Hello, readers, and welcome to Panoply! Today I have a Valentine's Day tablescape to share with you. I am one who tries to be sensitive to those who do not celebrate this occasion, but this year I have special reason to share my personal enthusiasm for the day. Please join me at the table, as I explain a Valentine Tablescape for 'Just You and Me'.
In addition to my own table, I am also happy to present a group of table enthusiasts who are joining me today, celebrating various interpretations for a Valentine's Day tablescape. Be sure to see the entire list of stylists' links participating further in this post of mine.
Honestly, I really never considered Valentine's Day to be more special than any other day, but this year is unique. It marks the 20th anniversary of Mr. P. proposing marriage to me, and we will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary next month. That's not the only reason why this year is unique and special.
While ours is Mr. P's first marriage, I was married previously in another life, for exactly twenty years. My divorce was finalized on what would have been that marriage's 20th anniversary.
Mr. P. and I wanted to not only make our marriage commitment our 'forever' together, we were both very much looking forward to this milestone of surpassing my former marriage of twenty years. Now, here we are in 2023!
I will never forget how sick I was with a bad head cold the morning Mr. P. came to my house to propose with a bouquet of roses. It was a classic "in sickness and in health" moment. I still have the rose petals from that bouquet {sigh}. We had dated for over five years prior, and we wasted no time arranging a civil ceremony just three weeks later.
So this year, I'll break out the candlelight, decorate the jeweled tree with glass heart ornaments, use the heart dishes, make a nice dinner, and we'll eat dessert. I may even pull out the cards we've so consistently written to each other on this occasion for us to reminisce (just like Pam and Butch did). Yes, this Valentine's Day is a special day, marking our milestone, 'Just You and Me'. For now till eternity.💗 Oh, and guess what the traditional gift is for the 20th anniversary? It's china!!
I encourage you to visit the list of stylists below for their take on a Valentine's Day tablescape. The links will take you directly to each blogger's post. It's like having a specialty magazine at the ready. Enjoy!
💗Panoply - Valentine Tablescape for 'Just You and Me'
💗Home is Where the Boat Is - Love Birds' Bed & Breakfast
💗Life and Linda - Sealed With a Kiss Tablescape
💗The Bookish Dilettante - Valentine's Day Tablescape Blog Hop: Paris Is Always a Good Idea
💗Everyday Living - Colors of Love
💗thecatswhiskerz - A Frosty Galentine's Day Tablescape
💗Pandora's Box - A Galentine's Table
💗Living With Thanksgiving - Let Me Call You Sweetheart
💗The Little Yellow Corner Store - A Glamorous Winter Snowman for Valentine's Day
💗Karins Kottage - Pink and Red Valentine's Table for Kids
💗The Painted Apron - Hearts and Flowers
💗My Thrift Store Addiction - Cupid's Valentine Dessert Buffet
💗Celebrate and Decorate - A Romantic Valentine's Tablescape for Two
💗Belle Bleu Interiors - A Day for Love
💗Dinner at Eight - Valentine's Day - A Table Set for Tea
💗Red Cottage Chronicles - Fire and Ice Valentine's Tablescape
💗Hyacinths for the Soul - Where You Go, My Heart Follows
💗Thrifting Wonderland - Start With Flowers Tablescape
💗Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Sweet Valentine Tablescape
Consistent with my style, I provide a source list (no affiliations) for each of my tablescapes. It's especially relevant to this tablescape, as I did not comment on any particulars throughout. As a vintage and antique wares dealer, my typical fashion in tablescaping is mixing a blend of found items with newer, more readily available ones. For your own unique styling, try shopping your local antique malls, thrift stores, or flea markets for unique additions to your table designs.
Source List for 'Just You and Me'
Toile poinsettia with red velvet trim tablecloth - Target (estate sale find, new in package)
Placemats - Crown Linen Designs
Heart plates, heart napkin rings - Home Goods
Jeweled tree, mercury votive (1 of set of 5) - Ballard Designs
Glass heart ornaments, pink glassware, Nobility plate flatware, napkins, Windsor salad plates - vintage finds (estate sales, auction)
I appreciate all of you who stop by my blog, read, and leave your comments. I encourage you to do that. It's part of what I love about blogging, engaging with and getting to know each of you better through our correspondence. If your comment turns up as anonymous, please let me who you are! I try to respond personally to each of you. Thank you for visiting today!
Rita C. at Panoply
A special note of thanks to Suzanne from Pieced Pastimes' Saturday Sparks Link Party #550, Linda from Life and Linda's Love Your Creativity Link Party #186 and Bev from Eclectic Red Barn's TFT Party for featuring this post.
