Valentine's Day 2026: Forget Me Not Tablescape

Welcome to my blog, Panoply! I'm so happy you've stopped by. Today I am sharing a winter tablescape with you, this one being set for a Valentine's Day celebration. I have simply titled it "Forget Me Not". 

Today is the first of a series of tablescape blog hops I am hosting with a cadre of table enthusiasts who create an experience with dining by dressing the table. You will find their links near the end of this post.

I am one who loves Christmas decor in traditional reds and greens, and last year I did, in fact, continue my February table with reds. However, it is the calm and quiet of shades of whites and soft colors that really feels so good to me after the Holly Jolly season is over. I have a small antiquing business within our local antique mall, and the overwhelming feeling of cleanup and storage irritates me right after Christmas until the job is complete, both at home and in our booth spaces.

I love pulling out the light blues, whites, and creams again come January, a colorway I've settled into consistently since moving into this cottage house in late 2021. My table this year was inspired by an estate sale find in April 2025 of several random blue and white pieces of china styled in a cabinet.

I bought all four of these pieces  (clockwise: England, Germany, Japan, England). but it's the bottom left piece that inspired this table. It's called Forget Me Not by John Aynsley & Sons, produced between 1985-1991. With only one plate in hand, the hunt was on! Success came with a seller on eBay who had both the luncheon and dinner plates and who accepted my offer submitted for both,

The symbolism of the forget me not is the promise of lasting love and fidelity, often exchanged between loved ones. It's also a powerful symbol for remembering those who have passed, used by groups like the Alzheimer's Association to raise awareness and hope. Its origin stems from a medieval legend where a knight who, while picking the flowers for his beloved, falls into a river, and shouts "forget me not!" while tossing the posy to his lady.

While forget me nots were not available as posy pockets for my table, I chose instead to use a chinoiserie planter full of paperwhites. This faux floral was another estate sale find in 2024.

Sunlight streaming in through the dining room windows gives a soft glow to the table.

Candlelights in crystal holders, along with a string of fairy lights woven along a faux fur runner, speak to both winter and warmth. The fireplace in the dining room adds additional glow light. The greenery and lights there are a spillover from Christmas decor, suitable throughout winter. Ivory velvet hearts from Etsy and sky blue ramekins from Fiestaware are placed on the table, as are heart napkin rings used on a prior year's table.

I love using my vintage 1939 Prelude sterling flatware for winter tables like this one, and the glass chargers too. They look like ice, a reality for our area in winter. The napkins were a gift from my sister a year ago, and have matching placemats not used here. The napkin rings continue the ice crystal appearance with their beading. The tablecloth creates the image of snow drifting across land where the wind blows.

The Gorham crystal stemware dates to the early 1950s, and was the wedding pattern of my sister's neighbor and good friend who was purging her home goods. Even in purging, I think I'd hold onto wedding selections!

As I planned my table for Valentine's Day, I also always have Mr. P.'s birthday in mind, which is this week. We will enjoy a home-cooked meal and cake right here at home with this table, and enjoy it through the following weeks for Valentine's Day. 

Forget Me Not Tablescape Source Details

White tablecloth, silver napkin rings as table decor - HomeGoods

Faux fur table runner - Amazon

Glass chargers - Pier 1

Sky blue heart ramekins - Fiestaware gift with purchase

Napkins (Vera Bradley) - gift

Crystal goblets and salt & pepper shakers (gorham King Edward), candlesticks, beaded napkin rings, and paperwhites centerpiece - estate sale

Sterling flatware (Prelude) - auction

John Aynsley & Sons porcelain china (Forget Me Not) - estate sale and eBay to complete

Velvet hearts - Etsy (Your Hearts Content)

Now, please enjoy this list of bloggers who've created their version of tables to celebrate the February theme of Valentine's Day.

Panoply - Valentine's Day 2026: Forget Me Not Tablescape

Life and Linda - Hearts, Kisses, and Valentine Wishes

Home Is Where the Boat Is - Heartfelt Table with Snowmen & Cardinals

Hyacinths for the Soul - Whispering Love - Valentine Tablescape Hop

Everyday Living - Forever Is Long Enough

The Cat's Whiskerz - A Valentine's Day Table for the Guys

Red Cottage Chronicles - Setting a Valentine's Table That Feels Like Home

Celebrating Everyday Life - An Italian-Inspired Valentine for Two

My Thrift Store Addiction - Ivy and Roses Valentine Table for Two

Me and My Captain - Love Is Everything, Valentine's Day 2026

Little Yellow Corner Store - A Winter's Valentine's Day Tablescape - The Heart of the Matter

Thrifting Wonderland - Valentine's Day: From the Heart

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Cottage Rose Valentine's Table

Dinner at Eight - Celebrate with Friends and Flowers on Valentine's Day

Olla-Podrida - Cozy Valentine's Day Tablescape

The Bookish Dilettante - Valentine's Tea in the Library

Pandora's Box - Lunch With My Valentine

Mantel and Table - How to Design a Valentine Table That Feels Luxurious

Whether you're celebrating alone with some self-love, or with your beloved partner, pet or other family members, or even with your friends, I wish you a lifetime of giving and receiving love. I very much enjoy reading your comments, and will reply personally if you're readily identifiable. If not, I'll reply here on the blog. Either way, I'm so glad you stopped by!

Rita C. at Panoply

Parties I Share With: Pieced Pastimes, Love Your Creativity, BNOTP, My Wee Abode, French Ethereal SYS,  Follow the Yellow Brick Home, County Road 407 Farmhouse Friday