Wednesday, February 9, 2011

An Early Valentine Table

 

We are going out tonight for an early Valentine’s Day dinner. However, I had to set the table as if we were celebrating at home. I was dismayed that the roses I usually buy at the market were more than double the price. I bought a hyacinth and the fragrance is delightful.

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My hyacinth is a little top heavy but I sort of like the way it leans toward the plates.

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I framed the lace hearts (made on my embroidery machine) in vintage metal frames I have picked up at various antique shops. I scattered some hearts as well.

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The chargers are from Pottery Barn and the white dinner plates are Apilco from Williams-Sonoma. The white ironstone tureen was a happy purchase from Deb’s Flowerbed Farm in Bridgton, Maine this past summer. I have found many treasures there. I would love to find an ironstone ladle that would be compatible but have not found one yet.

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The silver plate flatware pattern is Exquisite by Rogers and Bros. and dates to the mid 1950’s. I was lucky enough to find a service for 12 with extra pieces - all in practically brand new condition.

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The glassware is American by Fostoria. This is the pattern that my grandmother had.  Eventually my mother got it and over the years it sort of just disappeared. I received these goblets as a most wonderful Christmas surprise present and have been picking up other pieces here and there. I found the salad plates and cups and saucers recently. Bill of Affordable Accoutrements gave some tips about collecting this glass which I greatly appreciated. The authentic pattern will have three mold lines. There are reproductions out there!

I am not using candles because I don’t have room! I will have the lights on low and candles around the room. My dining area is part of my living area and although I love the open concept, it is difficult to isolate the area when photographing.

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I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. There will be a lot of bloggers playing with dishes this week.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

28 comments:

From the Kitchen said...

Carol: You've done a lovely table for Valentine's. I love the hyacinth--the way it leans over, the color--it's perfect in the setting. And the embroidered hearts are so delicately beautiful. Gorgeous!

Best,
Bonnie

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

Your Valentine's Day tablescape is beautiful Carol...and those heart you made and framed makes it extra special...I love the hyancinths too...those do spell so good..my mama got me a purple one for Easter last year and do you believe I'd never spelled one before then. I planted the bulb in the ground last year and I've got my fingers crossed that it will pop up this spring!
Happy Valentine's to you too and Hope you have a sweet day....
Big hugs,
Queenie

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

Oops I should proof read my comments more before posting it...I meant to say that I'd never smelled one, not spelled one lol!

podso said...

So pretty, Carol!

Pam said...

Carol, this is all gorgeous! I love hyacinth's and yours are so beautiful! Happy Valentine's Day to and have a great day today!

Sheila said...

Good Morning Carol - Your Valentine's table looks lovely and I do recognize that silverware. I thought I was a follower already - but I am as of today. I enjoy your blog and thank you fr all the comments you've made on mine.

Lynn said...

Very pretty table Carol! Your hyacinth's are beautiful... a promise that spring is coming, right?:@)

xinex said...

The hyacinths are gorgeous, Carol! I love the urn where you put them in, or is it a tureen? Beautiful tablescape!..Christine

Olive said...

Carol, the tablscape is lovely. The little hearts, china, and the tureen are all so pretty. Happy Valentines. ♥O

Leslie said...

I love hyacinths, especially when they're first blooming. They smell beautiful until they get overly bloomed out.. :) Stop by my blog.. there's an award waiting for you.. :)

Red Couch Recipes said...

Your Valentine table is wonderful. I have never seen the silver pattern before and I love it. I have never thought of a hyacinth for Valentine's Day, but it is lovely in that new tureen. Your hearts in frams are so charming -- what a great idea! Joni

Tricia said...

Lovely Valentine table, Carol! The hyacinth is so pretty, and I love the little framed hearts, too. Fostoria American is a favorite of mine, because my grandmother had it. I love your cups and saucers in that pattern! Thanks so much for your kind comments on my table this week!

A Garden of Threads said...

Happy Valentine Carol, I love your table setting with the soft pinks. I hope you have a fantastic dinner.

Maggie said...

Dear Carol,
Such a pretty Valentines Day table, I love everything about it especially your lace hearts.

Marlis said...

Love those embroidered hearts? whose design are they? Your table looks very romantic.. love the colors.

The Charm of Home said...

Carol,
Your table is beautiful. I love the smell of hyacinths. I also love your Fostoria. This reminds me of my grandmother too. She has a large collection of this very pattern. It is just beautiful for your Valentine table. I love all of the lacy hearts too. It makes it so romantic. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day.
Sherry

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

You set such a festive table. Everything looks stunning. I also like how you told us about each piece. Very nice post!!!

Vee said...

Such a lovely Valentine's table! I'm glad that you've been able to replace some of the missing dishes. I must check on this sad roses story you've told...gone way high in price? So typically Valentine's Day!

Kathleen said...

That is beautiful! And I see your hearts, so pretty. I passed on the fresh flowers this week too. They doubles them in anticipation of ♥ day!

Curtains in My Tree said...

hello

I want to get busy now and set a pretty table since I have seen yours.
There won't be any special person for dinner but I can still set the table pretty.

Janice

EFT Therapy said...

Oh my! The table sure looks lovely and romantic!

Jane said...

You created a gorgeous Valentine table! You didn't miss a detail. I love the hyacinth centerpiece, it's a beautiful color!
Jane

The Tablescaper said...

Those lace hearts are amazing! Hope you enjoyed your dinner out.

- The Tablescaper

Alycia Nichols said...

Beautiful hyacinth!!! That's a lovely flower to use for a romantic table! And the fragrance....it just can't be beat!!! Very pretty table! Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!!!

Bill said...

Hi Carol,

I love the hyacinths and the beautiful hearts you've made. The cool rosy/pink shades look soothing and fresh with your sparkling vintage crystal and gleaming silver.

Thank you for the kind mention. I added a link to your post in my sidebar.

Fondly,
Bill

Martha said...

What a pretty Valentine's table -- I love the fact that it isn't all red!!!! I love that little red touches but like the subtleness of the rest of the table! Very very nice!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

This is so lovely and lacy and elegant. I like your color combinations.

Anonymous said...

I love Tablescape Thursday... wish I had the time to set up a table and play with all of you.

DI

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