A Fruity Valentine Table

Because it’s right around the corner and I’m trying to get into the habit of getting any holiday decorations out and set up with enough time to actually enjoy them before the holiday ends, I bring you…

This one is made up of only things I found around the house, which makes it cheap (well, free) and a fun challenge. The other thing you should know is that I used a lot of what I had already set out for Christmas, so I also cheated on this one and didn’t completely start from scratch. I actually consider that a win because it means that we just get to enjoy some of the Christmas decorations even longer!

What stayed? The white runner and cake stand of fake sparkly fruit (see that tutorial and the original Christmas setting here), as well as all of the silverware and the votives. What changed? I substituted the light sisal place mats for darker, woven ones- these are from Ikea and may be my new favorite place mat, if there is such a thing.

I also interchanged the white dishes from the winter look with hot pink and fuchsia plastic ones from Target. These are from their summer line (I have a thing for a good teal and coral combination, so I had grabbed them for the patio way back when), but they also make pretty good Valentine settings! The glasses each got a red striped straw (Michaels sells them) to round out the pink and red vibe.

To add to the centerpiece, I copied the theme from our Christmas bathroom decor and filled mason jars with water, cranberries, and tea lights.

Each place setting also got a “place card”… I was hunting around the house for something to use to help identify who would sit where at our Valentine’s Day party and stumbled upon these chunky, spray painted letters that we use for spelling out seasonal words on our shelves.

Why not give the traditional place card a new lease on life and use these guys? All you would need is one per guest (they also sell these at Michaels or any other craft store), give it a coat of spray paint in the color of your choice, and you have something your guests can take home with them! Fun, huh? The other neat thing is that table now ties right in with that Valentine-y frame get-up (see that tutorial here) just above it.

If we’re playing favorite parts… mine are the sassy pink plates and the last minute addition of the chunky silver letters. But, I also love those dark chargers and the simple elegance of the cranberries and tea lights gets me every time. Ok, I’m terrible at this. Maybe you’ll do better… what’s your favorite part? Better yet, what’s happening over at your kitchen table these days? Any pink, purple, and red? Or maybe you’re still hanging onto the wintry look? Do tell. 🙂