Dreamin’ Of Spring Valentine Tablescape
My inspiration for this Dreamin’ Of Spring Valentine Tablescape was the beautiful spring weather we had last week. It didn’t last very long. I was outdoors this weekend, and it was cold! I read that Phil the groundhog did not see his shadow this year, so we’re in for an early spring.
The burlap reminds me of the outdoors, and all the sunny days ahead next month. The Spanish moss is abundant here in the South Carolina Lowcountry. I just walked outside and picked up a few handfuls from my sweet gum tree. I usually microwave it for about 20 seconds-just in case there are chiggers inside.
The beautiful birdhouse cookie jar was found at Goodwill last month. Surprisingly, it was without spot or blemish. Vintage cookie jars often have chips on the rim of the lid. I guess that’s where the hungry children open and close the lid so often to get those cookies.
I enjoy creating seasonal and holiday tablescapes for my family. I love making personalized place cards for everyone, and seeing their faces light up when they see them next to their plates. I don’t have to spend a lot of money making my tablescapes because I sell vintage dinnerware in my ebay store, The Little Dish Cottage.
I try to set the table practically, because real people sit and eat from my plates (see my dog underneath, hoping for dropped crumbs). Tall centerpieces leave family members and guests straining to talk over them, so I try to use short ones. Crowded tablescapes leave little room for eating and drinking. In the past, I had to remove items so that we could eat. Now I just limit the amount of decor in the center. I already know that something will be spilled (or smeared) on the tablecloth at some point, so I’m prepared to throw it- and the cloth napkins- in the washer afterwards.
It all began with 6 Dollar Tree placemats. Dollar Tree and TJ Maxx are my stores!
The next layer was a gold charger from Dollar Tree.
I used two different types of dinner plates. This place setting has a Martha Stewart Floral dinner plate, and a Copeland Spode Lorraine salad plate. You can read the tutorial for the Boho Valentine Napkins and Rings here.
This place setting features a Red Lion Inn millenial dinner plate made by Eschenbach for a December 31, 1999 celebration, and the same salad plate and napkin set as the previous place setting.
Although we only worship the one true God, it was fun to drink from these mid-century Thai Goddess cups. Some references say they’re made by Culver, but I’ve never been able to authenticate that information.
I found these cute little trees at Michaels Craft Store after Christmas. The cardboard hearts came from Dollar Tree, and the foam letters were leftover from another craft.
I bought the Kate Spade tablecloth at TJ Maxx for a New Year’s tablescape, but was so tired after Christmas I couldn’t be bothered with ham and Hoppin’ John.
I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day with YOUR family. Instead of presents or candy, the hubby and I are taking all the kids to Jim and Nick’s tomorrow night. We might not do that every year, but we’re definitely doing it this year.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Kristie
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Read Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Pan Cookies here
Read Sweet N’ Simple Valentine Flag here
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This is so darling! I love those heart placemats. So cool. I have to say, too, that I also love that you have set this table for real people who will really use it. I have found the same thing–removing so much of the cutesy stuff in order to actually put food and drinks on the table or even just see each other. I like that it’s both pretty and practical. I also really liked your step-by-step. Sometimes with tablescapes I can’t see all the elements well enough in the photos, but I like how you showed each part so that it can be replicated. Thanks so much for sharing at #heartandsoullinkup this week! I hope you’ll come back next Monday and share again, too. 🙂
Thanks Jennifer, I will be looking for the Heart & Soul Link-Up in the future.
What a pretty tablescape! We aren’t doing anything special to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, as it is Girl Scout night, and the deadline for initial cookie orders! (So as troop cookie mama, I will be at the meeting all night collecting initial order forms and helping the other parents tally up their daughters’ sales!). But we are going on vacation later this month, so will get to celebrate then 🙂 #heartandsoullinkup
You should try the Girl Scout cookie-flavored coffee they sell at Dunkin Donuts. The best one is coconut caramel. It tastes like the semoa one.