Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Purple Hearts for Valentine's Day

Hello, readers! Today's post is delivering inspiration for celebrating love with a tablescape - whether it's for Valentine's, Galentine's, or any other meal with loving overtones.
I've set a very simple table with a mix of masculine / feminine touches. The tablecloth is a classic paisley print, in shades of winter grays, and is my base for a start / slant toward a masculine appeal. I tend to gravitate toward less popular color schemes or themes for Valentine's tablescaping. The idea of purple hearts is a departure from the typical Valentine red or pink hearts, but they sparked memories of my father, a purple heart recipient in WWII, and my mother, who loved the color purple. For a related post, see "Love Letters From the Greatest Generation", here. Mr. P.'s birthday is in late January, so I certainly had him in mind with this styling also.
I have caught myself building a collection of purple elements over the past few years. I purchased the crackled stemware a few years ago, then added the purple placemats last year. This year, I added the mulberry heart bowls, elderberry glass decanter, and eggplant napkins. Don't you just love all the names for purple, masterminded for marketing appeal?
I am within driving distance to both Homer Laughlin China Company and Blenko manufacturers, based in West Virginia since 1903 and 1921, respectively. I called the HLC Fiesta factory outlet nearest me to see if they had the mulberry heart bowls, possibly in less expensive manufactured 'seconds' (no), but I found firsts, sale-priced, on the factory's website. Mulberry was HLC's 2018 color for new Fiestaware production.
The elderberry decanter was picked from among a lot of 'seconds' at the Blenko Visitor's Center in Milton, WV, and was their 2019 color for new productions. This decanter is the iconic #384 (the fourth design introduced in 1938), is still manufactured, and remains highly popular. It's so affordable to shop at the factory and be able to choose your own. I couldn't find any flaws with the one I picked.
The rest of the table elements were all pulled from my inventory: chargers, dinnerware, flatware, place cards, and centerpiece. My go to style is in a mix of not only masculine / feminine, but also a mix of new and vintage pieces.
My centerpiece is crystal candlesticks, flanking a crystal bowl filled with a trio of silver bocce balls, ivory buttons, an icy flower pick arching over, and little lights strung throughout. The intention was a simple, wintry look. Napkins were styled in the simplest of folds, a rose (for a links to Youtube video how-tos, click here or, alternatively, here).
For even more 'love'ly inspiration, have a look-see at all the stylists and links to their ideas, conveniently listed beneath the graphic below. I'd like to thank Chloe Crabtree of the blog, Celebrate and Decorate, for her lead in gathering all the stylists for today's tablescaping ideas.
I hope you've found a thing or two that inspires you today. I've included my source list just below for your convenience and retail interest (no affiliations, I am a non-revenue producing blog!).
Purple Hearts for Valentine's Day Source List
Tablecloth - Tabitha Webb - HomeGoods
Chargers, Placemats, Napkins, Stemware - Pier 1
Sterling Flatware - Prelude - Auction
Cream Dinnerware - Pfaltzgraff  Filigree - eBay
Mulberry Heart Bowls - Fiestaware - Homer Laughlin China Company Fiesta Factory Direct
Elderberry Glass Decanter - Blenko - Blenko Factory/Gift Shop
Crystal Bowl Centerpiece - Tiffany (gift)
Crystal candlesticks, silver bocce balls, ivory buttons, place cards - vintage finds
I will leave you with the following history on this holiday: The origin of Valentine's Day, according to Britannica Encyclopedia, ranges anywhere from an ancient Roman, "coming of spring" festival (Lupercalia), to a Roman Catholic bishop's martyrdom for defiantly marrying couples as a means of sparing the men from war, to a modern day celebration of romance. Just so you know, the idea of Valentine's Day was largely commercialized starting in the late 1700's. It's not that I don't like the idea of celebrating Valentine's Day (Mr. P. proposed to me on a Valentine's Day!), but I am sensitive to those who don't like the holiday. For all those struggling with Valentine's Day as a holiday for whatever reason, this one's for you:
Thank you for your readership today. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Valentine's Day. Feel free to leave your comments. I try to respond to each and every one.
Rita C. at Panoply
(A special thanks to Linda of Life and Linda's Love Your Creativity Link Party #31, to Julie of My Wee Abode's Tuesday Turn About #35, to Bev at the Eclectic Red Barn's Thursday's Favorite Things, and to Kathy of A Delightsome Life's Home and Garden Thursday #35 for featuring this post!)

