If you haven’t been told this already – date nights are a bit more challenging when you have a kiddo. 🙂 I won’t go on about the reasonings as I’m sure they’re pretty obvious (if you’re curious just google it…you’ll be inundated). What I will say is when you become a parent just because date nights are harder to do, DON’T STOP DOING THEM! The hubby and I make it a point to do at least one date night a week. Now, let me clarify, that does not mean finding a babysitter and spending money at a nice restaurant. What it does mean is showering and putting something besides active wear on (the struggle is real here), waiting until after the babe has gone to sleep, not sitting in front of the TV and setting the table – for two. Thus, the Table for Two series. This series will follow me on my date night tablescape journey and what a perfect time of year to start – Valentines!

I’ve been thinking about doing this series for a while now. Here’s the deal – I absolutely LOVE tablescapes in all shapes and sizes. All of my favorite things: linens, flowers, dishes (I come from a family of dish hoarders…seriously…ask my mom…it’s an addiction), pretty papers and crafts and need I mention FOOD?! All in one place just waiting for my favorite people to enjoy them. What could be better? Ok, a baby giggle but she can come to the table too…just not on Valentine’s date night.

Where to start? Most of the time when doing tablescapes I don’t start with the flowers…but these flowers were just calling my name at Trader Joe’s so I went with it. I just snagged one bunch of all of these – under $15! The important thing to me when choosing flowers is obviously getting colors and styles that compliment each other but also making sure to get a variety of greenery. Look at the leaves on what you’re getting – do they stay close to the stem or come out a bit? Depending on the style you’re going for, it helps to have at least one bunch with some bulk to it. This helps to fill out arrangements. I didn’t end up using the eucalyptus in my flower arrangements (they served useful for something else!) but it’s a great one to have on hand for filling things out or adding some height.

I chose to keep these arrangements pretty small (and short) given that it would be the centerpiece. Generally you want to see the person sitting across from you…especially on Valentine’s Day.

This beautiful little Waterford vase was a hostess gift from some good friends when we hosted their baby shower (check the super cute shower out at C is for Carnival!).  I used another bud vase we had on hand for a second stock arrangement.

The tulips and alstroemeria stuck together – see how the leaves of the alstro fill the arrangement out? I used some wet flower foam here to help the flowers stay where I wanted them. The tulips in particular need to be handled gently as their stems are not as sturdy so dainty hands!

These little gold vases are actually empty candles! We got them forever ago at Target and I loved them so much I couldn’t bare to throw them away. They are my go to flower vases for tablescapes now 🙂

With a total of four small arrangements, I brought them together by placing on a low, crystal cake stand. If you’re creating this look be sure when you sit down you can still see across the table. Had I not been able to I would’ve opted to not use the cake stand.

I had plenty of leftover flowers to do a little accent on the napkins – this is where the eucalyptus came in. By using the thinner pieces at the end, I was able to wrap them around the napkin and do a little tuck on the underside. No extra wire or fastener needed.

Since this table focused on flowers, I chose to keep the rest of the setting simple and classic. I love the color and finish on our dining room table so I didn’t use a table cloth but this would be beautiful with a clean white linen! Special shout out to my beautiful antique, pink plates from grandma ❤

Ok, now is where I stop talking and let you just take it all in – ready? And go!

Just one more thing – if you want to know where any of these pretty items are from check the bottom! Ok, I’m shutting up now 🙂

Hope you enjoyed the first of my Table for Two series! To see other tablescapes I’ve created CLICK HERE.

– Dinner Plates: Gorham China / Salad Plates: Antiques / Silverware: Oneida / Chargers: athome (used to be Garden Ridge) / Napkins: Pier1 / Bud Vase: Waterford / Gold Vase: Target / Cake Plate: Antique –