Hello, readers, hello February! We are nearly halfway through winter, and that is worth celebrating. Add to that a Valentine's Day celebration, and I'd like seating for a Party of Two, Please.
My idea for this table evolved as I was planning it. I started with a plan to use my winter cardinal dinnerware and play off the tiny red cardinal perched in the birch tree design, but soon took a creative detour. The real inspiration came from a ceramic heart dish, which is actually a trinket dish.
The Quimper vase on the ledge in the background is filled with tulips and magnolia leaves, and its handpainted windswept image suggests winter is very much still present. I am using nice quality faux florals and greenery, something that can either stand alone or add volume to real arrangements.
My glass chargers are also fitting for a winter tablescape, symbolizing ice patches typical in winter. Similarly, the vintage sterling flatware and silvertone napkin rings also seemed fitting. The lighted tree in the background on the opposite side of the fireplace ledge mimics the tree motif on the plates, bare in winter.
Our restaurant comes with a pretty nice view, too!
(provided for information purposes only, no affiliate sponsorship)
Snow Leopard Throw, Glass Chargers, Silver Napkin Rings - Pier 1
Winter Cardinal Dinner Plates - Kohl's
Heart Dishes - MacKenzie-Childs' Taylor Ceramic Cabbage Rose
Placemats, Napkins - Crown Linen Designs
Vintage Prelude Sterling Flatware, Pink Glassware - Auction Finds
Vintage Quimper Vase - Antique Mall find
Faux florals - Afloral
Lighted tree - Celtic Serenity
If you enjoy tablescaping, the links below will take you directly to each of the blogs participating in this tablescaping event. Reading these posts is comparable to leafing through a wonderful special interest magazine, full of ideas! Be sure and visit each of the bloggers listed for a variety of Valentine-themed inspiration. A special thanks to Chloe for organizing us!
Panoply (you are here!)
Thank you so much for your visit today. I appreciate your readership, and invite you to return again and encourage you to leave a comment. Stay safe, and be well.
Rita C. at Panoply
(A special thanks to Rebecca at Zucchini Sisters' Celebrate Your Story #268 , to Michelle at Thistle Key Lane's Turn About Tuesday #86 , to Barbara at French Ethereal's Share your Style #292, and to Suzanne at Pieced Pastimes' Saturday Sparks #412 for featuring this post!)
Sharing: Pieced Pastimes, Love Your Creativity, BNOTP, All About Home Common Ground, All About Home Follow the Yellow Brick Home, A Stroll Thru Life, My Wee Abode, Thistle Key Lane, Bluesky at Home, Zucchini Sisters, French Ethereal SYS, Follow the Yellow Brick Home TFT, Katherine's Corner TFT, Grace at Home, My Thrift Store Addiction, Our Hopeful Home, Karin's Kottage Centerpiece Wednesday, My Hubbard Home FWF
Rita, You’re tablescape dialogue is as thoughtful as your curated placesettings. I adore your choices of cozy velvet placemats as a winter layer and crisp white linen napkins for winter air. Your Taylor ceramic heart dishes are wonderful for Valentine’s Day, placed on your cardinal plates. What a cozy spot and table in front of your fireplace. Our last dinner out was in August. I feel so badly for all the restaurants and small businesses that are struggling. It’s always a treat to join you at the table. Happy February ♥
ReplyDeleteRita, your view is fabulous! I love the tiny cardinal on the dinner plates, and of course, your MC hearts! Like you, I haven't been to a restaurant in over a year now, but setting a pretty table helps doesn't it? I think of you every time I see a report about how well West Virginia is handling the vaccine rollout. 😊 Are y'all getting hit by the crazy winter storms?