49 comments:

  1. Rita, How appropriate and perfect is your purple heart table with a nod to your dad’s purple heart?! I love your collection of purple, eggplant and mulberry items. (I’ve always thought it would be a fun job to name paint colors or nail polish shades :) Your blend of masculine and feminine makes it perfectly suited for anyone born in February too with amethyst as their birthstone. I love your pretty (boysenberry or raisin :) rosette napkin fold too. As always it’s a pleasure to blog hop with you. I hope your Valentine’s Day is sweet. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rita, I love your "go to" style! I've been gravitating toward purple the last few years and love all the color names. I just can't remember them when I want to. I've never tried to do a rose napkin fold although I have admired them for a while. It was the perfect addition to your table. You always educate us so well on your table elements. I would love to visit the Blenko factory.
    I know you are proud of your Dad. It gives me chill bumps to think of all the bravery and sacrifice during war.
    Love the Valentine card you shared! It is a very tough day for those who are single and long for a mate.
    Great table and as always it is fun to blog hop with you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love this so much, my kitchen is in complete disarray and now you have me wanting to do a tablescape. Ha ha! I just might take a break from the cabinet painting DIY to dome something pretty and fun like this instead. I love that decanter and those heart bowls! How gorgeous. Tell Hubby Happy Birthday....

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rita, your tailored style that is always spot on. The grayish paisley tablecloth is a perfect foundation for your selections of purple and there are so many names for this lovely color. I remember you telling me that you weren’t a fan of the traditional Valentine’s Day colors. Purple is a fabulous alternative in memory of your dad and his Purple Heart. My dad has a Purple Heart from the Korean War and I am so proud of him and his service to our country. The rose napkin fold is a nod to the feminine side of your table, I need to learn how to make those. It is always a pleasure to blog hop with you and I am sending belated birthday wishes to Mr. P!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rita, your purple heart tablescape is perfect!! Love it and since purple or I guess amethyst is my birthstone, I really love it! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Pretty in purple, and so special because it reminds you of both your parents...I love the purple rose napkins, those look beautiful against the understated paisley cloth, and the other purple elements are stunning surrounded by white. Unique, elegant and beautiful!!
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
  7. Rita, I was delighted to see your rose napkins --- I used the same fold but in pink! Always enjoy your background stories on your tablescapes. Especially love purple's connection to your parents. Enjoyed seeing all your tableware elements too --- can't believe you are still accumulating after all that downsizing LOL! How great(and tempting) to have those sites nearby. I have some vintage purple glasses I found at Goodwill that are taking up storage space and don't go with anything. If we ever connect in person, you are welcome to them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rita, I love your rose napkin display and your purple heart table makes a lovely statement with its significant nod to your father. Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love this table soooo much. Purple is my favorite color and your table is so beautiful. The greeting card made me giggle too. A lovely way to share family memories.Pinned, Happy Valentines Day and it's a pleasure to hop with you. xox

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOL love that card. Your tablescape is gorgeous as always. The tablecloth, the chargers and of course all the purple pieces. Love that you know all the history of all the pieces you collect. Terry purposed to me on Valentine's Day too. We usually do not celebrate Valentine's Day but this year I found an adventure for Terry and I and the girls and their significant others to enjoy. Otherwise I do not get trapped into the whole one day romantic stuff! Have a great new week.
    Hugs,
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow, I came from Carol's red and white table your beautiful purple and white table! Your table just wows me! It is so elegant and makes such a statement! I LOVE your purple rose napkins and what an adventure you went on to get the perfect dishes for your tablescape! Thank you again for joining in another hop!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a special card you shared Rita. Love your pretty in purple table. Purple is my husband’s favorite color.
    I love how you tied in the purple theme with your father’s Purple Heart 💜 and your mother’s love of purple.
    The paisley tablecloth is the perfect backdrop for your lovely table. I am enjoying the creative names for the color purple. Having the Blenko factory so close must be so tempting. The purple bowls are so cute. I am thrilled to see the rose napkin fold, so perfect for your table of love. Always a pleasure to join you on these fun blog hop.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh that tablecloth is divine and I love the purple accents you chose. Love Blenko glass. The closest I've come to it in quantity was at the Tamarack gallery in WV. I love that you tied in the purple with memories of your mother's love for purple and your Dad's Purple Heart. Great job of tying romance and memories together! Happy Valentines Day!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your table setting is beautiful! Did you make your Linzer cookie? They are a favorite of mine, and I made them for the first time this past Christmas. They were delish!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Nonni. Those Linzer cookies were bought at HomeGoods (only 6 in the pkg, but oh, so good!). I bet your homemade ones were fantastic! I would love to have your proven recipe!

