Celebrate this special occasion with a kid-friendly Valentine's Day tablescape that is dessert inspired.
As Valentine's Day approaches, planning a special day can go well beyond sending a card and bouquet of red roses. Instead of a romantic dinner for two to celebrate the occasion, why not create a mesmerizing table experience for the entire family to enjoy.
From elegant floral arrangements to intricate place settings, a well-designed tablescape can elevate any Valentine's Day celebration to a whole new level. In fact, 70% of people say that a beautifully set table adds to their overall dining experience. Let's dive into a family-friendly Valentine's Day tablescape and provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to create a dazzling and unforgettable dining experience.
Do you have a Valentine's Day tradition that you love to do every year? Each Valentine's Day growing up, we enjoyed a red themed dinner put together by my mother. I decided that I wanted to carry on a similar tradition with an easy and gorgeous Valentine's Day tablescape.
Why I Love a Holiday Tablescape
- Lots of fun ways to customize
- Easy to add in your existing home decorations
- Dress it up or dress it down
- Budget-friendly
- Makes a nice table display in your kitchen
How to Create a Valentine's Day Table
Choose a Theme
When creating your Valentine's Day table inspiration, make sure that you cater to your audience. Are you hosting for adults? Your family? Perhaps even a Galentine's Day party. Decor and food options will be different for both so it is a good thing to keep in mind.
I chose to incorporate a kid-friendly dessert theme with a classic color scheme. You can also add in a fancy dinner for your tablescape, but this year I opted to cater more to the family and focus on sweet treats for dessert and also use them as decorating pieces. Using food as part of your decor is an easy way to cut costs and save on Valentine's Day tablescape supplies.
Create a Base
There is a lot of Valentine's Day tablescape inspiration out there. I like simplicity with a little glam mixed in. Whichever way you choose to decorate, make sure to create the perfect setting for your desired atmosphere.
To create a base for your decor, I like to layer by beginning with a neutral table runner. You can also use a tablecloth for extra coverage, but I prefer to see the wood details of my table. Plus, a runner creates a solid visual line of focus for a lovely centerpiece.
Next, if you are having a meal make sure to include Valentine's Day table settings. It is so much fun for kids to have a fancy place setting at the dinner table on a special occasion. Here are a few options:
- Holiday themed place mat - heart, round or rectangular
- Silver or gold flatware
- Use place cards with everyone's name written fancy
- White or red napkins that you can fold in a fun design
- Classy black or white plates
- Themed disposable Valentine plates
- Heart shape plates or bowls
Serving Jars and Dishes
When your base layers are complete, gather any serving jars, containers, plates or bowls that may help to establish a gorgeous table for your Valentine's dinner or dessert event. Place them across the table runner in the middle of the table. Remember, it's a good idea to include decorative dishes of different height for dimension and style.
I included a variety of glass apothecary jars because they are perfect for holding various types of sweets. I also grabbed a white cake stand and white serving trays. Mason jars are another great option if you have some around the house. Easily dress them up with a ribbon, if desired.
Add Decorative Embellishments
When you are done putting together your food display, it's the perfect opportunity to add a few embellishments. I strung a felt ball garland with little hearts in Valentine colors (make your own here) and weaved it through the dishes on the table runner. You could also use beaded garland or faux greenery garland as well. I topped it off by including a few Valentine's Day balloons in different colors and tied them to the backs of the chairs.
Here are a few more ideas for decor:
- Decorate a tiered tray for your Valentine's Day tablescape centerpiece
- Sprinkle flower petals or small heart candies along the table
- Grab your favorite flowers and create a floral arrangement in a vase
- Place red or pink roses on or next to each plate
- Use glass candlesticks or twinkle lights for an elegant flair or for some romantic ambiance
- Create a DIY balloon garland for near or over your table.
Supplies for Valentine's Day Tablescape
Here is what you will need if you choose to create a similar sweet treat fun fest that is family-friendly. Also, feel free to breeze on through your seasonal candy aisle at your grocery store and I bet you will find a lovely selection of treats that will be perfect for your sweet table. You'll want to match your theme as best you can, but that shouldn't be difficult if you choose classic Valentine colors.
- Glass jars
- Red and white candy
- Donuts
- Strawberries
- Cake stand
- Balloons
- Cookies - my mom made these
- Table runner
- Felt garland
Additional Tips for Valentine's Tablescapes
- Feel free to use other snacks that are in colored packaging - like themed Hershey kisses, etc.
- Make a variety of homemade Valentine desserts if you don't want everything storebought.
- Include some healthy fruits too that match your colors, like red grapes, strawberries and raspberries or pomegranate seeds.
- Layering is a great way to create a gorgeous display. Cookies and donuts are superb treat options for this very reason.
- Include a small gift next to each place setting
Kid-Friendly Valentine's Day Table
Creating a stunning tablescape for Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these easy tips, you can create a beautiful and memorable setting that your children will love. A well-designed tablescape is not just about the decorations, but about creating a meaningful and intimate space for families to connect with each other. So, this year, take the time to create a kid-friendly table that your family will never forget.
Happy Decorating!
Brooke
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