ReplyDeleteRita, such a lovely table for two. It beats any restaurant decor plus a lovely table in front of the fireplace. Love the velvet placemats and the napkins caught my eye. Love the mix of textures. The cardinal plates are a perfect addition to your table with those darling heart dishes. Always good to think outside of the box. The Quimper vase is a lovely addition. Fantastic views are an extra feature. A special table for you and your hubby to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't say it better than Mary about your dialogue. You have a way with words! I do love all your details. I like your intimate table for two and especially how you placed your napkins. Crown Linens placemats and your glass chargers look spectacular. I love your descriptions like cozy and crisp. I can feel the texture as I read your dialogue. I know your English teachers loved you. You could write for Victoria or any magazine.So, if you ever want a job your blog could be your writing resume.
ReplyDeleteYour table is both pretty, creative, and you used what you had in interesting and originative ways.
We haven't been to a restaurant either but order carry out more often now.
We got our first vaccine last week. So happy.
You always inspire sweet friend.
This is so cozy and romantic Rita! You have really created an atmosphere of elegance and warmth...I love the snow leopard throw and the soft velvet placemats, and of course the darling MKC trinket dishes for salad plates! My favorite part is the way you styled the napkins, snuggled together in the center. I love the bare tree lights by the fireplace too, what a wonderful winter decoration.💕
ReplyDeleteJenna
Rita, I agree with Mary about your thoughtful dialogue. The table placed in front of the fireplace is so romantic and the snow leopard throw is the perfect texture for your winter setting. The winter cardinal plates with that one pop of red is so stunning with the MC heart plates. Of course, I love the velvet placemats providing more texture, which I am all about. No restaurant would compare to your stunning setting and the gorgeous view! I hope you and Mr. P save some of the candy for the special day!
ReplyDeleteRita, Your winter tablescape is so cozy and inviting. You have a lovely table by the fireplace and with a gorgeous view. You couldn't get both at most restaurants especially on Valentine's day. Your plates are beautiful! The cardinals are a favorite and always reminds me of my sweet mother as she loved them so. The heart trinket plates are so colorful and the perfect size to offset so we can see the cardinal in the trees. The various textures used are perfect for February and the charger plates do indeed resemble ice. Happy Valentine's day to you and Mr. P. Clara❤️
ReplyDeleteRita, dinner by a fireplace is enchanting :)
ReplyDeleteI'm loving all the details like the velvet placemats with the ruffles your napkins plus the use of the throw is really warm and cozy.
Here's hoping we can all get out sooner, rather than later!
RR
Rita! Who would want to eat at a restaurant when one could have your "party of two" in front of your beautiful fireplace. The cardinal immediately drew my attention as I love them so much and what they represent. I can't help but smile. Your table setting is so inspiring, I will be looking for velvet placemats in various colors. Your perfect view from atop your new abode is spectacular and I can see you and Mr. P. enjoying all the sights as you celebrate the Valentine Evening.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings dear friend.
Kari
I agree with Kari, your home setting is as romantic and cozy as any restaurant. Those little heart dishes are to-die-for! And how cute they are paired with the cardinal plates. You know, I've really missed the boat on incorporating gray into tablescapes. It's a wonderful neutral shade and looks lovely on yours. Have a wonderful holiday with Mr. P.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful table, Rita. And I am soo jealous of that gorgeous Quimper vase. Love the setting in front of the fireplace! Who needs a restaurant when you have the perfect setting at home. Have a wonderful week, dear Rita!
ReplyDeleteEveryone has already said it! We do eat out occasionally --and extended plexiglass dividers, disposable salt and pepper packets, rubber gloves, disinfecting spray bottles in plain sight, and multiple large screen TVs with sports on add NOTHING to the ambience of a meal. Your room setting and table setting are just fantastic!
ReplyDeleteRita,
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely table for two with such thoughtful attention to detail. I am really enjoying your neutral details and of course velvet and ruffles always are a joy in my opinion.
Wishing you and your husband a lovely Valentine's Day Celebration!
Jemma
Rita, the gray and silver are *perfect* with the plates. Very pretty!
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous table Rita! We have not been out to dinner either but what a great way to create a special night at home!
