Valentine's Day: Birds of a Feather

Hello, welcome to my blog, Panoply! Today I want to share a tablescape idea for Valentine's Day: Birds of a Feather. It doesn't have to pertain to just couples; in fact, it can be a great Galentine's Day celebration. 

I'm also hosting a group of other blogging table enthusiasts who are sharing their ideas for a Valentine's Day table. After all, as the adage goes, "birds of a feather flock together"! Their links are further in this post, so be sure to see them all.

In wintertime, cardinals gather in loose flocks to feed together. The Northern Cardinal (cardinalis cardinalis) male sports that bright red plumage, while the female cardinal is more brown with warm red accents. My table decor dons the beautiful red of the male cardinal most universally recognized, but my interpretation leans toward that loose flock idea of friends sharing a meal.

Folks, we have been buried under snow and ice since January 6th, and that fact was not lost on me as I was visualizing and creating this tablescape. From the icy appearance of the chargers used, to the snowy texture of the runner down the table's center, it was analogous to the reality of what we are experiencing outdoors.

At nighttime, the outdoors takes on a glow as snow reflects from the roads and landscape beneath the streetlights. In the dining room, I mimicked that outdoor glow with the candlelight on the table and the fireplace nearby.

The song of the cardinal is known as one of "cheer, cheer, cheer". I wanted that feeling in the midst of the wintry scene, and so I added two arrangements of flowers on the table. There is no better time to add flowers in your home than in the dead of winter, in my opinion.

When I first pulled all my elements for the table, it was primarily a white tabletop. Not only did my first photos appear whitewashed, the entire room felt a little cold, too much a reminder of the outdoors. I added the red cashmere throw on the table for added warmth and color saturation.

A cardinal sighting which captures your attention, according to Native American interpretation, symbolizes harmonious, monogamous relationships, or the potential for one in the near future if single. 

In Christianity, the cardinal represents the fire and vitality of the living spirit, the blood of Christ and the hope of resurrection for humanity through His death.

Cardinal symbolism suggests its sighting signifies a visit from a loved one who has already passed, a sort of messenger left for personal interpretation or meaning.

Setting a pretty table speaks volumes. Don't wait to use all your pretty things. You never know how short your time or the time of others will be. Pull out all the stops - the china, the crystal, the flowers. Make someone feel special, whether it's one or more. What you do for others will be remembered. As for me, I'll be celebrating my valentine on the day this post is published (January 28th). Today's his birthday. ❤️

Birds of a Feather Tablescape Source List

White base tablecloth - HomeGoods

Red cashmere throw - Frontgate

White plush runner, votive candles - Amazon

Mercury glass votive candle holders (one used as vase) - Ballard Designs

Napkins - Arte Italica

Glass chargers - Pier 1

Dinner plates - Dollar Tree

Salad plates, napkin rings (Cardinal Toile) - Mackenzie-Childs

Prelude sterling flatware, silver Greenbrier mint julep as vase - auctions

Crystal water goblets (Gorham King Edward), ruby red goblets (JG Durand Luminarc), blown glass hearts - estate finds

Cardinal snow globe - Lynch Creek Farms

Fun facts about the Northern Cardinals:

• The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven different states, WV, VA, OH, NC, IN, IL and KY. 
• Cardinals mate for life, until the death of their partner.
• Cardinals do not migrate, and tend to nest in tangled vines and shrubs.
• Cardinals are aggressive defenders of their nests, and are often seen attacking their own image in windows and mirrors, particularly during breeding season.
• Cardinals are ground foragers, common to backyards, wooded lots and parks

I hope you enjoy all the additional inspiration from all the table enthusiasts participating in today's Valentine's Day Tablescape blog hop. The links below will take you directly to their posts.

❣️Panoply - Valentine's Day: Birds of a Feather

❣️Home is Where the Boat Is - Galentine's Tea Party

❣️Everyday Living - My Love, My Valentine

❣️Celebrating Everyday Life - How to Style a Romantic French-Inspired Table for Two

❣️Hyacinths for the Soul - Whispers of the Heart

❣️Pandora's Box - A Valentine Tea for Two

❣️Me and My Captain - Cupid's Arrow 2025

❣️Life and Linda - Ooh la la! A Parisian Tablescape

❣️The Bookish Dilettante - Conversation Hearts for Valentine's Day

❣️My Thrift Store Addiction - Vintage Style Galentine's Gathering

❣️The Cat's Whiskerz - A Copper Inspired Valentine's Day Tablescape

❣️The Little Yellow Corner Store - Valentine's Day and a Snowman's Smile

❣️Corner of Plaid and Paisley - For All the Roses in My Life

❣️The Painted Apron - Love Talk 

❣️Dinner at Eight - Artistry and Romance -- A Valentine's Table

❣️Thrifting Wonderland - Creating a Romantic Thrifted Valentine's Tablescape

❣️Belle Bleu Interiors - A Celebration of Love

❣️Mantel and Table - A Valentine's Day Tablescape in Beautiful Blush and Peach

I so appreciate your visit today. Feel free to leave a comment. To be sure I know who you are, leave your name if your comment appears as Anonymous. 

Rita C. at Panoply

Parties I Share With: Pieced Pastimes, Love Your Creativity, BNOTP, My Wee Abode, French Ethereal SYS,  Eclectic Red Barn TFT, My Thrift Store Addiction, Our Hopeful Home, Karins Kottage, County Road 407 Farmhouse Friday