romantic tablescape for four

Valentine’s day is less than a month away. It falls on a Thursday this year so we’re inviting some friends over for dinner on Friday night. An adult only affair with fancy foods and fun cocktails, and although I have not set the menu yet, I did start working on setting the tone.

This table is romantic and luxurious, using our wedding Lenox china, Waterford Crystal, Camusso’s Sterling Silver and Williams-Sonoma monogramed white linens.  I’m of the camp of, if you own it, use it.  It does require more maintenance with hand washing etc. but well worth it.  I use our china, etc. as often as I can without using it too frequently so it loses its specialness, but often enough it doesn’t collect dust in our breakfront.

Elegant, refined and ever so indulgent!  Yup, that’s what i’m going for.

Actually what initially inspired this table are these french label brown bottles I made a couple of years ago.  You can read the tutorial on how I made these here {French labels brown bottles DIY}.

The bottles are not fancy in & of themselves per se, but with the blush toned blooms and those french labels they are ever so sweet & romantic.  I used roses, eucalyptus & some floral fillers and I love how well they all play together against the brown toned glass.

I decided to give each guest their own special treat at their place-setting.  Remember I shared this idea here {great spring table setting idea}.

I love the casualness of the well world linens and driftwood chargers against the luxurious crystal, porcelain and silver.  The juxtaposition of rustic & refined is always a favorite around here.

I love to add details like sterling bread plates and butter pats plus individual salt & pepper shakers at each place setting, which are conventions from a by gone era.   They elevate the whole dining experience and hopefully make guests feel extra special.

It’s a little extra effort, but this is so much better that battling the dinner craziness around this holiday.  Don’t get me wrong, I very much enjoy going out for a nice dinner and I have gone to many Valentine’s dinner outings with Mr. Masterpiece, but not this year.  This year we will create our own romantic get away right here at home and enjoy our lovely space.

We are truly fortunate and I try to appreciate each & every day, sometimes with greater gestures like this and other times with smaller details in the day to day.

What do you like to do for Valentine’s Day?  Any suggestions on what we should serve for dinner?

My wheels are turning, and I need to do some perusing through my entertaining | cookbooks, Pinterest, bogland, etc….

Masterpiece Mingles are favorites of mine from the decor, to the settings, to the food, beverages and more.  I love a house full of happy people talking, laughing and truly enjoying each other’s company.

“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.”

~Maya Angelou~