ReplyDeleteRita! If you told me your last photo was a cozy exclusive restaurant, I would believe you and want to make reservations! What a lovely setting! And your cardinal plates are beautiful! I feel just like I've bundled up, taken a walk in the crisp air, and returned to have a lovely dinner for two by the fire! Thanks for the mini get-away! So nice hopping with you!
ReplyDeleteYour table is much nicer than ANY restaurant could offer for Valentine's Day. You just can't beat those placemats and napkins from Crown Linen Designs. I have several of the napkins but have yet to add the velvet placemats. Gorgeous! Bravo on this beautiful setting Rita. Wishing you and your hubby a lovely Valentine's Day celebration.
ReplyDeleteRita, I love the "Party of Two" table you created for Valentine's Day. How lovely, such wintery detail in the Quimper vase (OMGoodness, love!) and your white plates. It couldn't be more perfect for this cold weather Valentine's celebration we are all having. The ruffled placemats are so romantic and of course that view! I have also been setting a table for two since last March and doing will be doing the same for our Valentine's dinner. Enjoy your special evening.
ReplyDeleteStunning table my friend! I love how you repurposed the trinket dishes, It sent it over the top! I am still also in awe of your fireplace. We finally hung a TV on the wall in the LR and now I am hoping to be able to able a modern one underneath it.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you!
Lovely, your idea to set the heart to one side to show the cardinal was brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThose ceramic heart dishes are darling! Such a beautiful table and a beautiful view! Looks like the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two. Glad to hear you are being cautious about going out. It seems like too many people are getting relaxed about it and it's making this pandemic drag on forever! Stay well!
ReplyDeleteShelley
I love how you tell a thoughtful story about all the items that you use for your table settings, Rita. Your table for two brought back sweet memories of me setting a table up in front of our fireplace one Valentine’s Day for my late hubby and I. Thank you for bringing back those lovely times. Enjoy your special table for two. ❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tablescape for two and a gorgeous view. I hate to say it, but we won’t be doing anything special for Valentines Day. Love your fresh tulips!
ReplyDeleteYour little table for two does have a beautiful view. Looks like my little table for two but I am looking at a snowscape lol! Love those sweet dishes with the red cardinal. Have a great day today. xoxo
ReplyDeleteYour table is charming! I love all the pretty touches but especially those sweet heart bowls (and the tulips! I must find some tulips!) No restaurant for me since mid-March. And mostly, I don't miss it. But more the experience of it.
ReplyDeleteYour tablescape is so beautiful! As usual every detail was "thoughtfully placed." The view is spectacular and one that would be expected to be found at a "5-star" restaurant. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteStaying home for Valentines day is what you have always opted for each year. We enjoy a nice dinner home in front of the fire.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy using pieces for different uses too. The heart dishes are a great example.
Cindy
Sweet Rita, what a beautiful and romantic table you have set! We haven't eaten out since early March either. I can't wait to have someone wait on me-lol. I feel like I have a permanent perch in the kitchen. Your plate stack is so pretty with those precious heart plates. I also love the ruffled placemats. Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteRita, your table is just lovely and so cozy and romantic by the fire. Your choice of linens are so pretty and perfect for your table. We have not eaten out since last March either and continue to stay close to home. Rita, I have said to you many times that, "You should write books." Obviously, I am not alone in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and Mr. P a lovely Valentine's Day. Stay well, my friend. ❤
Rita, what a delightful table for two! I especially like a setting by the fire, and each special detail adds wonderful layers. Your tablescapes are always beautiful and full of exquisite details.
ReplyDeleteI'm playing with ideas for our Valentine's table for two, and it currently includes the MC Cabbage Rose heart plates as well. I don't have the silver/pewter velvet placemats, but they are on my wish list. I'm playing with ideas, so one setting uses the dusty rose ruffled mat and the other the black and white ruffled mat. I think the dusty rose is going to win!!! Stay tuned! 😂😂😂
I need to buy flowers, and hoping for tulips!!! Happy Valentine's Day to you and Mr. P!