Parties I Share With: 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, My Family Thyme, French Ethereal SYS, Eclectic Red Barn TFT, Southern Sunflowers Home Matters, Grace at Home, My Thrift Store Addiction, Our Hopeful Home, Karin's Kottage, County Road 407 Farmhouse Friday
What a beautiful love story! Here's to the next 20! I love the heart-shaped plates and the bejeweled tree with the heart ornaments. We don't usually celebrate Valentine's Day, but you have a good reason to! Enjoy! And, best wishes. Fonda
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you both, that's wonderful! Loving the table as usual Now you have gotten me curious, have you got your eye on any particular china? I cannot wait to see what you pick out!
ReplyDeleteHappy almost anniversary Rita! Congratulations on your milestone with Mr. P…a joyful cause for celebration! Such a pretty gold tree with sparkling crystal hearts! (I don’t remember seeing it before, but sure I have.) What a great find your toile poinsettia tablecloth was….such a pretty foundation for your ‘you and me’ table. I love your palette of pastel pink paired with black and white. . .a perfect combination of feminine and masculine. The CLD placemats are some of my favorites and I love your Ridgway Staffordshire black plates are framed by the pink heart plates. As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Thank you so much for all your organizing efforts. I so appreciate you! ♥
ReplyDeleteHappy (almost) Anniversary, Rita and Mr. P! I love your story--and totally understand the significance of surpassing "the other life". Congratulations on that--and only my best wishes as you move into your next 20 years together. True love is on my mind a lot lately as I'm in Texas with my parents witnessing their 63 years-in-March marriage and how beautifully Daddy is taking care of Mom who has Alzheimer's. I know it's taxing on him much of the time, but he says, "Susan, I love you mother, and it's a privilege to take care of her." 🥰 To know my own Renaissance Man is back in Tennessee "holding down the fort" and loving me from afar while I'm staying nights with Mom at the rehab hospital following a recent fall is beautiful, too. Rita, we are fortunate women indeed!
ReplyDeleteYour pink and black tablescape is a fun mix of color and pattern. Perhaps next year when I do my Valentine's Day tablescapes for rent, I'll offer one in this colorway. If you ever find yourself with an extra few minutes, check out my offerings from this year at playinginthedishes.com I've had fun playing!
I am so glad you shared about your marriage proposal and why this Valentine's Day is special! Your 'You and Me table' is so pretty. I love the pink and black accents.The toile tablecloth caught my eye immediately. The heart plate is perfect and the jeweled tree decorated with heart ornaments is so lovely. You have used texture and color beautifully in this intimate Valentine table. Wishing you a Happy Anniversary and thank you for all you do to make these hops fun and successful!
ReplyDeleteHappy 20th Anniversary! Your tablescape is so lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love your love story Rita....you know me...the eternal romantic and I had to sigh loudly as I could see you with puffy eyes and sniffles at your proposal from Mr.P. I, too keep all my cards and call the box of memory cards my "Heart Aches" cuz my heart aches as I read and re-read them over the years. Your table is lovely. Hugs my friend
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet, special love story! I really like your large heart shape dinner dishes. Such a romantic tale to celebrate your 20 years! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness Rita, what a sweet story! I knew you had been married before, but not about how you and Mr. P got married, sounds like a Hallmark movie to me! My first child was born on Valentine's Day so it holds a very special place in my heart. You've captured Valentine's Day by using your signature vintage style with the heart shaped plates and lovely toile tablecloth. I love the black and white with the soft pink, and the jeweled tree is beautiful! Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary and thank you for sharing your wonderful story 💕
ReplyDeleteJenna
Rita, I so enjoyed reading your unique love story and I am absolutely smitten with your lovely color palette and that gorgeous tree with the crystal hearts--pinned!
ReplyDeleteRita, Your personal life story is so touching. Your and Mr. P's upcoming 20th anniversary is indeed special. Congratulations! Your Valentine's Day table is so pretty. I love the tablecloth. That little tree is the cutest! It's beautifully decorated with the delicate glass hearts. The heart plates help set the mood as well. Thanks for arranging the blog hop. Happy Tuesday! Clara❤️
ReplyDeleteHi Rita. Such a cute and memorable love story for your proposal day. I love the black and white and red colors and those heart plates are adorable. Have a great day today.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet and tender post! In “sickness and in health” I’m so happy for you and Mr. P. Congratulations on your anniversary! 🥰 Beautigul tablescape as always my friend! Thank you for hosting these fun hops!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Karin
Happy anniversary Rita and Mr. P. Such a romantic love story. Your toile tablecloth is lovely. Love the heart shaped plates with the CLD placemats. The little tree is dazzling with your delicate crystal heart ornaments. The table for two is full of love ❤️ Cheers to more love filled anniversaries.
