Table for 4

Since the our oldest child was born over 22 years ago, Mr. Tide and I have spent just a few Valentine's dining alone.  I've spent a few with him on travel for work, but nearly every year we have had Valentine's Day dinner together as a family.  Our daughter hasn't been able to make it for a few years due to being in college or studying abroad, but this year we are so happy that she will be home with us and that we can celebrate the holiday together again.

While many people would consider spending Valentine's Day together with their children something less than romantic.  I have always looked at the holiday a little differently.  It's always reminded me of kids and cards with lollipops stuck in them, or a handmade heart made from a paper doily.  It is a celebration of Love after all, so having those around me that I love, makes perfect sense to me.  I'll trade roses and romance any day for some special time with my family. 

So here is what my table will look like this year when we all sit down to a special meal of my mother's famous chop suey, some crusty bread, and something yummy for dessert...chocolate of course!

We'll dine in the family room so that we can look out and see all of the snow that we have.

I'll use gold heart ornaments that I kept out from Christmas to use as napkin rings.

And a mix of glassware, because I like using stems from different patterns to give the table a more casual feel.

 

And for bread plates I'll use antique green glass dishes that we inherited from Mr. Tide's grandparents.

 

Instead of placemats or a tablecloth, I'll use these elegant embroidered valances.

 

I'll also use this beautiful rose globe votive holder that was given to me by my mother in law.

And I'll tuck this little book about hearts on the corner of the table just for fun.

 

We'll use silver, because everything tastes better when it's eaten with silver!

And when the sun sets we'll light all of the candles.

 

Each plate will have a beautiful flower, with no two alike.

 

And there will be more hearts scattered about the table.

And they will look even prettier by candlelight.

And we'll eat and laugh and talk about everything under the sun, until the sun is long gone.

And then we'll blow out the candles until next year.

I'm linking up with Tablescape Thursday over at Between Naps on the Porch.