How to Create a Romantic Table Setting

If you’ve already planned your Valentine’s dinner menu, then it’s time to start thinking about a special romantic table setting to help kick things up a notch. My husband and I usually go out on Valentines Day (neither of us really enjoy cooking), but this year I decided to surprise him with a homemade meal. And to make it feel special, I’m going all out on the table setting with a soft, romantic look that you can use as inspiration for whatever pretty dishes you have in your cupboard. Here’s how to get the look yourself.

How to Create a Romantic Table Setting for Valentines Day

First things first: look around your house for things you have on hand. You shouldn’t need to purchase anything new to create a killer place setting and charm the socks off your significant other. Sometimes, just pulling out the vintage china from your grandmother and the fancy champagne flutes from your wedding will be enough. Let those pieces dictate the look and feel of the table and point you in a general direction when choosing the rest of your decor.

And if you don’t have anything “fancy”? Well that’s fine, too. You can use your everyday tableware and still create a gorgeous table setting that showcases the food and drink. I mean, that’s what it’s really all about, right?

1. Dust off the nice plates

On most nights I reach for our basic white plates, but special occasions call for special plates. Perhaps even the under used wedding china or that vintage tableware from Great Aunt Ida! A lovely floral pattern is perfect for a romantic dinner but anything you consider special will be perfect. I like to scout vintage plates and silver-plated flatware when I’m thrifting or antiquing because I think a mismatched collection feels a bit fancy without being too stuffy.

2. Don’t be too matchy-matchy

When I’m setting a table, I like the elements to feel like they all go together and give your table setting a boho feel without being too matchy-matchy. I wouldn’t normally pick a baby blue linen cloth to go with these plates, but with all of the other elements, it works. The soft colors go together for a feminine, romantic feel that’s perfect for a Valentine’s brunch or lunch. And if you’re planning a romantic dinner, like I am, just add some candles.

3. You gotta have flowers!

I had a few pink roses leftover from my pink + green bouquet so I used them on top of the plates. The rose petals on the table add a whimsical touch and really complement the roses in the plates. Be sure to display the rest in a large vase placed in the center of the table for a simple, cohesive centerpiece. Here are 10 more modern flower arrangement ideas to inspire you.

4. Add something unexpected

The macarons and strawberries are the fun element. They remind me of Paris and being in love, so they’re perfect here. Pretty chocolates would also be a nice addition. Plus, they double as a dessert.