fun ideas. xo
in absolute agreement with your comment, Juliet! STUNNING table, Cindy – makes me happy just to see the pics!
Hi Dena
Thank you so much. I love setting a pretty table. I am still enjoying it. I hate to take it down! Maybe Steve will be up for a Valentines Dinner with friends by the time the actual date rolls around.
Hi Juliet
I agree wholeheartedly about tulips! I love red garden roses, but there is something about red florist rosess that can be almost depressing to me. I have seen to many associated with funerals.
Oh,my… this year’s Valentine’s Day table is stunning! Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday and red is my favorite color. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Kat
Thank you so much. I have often found that some of my most interesting tablescapes have been created basically out of nothing. At our former lake house we had nothing growing but herbs. I always managed to create something interesting when I thought I could not.
Just love your table dressing: the tablecloth, topper, napkins, as well as the vintage keys and napkin rings. It is a beautifully set table!
Hi Elle
Thank you so much. I hope it will provide some future inspiration.
I love your table linens! I don’t set a table for Valentine’s Day- I live alone- but those could be used anytime. I always love to see what you’re posting!
Hi Joan
Exactly, I have used this topper many times before. I should have linked to the old posts. I will go in and do that!!
I love the napkin ring holders, especially EVELYN!
Hi Evelyn
I thought of you Evelyns when I spotted that napkin ring!!
Cindy! Love how you make everything look so pulled together without looking contrived or staged. The keys are such a perfect example of tying in a theme without being obvious or expected. Stylish as always! Thank you for including me this month! xo
Hi Sheri
Thank you so much. We always love having you! Your food and photography are beautiful!!
Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday next to Columbus Day . Making a big deal out of these holidays was my specialty when my kids were growing up. They still remember the settings and food we ate. Who needs the totally commercialized Christmas when you can choose to elevate these special days for a much needed boost at other times in the year. My heart belongs to February 14th.
Hi Leanne
I think if we lived closer to Summer I would be all over it as well.I love your attitude!!
That store was one of my favorite HAUNTs once upon a time!!!
My first collection as a child was old keys!I found a big iron ring in a field in Calistoga!!!I still have them!Silver Napkin rings my Mother collected from the charity store down the street!I use them every DAY!I am in need of one that says Papa so keep your eyes peeled!!
Xxx
Cindy! I love your ideas! The key to my heart…how darling is that idea! Your table is beyond gorgeous with the mix of patterns! Love it so much!!
Xx
Hi Annie
Thank you so much! I had fun doing it.
Hi Eliz
I will keep my eyes open for one that says papa. Have you tried eBay and Etsy?
Your table linen mix is EXQUISITE! And how sweet to use antique keys on packages. This is so well done.
Wish I was sitting at your table.
Hi Mary Ann
Thanks so much pal. I wish you were sitting at my table as well! Hopefully again soon!
Cindy, fabulous as always! Could you please tell me how tall the Artland goblets are? Thanks!!
Hi Arlene
They are 8.5 inches tall. Hope that helps.