DIY Romantic Valentine’s Day Table Setting
Surprise your partner and set a romantic atmosphere with this easy Valentine’s day table setting! Even if you aren’t an interior designer, you can still create a beautiful and romantic table with candles, florals, cookies, and a delicate white table cloth that will all work together without much effort.
Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner At Home
For the last several years, Scott and I have always gone out for Valentine’s Day dinner. We always have a great time, but this year we are contemplating staying in and cooking a meal together since we have our little one as well.
There’s something sweet about all the prep work and the time for conversation and being able to linger over your glass of wine without feeling pressured to leave by the crowd of hungry people in line for a table. Plus, it gives me the opportunity to do an extra girly table set up, which I absolutely love!
Romantic Table Setting With Fresh Flowers
When I was recently at the store, I was truly inspired by all of their beautiful flowers for Valentine’s day. I knew I had the perfect opportunity to make the perfect dining centerpiece and get our dining table prepared for our date.
In this guide, I’ll take you through how to set up a romantic table.
Step 1: Choose A Pretty Tablecloth
The good foundation for any table setting, in my honest opinion, is the decision between a table runner or tablecloth. You can even go crazy and do both! This is your dinner date. You can do whatever you want!
This year I picked a simple foundation—a white lace tablecloth that I picked up at an estate sale last year.
A table runner works just as well but if you want a dramatic change, I’d go with a table cloth.
Step 2: Pick Out The China
Next, I had to add my favorite vintage china and pink glassware! I feel like the delicate glasses and china plates are the perfect match for the bright flowers.
Step 3: Set Out Fresh Flowers
The third step in making your own Valentine’s Day table setting is to display some fresh flowers you can pick at your local grocery farm or plant nursery.
For my table setting, I picked up two bundles of flowers and decided to them up evenly. I wanted to make a larger visual impact with a lot of small bunches of flowers instead of one large one.
DIY Bouquet Tips
I used a combination of vintage bottles I got from our trip to Round Top, some votive candle holders, and mason jars. I varied the heights by trimming the flower stems at a 45-degree angle.
I feel like using a variety of different-sized vases and jars for my flowers gave the table a free-spirited vibe. I like the variety of textures and shapes on the table.
It’s so fun and makes me smile!
Step 4: Light Some Candles
Candles were a must as well for the romantic ambient lighting I was going for. I used taper candles because I love how their thin silhouette fits in with the rest of the centerpieces.
Honestly, I think any type of candles will work on a table setting. There is just something romantic about turning the lights down low and eating your dinner by candlelight.
If you choose to use taper candles as I did, pay close attention to the candlesticks. You don’t want them to clash with the rest of the tablescape.
I used polished glass candlesticks because they matched the gold and glass vases that are already on the table. I think if you have lots of flowers on your table, avoid candlesticks with distracting patterns or bold colors.
One Large Centerpiece vs Lots Of Little Ones
I think that one large centerpiece is kind of distracting. Some centerpieces are so large that you have to move them out of the way to see the person you are eating with.
I want to see Scott’s face!
That’s why I chose instead to break up my bouquet into lots of little ones. Not only can I see my husband now, but I also like how there isn’t just one thing that you can look it.
There really isn’t one right way to do this. If you prefer a simple tablescape, then one bouquet might be the better choice for you. Keeping just one bouquet will also give you more room for the food as well.
Step 5: Add Some Heart-Shaped Cookies
Finally, I felt like displaying my cute little heart-shaped sugar cookies and it was honestly the perfect finishing touch. You can also choose to display a heart-shaped cake or trifle.
I feel like the dessert just gives that extra texture that the table setting needs.
I just love how everything turned out—especially the gorgeous flowers! I feel like we are dining in a wildflower field or something utterly romantic.
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Dinner out? Dinner with friends? Drinks with friends? Drinks on your own? I’ve done all of those in years past. Nobody’s judging!
Best Food to Make on Valentine’s Day
Besides this romantic table setting, the food is equally as important. You want something that feels like you are splurging but you also don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
So what do you make for a romantic dinner in with your love?
Here’s what I’m planning to add to my Valentine’s day dinner menu! All of these meals are pretty simple but taste like a gourmet chef made them.
We will definitely be ending the evening with some of those heart-shaped cookies and a cup of coffee.
For the Best Valentine’s Day Table Setting: Use Your Heart
When it comes to creating a romantic table setting for Valentine’s Day, the most important thing you can do is pull from your heart. Decorate it with your love’s favorite flowers or create centerpieces that display the memories you share. You can even incorporate them into your decorations by using their favorite colors.
When you put your heart into the tablescape, it doesn’t matter if it looks like it came off of Instagram or a magazine. Valentine’s Day isn’t about perfect displays; it’s about expressing your love.
Share how much you love them and that will take their breath away!
More Valentine’s Day Ideas
As you can tell, this is one of my favorite holidays! Here are some more ideas I’ve shared here on Run to Radiance.
Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.
Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.
We’re considering takeout this year.. Is that awful?? 🙂 But I do agree there is so much rush and even pressure I think that comes with dining out on Valentine’s Day. Might as well keep it low key and enjoy ourselves more. And can you please come arrange my Valentine’s Day table??? Yours is so romantic!
Takeout isn’t bad at all! You guys can relax, enjoy so yummy food and have all the wine you want! I’ll gladly come arrange your table anytime 😀
Wow how beautiful! I would’ve never thought to take a bouquet apart…but I love what you did!
Thank you so much Jen! It’s always scary at the beginning, but it’s worth it for a different look. maybe practice with some cheaper grocery store flowers? 🙂
Such a romantic setting! Perfect for Valentine’s!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thanks so much Ashley!
Love your tablescape! The flowers are beautiful – and my favorite color!
Thank you Allie! I love the pinks and purples as well! 🙂
Beautiful!! We usually celebrate not on valentine’s day and go out to dinner. That way it’s not crowded like it is on valentines day 😉
That’s super smart! And you probably can get a great deal on all the gifts and cards too! 😉
Absolutely beautiful and so romantic! I love your table setting! And your necklace!
My husband and I have no solid plans for V-Day.. yet!
So pretty!
Thanks Barcy! 🙂