How to create the perfect Valentine’s Day tablescape

By Molly Malsom

Published: Wednesday, 09 February 2022 at 12:00 am

This year, you might be considering a more intimate Valentine’s Day celebration. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening with your other half or a ‘Galentine’s’ dinner party with friends, an at-home date night is the perfect way to spend some quality time together.

Plan the perfect menu with your favourite dishes (or order them in if cooking isn’t your forte) and set up a picture-perfect tablescape to rival any restaurant.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some top tips on how to curate your Valentine’s Day table, with top tips from experts and a selection of our favourite table decorations.

1. Choose your colour palette

The best place to start when creating a tablescape is to pick your colour palette. Once you have decided that, you have the basis for every decorative item on the table. ‘As Valentine’s purists, it’s not hard to guess what colours we will be including this year. Historically people seemed averse to mixing red and pink as a rule of thumb, but this is a combination we particularly enjoy bringing to life through table decoration and linens’ say the experts at Lay London. ‘Red is symbolic of love and hints of pink add a more romantic and fun twist, especially if you’re celebrating with friends and going for ‘Galentine’s day’.’

Of course, just because red and pink are the classic colours for Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you can’t switch things up. A red and white theme still includes elements of the Valentine’s Day colours, but the white gives a more elegant feel. Alternatively, picking a scheme with your partner’s favourite colours or focusing on colours featured on your favourite tableware adds a thoughtful touch to the table decoration whilst retaining cohesion.

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The Cupid’s Table tablescape by Lay London can be rented for Valentine’s Day

2. Start with the biggest pieces

The table linen can make or break your tablescape. You have three choices here; a table cloth, table runner, or both! A table cloth will cover the entire table, so choosing something that perfectly fits your colour scheme is the first priority. If you are opting for a tablecloth or runner alone, choose something with a strong colour or a fun pattern to create interest. If you are layering linen, try adding a patterned tablecloth with a plain runner, or vice versa. This way you can create zones (the table runner forms the space for decorations) and the layered look appears more polished.

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The bees teal table runner from Sophie Allport looks lovely layered with a white table cloth

3. Think about the details

When curating your tablescape, it’s important to think about the finer details. ‘I always think the aesthetics of the dining table are so important to set the tone for delicious food to follow. If it is evening, make sure lighting is low – obviously lots of candles- also good to add little votives around the table. A couple of very tall glass vases with pretty branches – mimosa or Blossom looks striking. As do matching glasses in colour to either the flowers or the cloth’ says Interior Designer Penny Morrison. Layering tableware gives the table display dimension whilst also saving space, helping the table to look more put-together.

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A table styled by Penny Morrison

4. Decorate accordingly

If you want to go the extra mile, adding some additional decoration to the table is an easy way to add detail. For something more romantic, scatter some rose petals over the table, or to make it more fun, the experts at Lay London recommend adding a few of your favourite sweets. ‘Flowers aren’t in abundance at this time of year, but you can decorate the table with inventive substitutes to compensate for a lack of floral arrangements. Try scattering some love heart sweets around each place setting (the positive messages are always bound to give someone a smile) and fill bowls with strawberries and cherries to add a juicy pop of red.’

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5. Have the drinks ready

No dinner is complete without drinks. A bottle of rosé or two is a great way to keep with the tablescape theme. The wine experts at Nyetimber recommend their Rosé Multi-Vintage for your Valentine’s Day celebrations. ‘The sunset-pink sparkling rosé is the ideal opener for a romantic night in when shared with a loved one. It also pairs exceedingly well with a range of delicious delicacies such as salmon tartare, grilled prawns or even a veal carpaccio. It’s well-rounded with rich and creamy red cherry and raspberry flavours. The sparkling rosé has a long finish, ending with hints of shortcrust pastry and redcurrant.’

For something a bit different, why not create cocktails for the occasion. Coordinate them to your colour scheme and give them fun names for the occasion. If you don’t want to make the cocktails yourself, there are plenty of places, such as Letterbox Cocktails, offering pre-made cocktails straight to your door, so all you have to do is pour!

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The pre-made Cosmopolitan from Letterbox Cocktails would perfectly match a red and pink colour scheme

Tablescape decorations

Creating a beautiful tablescape for your Valentine’s Day dinner doesn’t need to be complicated. Simply select a few items of varying height and size and arrange them in the middle of the table and source some beautiful tableware for a cohesive look. Here are a few of our favourite pieces to help you get started…

Waterfall coupe

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These gold-rimmed coupe glasses from Anthropologie are perfect for cocktails. They have a variety of glass styles in the same design, so it you want to have the choice of wine as well as cocktails, a matching set will make all the difference to the finished table!

Buy waterfall coupe from Anthropologie (£14)

Chara hammered bottle vase

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Clear vases are ideal for table displays as they don’t create a barrier like more opaque options. This hammered bottle vase is perfect for any colour palette.

Buy chara hammered bottle vase from Nkuku (from £40)

Ephey revive green tea & amber scented candle

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Following Penny Morrison’s advice, a candle is a must-have. This green tea and amber scented candle will not only make the room smell amazing, but the decorative glass container it completely on theme.

Buy ephey revive green tea & amber scented candle from Oliver Bonas (£24)

Bees teal table runner

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If you’re stepping away from the red and pink theme, this teal table runner decorated with bees is a lovely alternative.

Buy bees teal table runner from Sophie Allport (£28)

Let love sparkle rose gift set

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Nyetimber and Lay London have teamed up to create this Valentine’s Day gift set. Included is a bottle of Nyetimber rose and two Nyetimber glasses, as well as a pair of twist candles from Lay London.

Buy let love sparkle rose gift set from Nyetimber (£75)

Pink scallop hand embroidered napkins

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These hand-embroidered napkins are the finishing touch every table needs, and the optional monogramming will make them extra special.

Buy pink scallop hand embroidered napkins from Sophie Conran (£49)

Talking Tables dinner candlesticks & glass candle holder

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Offered in a pink/orange or blue/green colour way, these candlesticks and holders are a great choice for your tablescape – especially for a ‘Galentine’s’ celebration.

Buy Talking Tables dinner candlesticks & glass candle holder from John Lewis (£55)