Going out for a romantic meal might be off the cards right now, but that doesn’t mean you have to have a boring Valentine’s Day. Although we are unable to go to our favourite restaurants this year, we can recreate some of that romantic feeling at home. Putting in a bit more effort can make your regular dining experience at home feel much more special – whether you are having a romantic meal for two or a whole-family affair.
At The Tablecloth Shop we know how great Valentine’s tables can look, and we even stock a great range of tablecloths perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Here are a few tips for setting your table for a romantic evening:
Plan Your Menu – Planning your menu in advance means you can cook something extra special. You can create a restaurant-style menu, print it off, and leave it on the table – this is a nice surprise and makes it feel more special than a regular meal at home.
Go for Softer Hues – You don’t have to go for just red and white themed décor. Consider softer colours like pastel pinks and coppers. Flowers in muted tones make for a romantic centrepiece, while tablecloths in off-white or cream are a good choice.
Go for Gold – If softer colours aren’t your thing, go for gold – metallic gold charger plates and black and gold candles make for a dramatic look that really stands out from your regular dinner table. A basic linen tablecloth works really well here, as it will protect your table without clashing with the decorations.
Incorporate Candles – Candles are a classic Valentine’s Day staple for a reason, and in our opinion, the more the merrier! Dim the lights for a soft, romantic feel – perfect for warming up a cold winter’s night.
Don’t Forget the Chairs – Something that is easily forgotten is the chairs around your table. It’s really simple to dress up your chairs at home, either by using large ribbons or velvet bows, or just by draping some soft, warm throws on the backs of them – this can help to create a cosy, intimate vibe. A softly textured tablecloth will complement this really well.
Go for a Buffet – A buffet can be a really fun choice for Valentine’s Day, especially if you want something more relaxed and casual. You can treat this as a whole-family treat, which is great if you have young children in the house.
You could go for comforting, warming winter finger food, like homemade sausage rolls – this feels like a treat without being too formal. If you’re using a table for your buffet, don’t forget the tablecloth situation – go for something that can be wiped clean, like vinyl or oilcloth, as you won’t have to worry about staining.
Choose Special Place Settings – Place settings are a nice way to create a sense of occasion. So why not create name place settings for each person? This is especially nice if you are having a whole-family Valentine’s Day dinner. Why not treat each person to a special something – whether that be a fresh flower, a small package of sweets, or go for handmade decorations – look on Pinterest for lots of ideas.