Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Valentine Tablesetting

I pulled a few things together to make a Valentine tablesetting on our breakfast table.
I used a mix of crystal, china, silver and thrifty finds.
Started with a freshly ironed 32" battenburg table square. I ironed while watching Barefoot Contessa.
It's old and pretty worn.
 I added two oil lamps filled with red lamp oil. 
Also added an picture of us in a heart-shaped crystal frame.
The Waterford sugar and creamer were a gift from my mother-in-law. I had admired hers and she took note and gave me this set for Christmas. Smart lady. That was my first piece of Waterford and it started my obsession/collecting. Larry never quite forgave her.
I then decided I needed Waterford champagne flutes. I dropped hints to my husband. He's not so good at picking up hints, so I had to get serious. 
1st hint: Aren't those pretty? I'd love a pair. (missed Christmas)
2nd hint: You say you never know what to get me, these would be great. (missed V'Day)
3rd hint: I've decided to go on champaign strike! I'm not drinking champaign again until I can drink it out of a Waterford champaign flute!
I think he's got it!
 We refer to them as my champaign strike crystal. 
 I used silver chargers that I found at a NC community yard sale. They were 8 for $3.00. 
My favorite Hearts and Pines china by Porsgrung from Norway. 
Then to mix things up with a little blue, I added blue heart rimmed plates. 
They were another yard sale find.
 A wooden blue heart napkin ring and a red heart napkin with a blue stripe pulls it together.
 I decided to use my sterling flatware. It's Gorham and the pattern is Medici. 
It's a pattern I liked, then didn't like, and now like again.
Vintage cut glass coasters are used for the stemware.
I had time to polish two pace settings because I was still watching BC.
Flowers are tucked into a silver tea pot.
Tonight's dinner, Shrimp Alfredo. For the recipe, click on  Rita's Recipes.
Champaign anyone?

LOVE......


17 comments:

  1. Love what you've done with your table. It's so pretty. Those flutes are wonderful!!!

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  2. Oh, I think your table is darling....and your sterling pattern is fabulous. The Waterford flutes are special but your story makes them even more special! You did a beautiful job of making it all flow in design and color.

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  3. O' Rita, this lovely!...I heart your dishes!
    ~Jo
    Lazy on Loblolly

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  4. Love the strike glasses!!! so worth all the trouble. Your dishes are right up my alley. I love the hearts on them. a lot.. the pine and heart dishes are probably my favs!! Great table.

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  5. Everything is so lovely! Happy Valentine's to YOU! It all looks VERY romantic!

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  6. What a beautiful and classy table. And of course -- romantic.

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  7. Hope you don't mind, I sent you an award.
    Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

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  8. Beautiful "strike" stems! I love the pretty mixture on your table.

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  9. I love this table, and I don't even know where to start! Love the red-hearted plates, I'm crazy about the blue-hearted plates too, but my favorite thing is that story about the champagne flutes. Men can be so thick-headed sometimes, can't they?!
    Happy Valentine's Day!
    Carol

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  10. Those china patterns are perfect for a Valentine setting. Your champagne flutes are stunning-I think they were worth the wait. The addition of the photo of the two of you is such a special touch, and that Shrimp Alfredo looks wonderful. I'm going to check out that recipe. Thank you so much for linking to the Valentine Party. laurie

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  11. I forgot to tell you that I "luv" the photo in your header of all of the blue and white china around the cabinet. laurie

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  12. Thank you so much. That must be why I don't have any waterford. I have to go on strike. They sure are beautiful!!

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  13. Champagne Strike! Your table is lovely and that Shrimp Alfredo looks delicious. Happy Valentine's Day! ~ Sarah

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  14. Oh how beautiful! I am visiting via the Valentine linky.
    I wanted to invite you to the two linky parties I am planning. The first will be on February 23~ High Tea Tablescapes. Details can be found on my Wednesday posts. There will be PRIZES!

    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  15. I love the heart plates...the blue really adds to the place setting. Guess I'll take a cue from you and go on strike when I want something!

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  16. Oh Rita May, you are so talented, everything you do is just beautiful! This table is no less than gorgeous. Love the shrimp Alfredo. Incredible champagne fluts, very elegant!
    HAPPY VALENTINE'S
    LOVE ALWAYS
    FABBY

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  17. Great plan!! I love Waterford as well, but only have the toasting glasses from our wedding. I have pieces from their Marquis line, but our flutes are Araglin.

    Your table is so pretty...your sterling is gorgeous!! Dinner looks very yummy. Looks like valentine's day will be special at your house!

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