ReplyDeleteRita, your love story has me in tears. Yes, "forever together" cherishing each moment of every day together. Of course you still have the rose petals! And how perfect that "china" is the gift for 20! Your black and white with the pink is a perfect look. It reads romantic in every detail. Thanks again and again for organizing and hosting these tablescape blog hops,for including me, and for your efficient and direct leadership. You are the best! Happy Valentine's Day to you and that forever guy of yours. Celebrate each other every day!
ReplyDeleteChecks and floral! Best combo since PB&J!! And speaking of great duos, I loved your beautiful love story, Rita. I wish you two many happy, healthy, years together!
ReplyDeleteRita, I am in tears over your beautiful love story that you two share. Happy, happy anniversary and wishing you many more years as you continue to write your love story. The table is gorgeous, and I adore the tablecloth. It caught my attention immediately and the combo of toile and checks is ever so lovely. The tree adds the perfect touch. Thank you for the shout-out! I know that you will shower Mr. P with lots of sweets for the anniversary ♥️♥️ As always, thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteRita, that is such a sweet love story of you and Mr. P. and what a gorgeous table you have set to mark your "Just you and me" milestone! And how romantic that you still have the rose petals. What a great find that toile tablecloth was and the black and white placements look so great with the softer pinks. The jeweled tree with the glass hearts is so special for your day. I love your style of mixing new with vintage - it always looks so fresh! Thank you for your blog organizing efforts and wishing you and Mr. P. many more beautiful years together!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your love story with us. Happily ever after endings are so rare today--and contrary to popular opinion, they require a lot of attention and work! Your tablescape was beautiful! Happy anniversary--and many more!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Kathy, that happily ever after endings require attention and work. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your well wishes on our anniversary.
DeleteAww! I love your love story! Congratulations on reaching a big milestone! Your table is absolutely darling. It really speaks to the romantic cottage vibe that I love so much. The mix of florals and checks is perfection! That tablecloth is quite a find and is the perfect backdrop for such a beautiful Valentine's table! Happy Anniversary :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you and Mr. Panoply, Rita! This is the sweetest post *ever*
ReplyDeleteOf course I love the pink, especially the heart-shaped plates. I also love the touches of black: The black and white checked round placemats are precious. The tablecloth is such a great find: You can use it for so many holidays and events! The tree is so sparkly and festive.
Lucky you that the traditional gift for a twentieth anniversary is china! Will you be requesting something fabulous from Mr., Panoply?
Thank-you so much for hosting!
xo,
Ricki Jill
What a cute story Rita, and a hearty congratulations to you and Mr. P on 20 years! FYI, this is Carol from The Red Painted Cottage, but I'm having issues signing in. It will only let me do it anonymous.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 20 yrs. and more. Nice table setting. I love your gold tree with white ornamanets. So elegant.
ReplyDeleteThelma, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your warm comments! ♥
DeleteSo Rita, would you say he is a keeper ? Congratulations.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am with George Washington and "It's better to be alone than in bad company"
Lol, I've not heard that quote from GW. I like it. Mine is most definitely a keeper, thank you!
DeleteOh Rita, what a sweet story for you and Mr. P. to reminisce on this very special occasion. You have set such a beautiful and romantic table using the lovely tablecloth, love the darker color and light color in the china hearts. And, a perfect way to celebrate twenty years, china! Thank you for sharing your sweet love story. I think I will pull out all of our Valentine's cards to enjoy over my table for two for Valentine's Day. Hugs dear Rita and Happy Anniversary to you and Mr. P.
ReplyDeleteOh I forgot to tell you how much I adore your jeweled tree with the glass hearts. Just GORGEOUS!!!! Another perfect touch for your special celebrations..........
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved this post Rita and not because of that gorgeous table... although it truly is beautiful! I love your story and I believe we've talked before about the second time being the charm! We will be celebrating our 20th this year too and we surpassed my previous one by 3 years. It's so satisfying knowing we got it right the second time around. Happy anniversary to you both and thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you and Mr. P! What a beautiful love story!! Your table is set perfectly for the occasion. I love the mix of toile and the checks, I especially love the pastel pink heart plates. I hope you both have a wonderful celebration of love!!❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteRita, what a wonderful story. Happy Anniversary! Your table is so intimate and charming. It has a great deal of nostalgia to the design. It goes so beautifully with your story of love. The gorgeous tree as a centerpiece is so delicate and flatters the lovely heart shaped plates and contrasts sweetly with the black and white checkered placemats and floral plates. It looks so cozy and inviting and spells out "special". So happy you are celebrating many years and I hope there will be many, many more.