      Delete
  15. Rita, this is charming, and with a nod to your dad and mom, makes it more so. Happy Birthday to Mr. P! Like you, gotta love the names! Bravo on your mulberry elderberry, eggplant valentine table! 😂😂😂It is all beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Rita, I love purple and this table setting with your move away from traditional reds and pinks for Valentine's Day. I also love that it's a nod to your mom and dad. From the tablecloth with its paisley print and light gray color to the deep color of the placemats. I love how the creamy white pops with all the deep color. A beautiful table created with memories. LOVE! Happy Valentine's Day dear Rita........

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good Morning Rita,
    I have been waiting for this blog hop! It is always such a joy to see what you creative girls come up with and as I anticipated it is stunning! Your table certainly carries a Wow factor and I am loving the purple vibes. Very touching tribute to your parents as well.
    Happy Valentine's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Rita, you have collected some wonderful purple pieces and it is so interesting to find where they came from. You have created a fabulous table, one I think any man would feel honored to sit at- unlike mine- very girly!! I love Valentine's day and not because of the commercial aspects of it- we don't get each other gifts - but just because it gives us another excuse to tell people how much we love them!!! Speaking of which, I love our tablescaping group!!❤

    ReplyDelete
  19. Rita, I am so drawn to your beautiful "royal" purple tablescape. It is always a pleasure to hear how you came to associate the color purple with your parents. It is such a majestic color, very vibrant and rich. You captured those elements beautifully in the combination of gray paisley tablecloth and your HLC Fiesta purple shaped pieces. A color combination that is so elegant together. I can see it being masculine and feminine, modern/contemporary or simply stunning colors that work so well together. You are so lucky to live near the two companies. I would visit way too often. I am so glad you choose colors which are beyond the traditional red and pink. Your tablescape radiates with love and romance. It is always a pleasure to blog hop with you. Happy Valentine's Day.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Rita! I just love everything about this tablescape. It is gorgeous. How sweet that this honors your folks....that is endearing. I love purple, pinks and cremes. You'd love my 2 purple velvet chairs! My family was shocked when I came home with them.....PURPLE, they said!!! Happy Valentine's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is lovely Rita and now I will be on the look-out for purple dinnerware and decor. It is a great alternative to the traditional pink and red hues that I typically use. The mix of masculine and feminine are a great combination and I love the silver crystal bowl and the candlesticks flanking it. Thanks for sharing this pretty table!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ha - that card is great! And your tablescape is so beautiful! I love all the shapes and your gorgeous plate layering!
    Shelley

    ReplyDelete
  23. Rita, you table is SO pretty! Love the cut-out 'scrolly' plates with the purple! Hope we get to see this at TTA this week!

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is such a beautiful table, Rita. That deep purple is so different and really striking. I love that you are close to Homer Laughlin and Blenko. I have vintage Fiesta but oh, those bowls!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Such a beautiful table, Rita (as always!). Your work never fals to inspire me :) Your rose-folded napkins add just the perfect touch--I need to learn how to do that. Happy Valentine's Day friend--

    PS: My thoughts on the holiday--it's a bit frivolous but how can you go wrong celebrating LOVE??

    ReplyDelete
  26. How wonderful to live near the factory and shop at good prices for beautiful tableware! The decanter is gorgeous! My favorite thing on your beautiful purple Valentine's table is the crystal pieces in the center. Those candle holders are so very pretty and paired with the bowl make a perfect set.
    I love that you showcased purple for Valentine's. As a lover of paisley, your tablecloth is also one of my favorite things on this beautiful tablescape.
    My Valentine's Day thoughts are that it has never really been an occasion to go overboard on. We prefer to share that lovely experience on our anniversary but do simple less expensive or demanding fun on Valentine's Day.

