Valentine Dinner Party
We tend to be more casual when we entertain, but once a year we have a formal Valentine dinner party for a few couples. Typically we use the dining room inside, but due to COVID, we will have it outside on our back terrace.
The attire for the evening will be Fetching for the women and Dapper for the men.
Inspired by pinks and soft romantic colors, I will decorate the raised platform my husband made for the center of our large table. I gather any and all cups, bowls, spooners, and vases that will fill the space. Using these different vessels, I will load the center with tons of flowers. To see how he made this raised panel, click here.
Keeping with soft pastels, I purchase hydrangeas, stock, tulips, roses, carnations (from Trader Joe’s, Fry’s and Safeway) and add some flowers from the garden.
The brass candlesticks and tapers are a purchase from West Elm .
It is a bit time consuming to do this, but the results are spectacular. Each vessel gets a bit of water and a combination of flowers. Votive candles are also added for extra charm and lighting.Thankfully my sweet Elisabeth provides an extra set of hands.
Tapered candles come from West Elm and are nestled between the containers of flowers, spaced equally distanced apart.
Menus are printed on shades of pink card stock. I cut the edges with decorative scissors (purchased at Michaels ages ago).
Using a 2 hole punch, holes are made at the top of the menu. My daughter helps tie each menu with a pink satin ribbon.
I am so excited to use my very first set of china, Romance Collection- Juliet by Royal Doulton. It has since been discontinued but the pattern is perfect for this dinner theme.
The gifts for each guest (Pink Champagne scented candles for the women and silk ascots for the men), also serve as a place card. Using bakers twine, I tie a pink card stock heart with our guests' names.
Even the cocktail we serve has a pink theme, Red Grapefruit Greyhounds with Rosemary Simple Syrup.
Using vintage pink glassware from my collection, just adds a bit more romance to the table.
Here is the view of the finished table. The colors work so well against the mahogany wood surface.
Here is a photo at dusk.
As the evening progresses, the table looks even more magical. These are photos from a Valentine event we had a few years ago and I look forward to creating an even more spectacular table this year. To see more entertaining ideas at our historic estate, click here.
Frequently asked questions
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