ReplyDeleteWhat a romantic love story....it gave me chills. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Your table is beautiful too but the love story took front and center with me.....I need to go back now and look at the pictures! God's Blessings!
ReplyDeleteRita, What a wonderful love story! I am so happy for you both! Congratulations on your 20 years together and I toast you on 20 or more very happy years together! I understand why you want to set a table for just the two of you! I hope you treasure many dinners for just the two of you night after night, year after year! Thank you so much for continuing to host this lovely gathering of table stylists!
ReplyDeleteAwww what a beautiful story of you and Mr. P! I loved reading about all the memories and your table is so romantic, too. My late beloved and I were engaged on Valentine’s Day, 1970 ❤️
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful love story! Congratulations on the 20 years and best wishes for many more! Cute romantic table. 🌹🌹🌹
ReplyDeleteoh, I always love hearing the personal stuff!!! Happy anniversary, Rita. I adore a good love story... and a pretty table to celebrate!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary, Rita. Such a lovely memory for the Valentine's season. It's a wonderful feeling to know that you are loved in sickness and in health and all other situations as well. The beautiful setting for two will be perfect for your celebration. Love the tablecloth and jeweled tree. Hope you have at least 20 more to celebrate together.
ReplyDeleteLynne
Well, first of all, congratulations! That's a wonderful reason to do a romantic tablescape and a very special one. I loved hearing about your proposal, too. And topping that previous mark? Well done! I have to say, that table is a beauty -- all the details are perfect. I especially love your jeweled tree with the heart ornaments but every piece is so carefully chosen and simply beautiful. Three cheers, Rita, and much joy and celebration to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story Rita. Well not the sick party but the rest of it! Your table looks lovely, romantic and festive all at the same time. I'm infatuated with the table cloth and plates! I'd love to one day find some like that. Happy V-Day!
ReplyDeleteRita, what a romantic and pretty table setting to celebrate your momentous anniversary and the holiday. I also appreciated and enjoyed your story telling and sharing your personal history. Wishing you and Mr. P the very happiest of celebrations!
ReplyDeleteRita, I so enjoyed your post today and all of the history behind it. True love is hard to find and I'm so glad you found yours' in Mr. P. Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteRita, I have tears in my eyes reading about your history. I just discovered a letter written to me from my husband, Ron from our 2018 anniversary that I saved! I'm happy that you are celebrating another year with your hubby, and sharing with us the table that will celebrate your anniversary!
ReplyDeleteRita, what a beautiful table you have set to celebrate your special day! Congratulations on 20 years of marriage! I enjoyed reading about your proposal. I adore pink, and I am swooning over your table. Those heart plates paired with the CLD placemats are such a striking combination. The toile tablecloth makes such a pretty underpinning. The Valentine's tree with the gorgeous sparkle makes the perfect finishing touch. I hope that Mr. P and you have Happy Valentine's Day! Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors
ReplyDeleteRita, I just adore your story and your special table for two. How romantic. I am happy to feature your Valentine table for two at Love Your Creativity.
ReplyDeleteI love how your table mirrors your love story -- the soft pinks of romance and the decisively bold black and white touches. Your table is lovely and I'm especially drawn to the pink glassware. Congratulations and may you enjoy 20 more years!
ReplyDeleteThank you for organizing this wonderful blog hop!
Rita, when your blog post opened on my screen, my eyes immediately went to your beautiful toile tablecloth and upon reading it is to celebrate your special day! I enjoyed reading about your proposal :-) The Valentine's tree with the gorgeous sparkle is a lovely touch. I hope that you and Will have a Happy Valentine's day and congratulations on celebrating your 20th wedding anniversary shortly thereafter. We will be celebrating 24 years of marriage on February 14th.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversay! Love the lack transfeware saucers in your intimate table setting!
ReplyDeleteRita,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tablesetting. So special.
Congratulations, you are being featured on TFT. I hope you stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2023/02/sewing-and-thursday-favorite-things.html
Hugs,
Bev
Your Valentine’s Day setting is absolutely stunning Rita! You have such an eye and talent for putting the perfect combinations together. Thank you for sharing your beautiful and moving story and congratulations on this special anniversary!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely story, Rita! Congratulations on your 20th Anniversary! The table is a beautiful and romantic place to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteNice post thank you Darnell
ReplyDelete