Rita, your table for two for Valentine's Day is so much more cozier and intimate than any restaurant could be. With all of the thought and love put into it, it definitely speaks so much more and exemplifies all of the care and passion you have. I adore your little trinket heart shaped salad plates. Their whimsy and ruffles match so well with all of the other ruffles throughout the table such as the placemats and edge of your timeless napkins. Placed on top of your soft snow leopard throw, it takes me to the next level of warmth. With your beautiful view and the stunning location of your table for two in front of your warm and inviting fireplace, it is hard to say that it is a cold winter outside. You really warmed up the surroundings and my heart with this elegant setting for two.
ReplyDeleteOh Rita, the first thing I have noticed in your post is that the scaffolding is down from the capitol dome! YAY! Now, a little closer to home, your table is lovely, it certainly reflects both the starkness of the winter and the nod to the feeling of love for Valentine's Day. I imagine the two of you will have a delightful dinner sitting at this warm and welcoming table. Thanks for continuing to join in our tablescape hops!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree... that IS an amazing view! What city are you in? It's amazing, Rita! And I love those placemats and little heart bowls! Have a lovely Valentine celebration!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Mary about your tablescape dialogue. You have a way of pulling your readers into the scene and it feels great. Each time I see a cardinal I assume that the lovely red bird is carrying a message for me from my mom. The warm and cozy ambiance from this beautifully curated table is a welcome distraction from the chilly temps and blowing snow. Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteRita, your party for two in front of your fireplace looks like a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one. Your heart dishes are beautiful. I miss eating out once in a while, but your view is better than most restaurants I have been to!!! I hope you have a nice Valentine’s Day ❤️
ReplyDeleteRita...this looks so cozy! Perfect way to celebrate. We, too, have not been in a restaurant since March 2020 - my dear husband had just come out of the hospital after a heart attack and we had to cancel my birthday trip to NYC. We went out for lunch to a nearby favorite spot and little did we realize that would be it for the year...and into this year, too! We will be doing the same - romantic dinner for two, at home...wishing better days ahead for all of us!
ReplyDeleteRita, what could be more cozy and romantic than a table for two in front of the fireplace? I'm loving the texture in your snow leopard throw and the velvet placemats. The crisp white napkins with the shiny silver napkin rings look great nestled together in the middle of the table. And I'm crazy about those cardinal plates! I love how you added the heart trinket dish as a subtle nod to Valentine's Day. We haven't dined indoors since March, either. I really miss going out for date nights with my husband. I look forward to the days when we can have a sitter again! Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, my friend!
ReplyDeleteRita, your restaurant always has the most beautiful view no matter the season. The combination of the cardinal plates and the pretty heart-shaoed bowls is inspired. A fabulous thought to purpose those bowls for a side salad. A lovely tablescape, perfect for a romantic Valentine's dinner for two. And, of course the fire makes it even more so.
ReplyDeleteI love every detail of your romantic table Rita! I would much rather celebrate in this cozy space with its gorgeous view than eat out. I'm so excited to share your post this week at the Tuesday Turn About Link Party! Hope to see you there!
ReplyDeleteYou are so wise Rita. Mr. Decor and I will be dining at home as well. I LOVE the napkins and sweet heart dishes. Happy Valentines Day!
ReplyDeletePretty
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWhat a cozy setting for two, so thoughtfully designed! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteRita, every time I click back to this post, my need for those velvet placemats grows stronger.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Valentine table for two on Friday with Friends.
RR
Hi Rita: Just found your blog from the "Poofing the Pillows" FB page. I saw the images from your window and thought "that looks like Charleston" and lo and behold I was right! I grew up in Parkersburg. Now live in NC. Love your Valentine tablescape! You have a beautiful loft.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteRita, your table setting for two is so beautiful, romantic and perfect in every way! Your taste and decorating style is exquisite and I just keep going back to get another glimpse of everything. Hope your Valentine’s Day was extra special.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a great view for dining! I love your table for two. I've never seen a Quimper vase and I am fascinated by it.
ReplyDelete