    ReplyDelete
  27. gorgeous, and so unique with the purple heart theme. oh how wonderful to have those outlets nearby! rose napkins... so fun!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Rita, I think the purple is lovely. It’s such a rich color and very striking. How wonderful that you have great resources near you to gather such a beautiful collection. Great to be hopping with you again.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love all the purple accents Rita, and they look so gorgeous in your home. Thank you for sharing on Tuesday Turn About!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Happy Birthday to Mr. P. and HVD to you both. Purple has been my favorite color for years. And is now my daughter's; I have bought her most of her Fiestaware and will have to be on the lookout for the purple! I really studied your tablescape as seeing tablescapes was totally new to me before reading blogs. As a retired VA employee of 25 years, I especially enjoyed the Purple Heart connection!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy, thank you for the kind wishes. Love that you felt a connection to this tablescape.

      Delete
  31. Love your purple Valentines table, it's lovely and so different.
    and I am not offended by in in the least....we can all be offended
    by something....if we want to.....lol
    Thanks for sharing,
    Blessings,
    Nellie

    ReplyDelete
  32. Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Beth! Happy February and Happy Valentine's Day to you!

      Delete
  33. I love the purple, what a fresh idea! As far as Valentine's day, it is good for dinner out and some chocolate around here, not necessarily on the 14th. Some years, we've gone to a party with our car club friends.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Rita, the purple is a beautiful change for Valentines Day! Growing up as a teen, my bedroom was lavender and purple. :) I love the heart bowls! The entire table came together beautifully!! Thanks dear friend for visiting me!
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  35. My late beloved proposed to me on Valentine's Day waaaaay back in 1970, Rita! How sweet that your engagement is that day, too. I loved reading that your dad was a Purple Heart recipient and that your mom loved purple. The first thing that I noticed was the beautiful rose napkin. Your mix of new and vintage made such a pretty in purple table. I have a rainbow mix of Fiestaware, and I didn't even know that they made a heart bowl! Happy Valentine's Day to you and Mr. P, your sweets-loving guy!

    ReplyDelete
  36. That's just gorgeous, Rita, and I think my favorite tablescape you have ever done!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Rita, your purple Valentine's tablescape is just lovely! Those dinner plates are amazing (I think I've said that before), and all the purple accents are perfect. I'm very happy to be featuring you tomorrow at Tuesday Turn About!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks for sharing your lovely Valentine's Day table at Vintage Charm!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Rita,
    Your tablescape is just to beautiful for words. I love purple. My husband is from . My husband is from Wheeling, WV. Congratulations, you are being featured at Thursday Favorite Things.
    https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2020/02/thursday-favorite-things_13.html
    I hope you stop by.
    Hugs,
    Bev

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love your purple Valentines setting. All is very pretty. I too have some purple in chargers and stems, but no china or plates. Love the small purple heart bowls too.
    Happy Valentine's Day Rita !
    Fabby

    ReplyDelete
  41. Happy Valentines Rita! I adore the purple!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Spent 2 days making my 4 yr old an 6 yr old grands sign Valentine Cards. Teachers say it's good practice. Not fun for them. But I love any excuse to dress up, eat good food and chocolate (which goes on sale Feb 15th!) on lovely china. I forget how fun Pier One is. Thanks for all the tips and history.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How sweet! And event though it may not be fun for the grands now, chances are they will remember it fondly when they're adults. I'm all for sales on chocolates the day after!!♥

      Delete
  43. Oh, your purples are so deep and rich! What a fun and elegant table. It is hard to find purples.
    Yes, Valentine's Day is hard for those singles - that's why we have tried to have a fun thing for them that night. We had about 40 come over for wood fired pizzas - glad to brighten their day!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Oh I teared up at your "purple heart" ode to a special veteran. It's truly lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Mothers Day Gifts Online : Order the best mothers day gifts for mom online including personalised mothers day gifts from a daughter or son via Indiagift. Send Mother's Day Gift Now.
    https://www.indiagift.in/occasions-delivery-online/mothers-day

    ReplyDelete