Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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.


21 comments:

  1. Kat,
    You must be feeling much better...cause that tablescape is so gorgeous...love those green plates! I think it's great that you love spending this day with the whole family...I do too!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  2. How pretty this all is -- you've gathered a beautiful tablescape together. Looks like a wonderful spot for a family gathering.

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  3. Really nice! I envy all that natural light you have coming in your room. That is beautiful.

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  4. Oh, your table is gorgeous! What a pretty spot to sit and eat. Love seeing the snow out of your windows.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  5. A beautiful table. Don't you love looking out as you eat! A wonderful place for a table!

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  6. Oh so beautiful! My children will be with me for Valentine's Day!

    - The Tablescaper

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  7. Beautiful table, but I am cold just looking out at all that snow!

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  8. Love the hearts. I am going to have to try something like it next year!

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  9. Absolutely gorgeous images of this lovely lovely table you have created. It is SO beautiful. I am thrilled for you, too, getting to spend that special day all together as a family. (Also, the chop suey -- I wondered if it is the same as here -- with hamburger and macaronni? If not, you're probably laughing at that.) ~Lili

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  10. Your table looks gorgeous - just perfect for a lovely family dinner. Love all your beautiful tableware! Leigh

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  11. Well, this makes perfect sense to me! Wasn't it the romance that led to the children after all? I think celebrating Valentine's Day with all of those you love is a most lovely way to spend this holiday.

    All the little touches you thought of for this tablescapes show the love you all share. Enjoy!

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  12. Hi Kat,
    I love your table. It has a great French/Shabby Chic look, again I love it. Thanks for the lovely comment.
    The Swedish Room

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  13. I always loved celebrating with my kids too. This year it is just us and we haven't really decided what to do yet. I don't want to cook!

    Your table is lovely. I really like the use of the hearts on the napkins. Have fun!

    Sue

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  14. What a special table decor! And the idea of spending it with your loved ones is so very special. I love the mix of glasses.

    Do you remember where you found the green ones? They look similar to some in my cabinets. Over the years a few have broken and I would love to replace them.

    Jane (Artfully Graced)

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  15. I absolutely agree about Valentines Day being about LOVE. I am looking forward to scooting our little princess's highchair up to the table and using her finest "Pink Disney princess" dinnerware! She loves to look at all the sparkle and glimmer of candles and pretty things. So, it will be the three of us at the dining room table for Valentine's dinner.

    I think your table looks wonderful. It is pretty and inviting! Have a lovely Valentine's Day!

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  16. What a gorgeous table...I really love your flower plates.

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  17. So pretty, Have a great Valentine's Day!

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  18. What a beautiful setting in a beautiful room. Love that checkered chair in the back. Happy Valentine's Day.

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  19. I set my table up ahead of time and prep it so I know what it will look like on the day of. Thanks for your tips, love the ornaments, I will remember that for next year during the holidays.

    Good stuff.
    Signed,
    A very, very, new blogger, really new. Did I mention that. Love all the blogs out there on design.
    Annelise

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  20. Your table is just so beautiful, I love the gold hearts and the green depression glass plates are one of my favorites...love the placemats...Im am a new follower of yours, come on over for a visit....Phyllis

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