Valentine’s is not a day when I get diamonds, furs or even candy.
Most years I do get roses. They generally come like this which has always made me smile. I mean it takes a little creative thought to come up with something that excuses the hubby from buying flowers and likely greatly reduces his stress level!
As for dinner, the first couple of years we were married, the hubby would come in on Valentine’s and suggest we go out to eat. Good idea except that without reservations, we’d end up driving around for a couple of hours finding no place other than a fast food one that could seat us. It didn’t take too much of that to make me decide we’d be better off having dinner at home.
At some point, I bought these heart shaped pieces on sale at Williams-Sonoma, and they’ve become part of the Valentine tradition.
White plates, red napkins and favorite textured pink goblets seemed the right accompaniment this time around.
Add a few flowers to the mix….done!
Well, maybe not. Something about the table didn’t seem quite right. Even though the hearts look fine on the white plates, the setting was lacking, so it was back to the cabinets to see what options were there.
Ah this is a little better. Fiestaware seems to work with most anything and helps create a joyful table.
Even with the added color, I was still fretting over the middle of the table, maybe because there wasn’t enough height.
Problem solved with a bottle of champagne and a couple of flutes.
With the table set, it’s off to the kitchen to browse cookbooks in an effort to find a new way to prepare veal chops which are always on the menu for Valentine’s.
Oops, you won’t believe this, but the hubby just came in and asked if I would like to go to dinner tomorrow night. He even has reservations! Shhh, don’t say anything about those veal chops. They’ll go right into the freezer and keep for another night and, hopefully, make him feel special for no reason.
So, what are your plans for Valentine’s?
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Lulu's Musings 
We learned a long time ago to eat in on Valentine’s Day. ‘-) I love that you have those cute heart dishes and use them every year for Valentine’s. Tradition!!!
Very cute! The heart shaped bowls and plates really make the table. You figured out the perfect solutions to everything…Christine
Your table is beautiful!
Janice “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I love those colorful heart-shaped ramekins from Williams Sonoma. Adorable table for two. I won’t give away your secret. I’ve done the same thing plenty of times. Enjoy your evening and Happy Valentine’s Day.
~Emily
The French Hutch
I love your story and I love the tradition of using the heart-shaped dishes. I also love the mix of red and purple — takes the traditional V-Day coloring to another level.
I love your colorful table, Linda! The heart dishes are adorable.
Adorable table! Love your Williams-Sonoma heart dishes and I am a fool for Fiesta. Your table will keep, enjoy your dinner out. Thanks for sharing. Visiting from BNOP.
Yes, he gets lots of points this year! The drawing is extra precious. Your table is fresh and different with your pops of unexpected color. I love those heart dishes, those are great for any occasion! Have a great time,
Jenna
Your heart shape bowls in many colors are adorable!! I just have two in white. Your entire table is gorgeous, fun and inviting. We will not go out as it’s raining to much around here..but we don’t anyway, so we’ll have take out. I enjoy reading about it and have a wonderful and romantic Valentine’s.
FABBY
Your heart shaped pieces are just the ticket! I loved watching your table evolve and your thoughts behind what you did. It is all lovely. Have fun tonight.
Lovely Valentine’s table setting…so cheerful!
I love those dishes from Williams-Sonoma! My husband and I usually celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 15th (tradition started back when we were dating). I’ve already made chocolate covered strawberries and have a nice treat planned as a surprise anyway for tonight. We’ll probably go out for dinner tomorrow! I hope you stop by to see my tablescape.
http://castlesandcarriages.blogspot.com/2013/02/valentine-tablescape-and-decorating.html
I love his drawing!! Your ❤ shaped dishes are so pretty and Fiesta Ware always makes me smile. Enjoy your meal out and happy ❤ day!!
Gave up going out to dinner years ago . . . and I can’t remember the last time I got flowers! We do, (because we can) often go out to a nice lunch that carries on into the afternoon. Love the heart shaped dishes!
So pretty! Genius idea to add the champagne bottle and flutes. Those heart shaped dishes are very special – hope you have fun tonight on your evening out!
Love the little heart shaped dishes! Enjoy your dinner and Happy Valentine’s Day:@)
We usually stay in because we can’t stand the crowds!!! It’s cool he had reservations and planned it ahead. he gets lots of points, right??? I do like the red plates with the hearts.. the champagne and flutes are just the thing to bring all to fruition. I love that table.. Happy Valentine’s! xo marlis ps.. so glad we hooked up on facebook..
We’re the car that drives around behind you looking for a restaurant on Valentines because Sweet Mister hadn’t made a reservation. 🙂 Love your Valentine goodies. Those veal chops will be great another night. Happy Valentines. Cherry Kay
Oh, wow….just when you think it’s safe to go back in the water!!! It’s cool, though, that he thought ahead this time and made reservations so you guys can go out! That’s so sweet! I love the drawing x 12, too. Very creative!!! Your table turned out great, but you can always use that setting for next year…or an anniversary…or over the weekend as an at-home encore to Thursday night! Just enjoy yourselves!!!!!!!
Nice……