Hello sweet friends. Can you believe February 1st is one week from today? I have heard from many readers that January and February are their least favorite months. However, February is one of my favorites because I love Valentine’s Day, and best of all…Renaissance Man and I celebrate our anniversary in February!
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:14
I am joining nineteen table stylists to bring you a Valentine’s Day Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by my talented friend, Rita from Panoply. You will find the links for all the beautiful Valentine’s Day table settings at the bottom of this post.
Sunshine Cottage has been reserved for a romantic table for two. I didn’t have any trouble getting reservations. We have a special chef for the evening, can you guess who? In case you are new here and might be wondering where is this cottage! Sunshine Cottage is my adult play house that I share with my two little granddaughters who love to play dolls, read books, have tea parties and spend the night parties. My sweetheart husband had it built for me in the summer of 2020. It has been a wonderful blessing for our girls and me.
For many years we have celebrated Valentine’s Day at home. We always make a trip to Birmingham to our favorite restaurant a couple of days before the 14th. I am so happy to welcome you to come in from the cold and join me in the Sunshine Cottage. I did a little Valentine fluffing!
My decision was to not buy anything new for this table, but use what I had. The dinner plates are “oriental pheasant” by Royal Stafford, the camellia salad plates were purchased years ago and have no markings on them, and the bread and butter plates are marked Bavaria. Heart napkin rings hold pink cotton napkins.
Wicker placemats add texture to the floral April Cornell tablecloth and votive candles add the ambiance. You might notice Ghirardelli dark chocolate raspberry squares…I can never get enough chocolate!
The camellia plates were purchased as a set. Each plate depicts a different camellia. I placed mini conversation hearts around the edge of the plates for a fun embellishment.
You might remember that I save cards from my Sweetheart and also the ones I give him. Using only a few of them to decorate the counter and shelves in the cottage provides color and lovely sentiments. We always enjoy reading them on Valentine’s Day.
Delicious strawberry cupcakes from the bakery might have already been enjoyed. I will make my Sweetheart’s favorite…a red velvet cake for Valentine’s Day.
A few carnations were placed in the small pitcher.
“True love stories never have endings.”
~Richard Bach
With a huge collection of Valentine’s cards to look through, I noticed that we have several of the same ones. Apparently the card companies keep using them year after year. I think I should start making my own like my granddaughters do for us. Their cards are so special and now I have a large stack of them saved. Can you tell I am sentimental?
Carnations are often an underrated flower. I love their frilly and feminine appearance as they fill a Churchill teapot.
There is something about candlelight which gives a space that magical feel!
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning
The beautiful camellia is our state flower in Alabama.
Our cozy and romantic table for two is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
Be sure to check out all the links below for beautiful tables and Valentine’s inspiration!
Life and Linda – Love Is in The Air!
Debbee’s Buzz – Puttin’ on the Ritz for Romantic Table
My Hubbard Home – Valentine’s Day Sweet Rustic Table Setting
Me and My Captain – Be My Valentine
Everyday Living – Reservations for 2 at the Sunshine Cottage
Home is Where the Boat Is – ‘Owl’ Be Your Valentine
Panoply – I Only Have ‘Ice’ for You, Valentine
Karins Kottage – Easy Valentine Table Decor Tips
The Little Yellow Corner Store – Having a Big Heart for Plaid and a Valentine’s Day Tablescape Blog Hop
Thrifting Wonderland – Valentine’s Day Tea
My Thrift Store Addiction – Home is Where the Heart Is – Whimsical Valentine Tablescape
Hyacinths for the Soul – Bee Mine, Valentine!
Dinner at Eight – A Little Romance for Valentine’s Day
The Painted Apron – Hugs & Kisses & Valentine Wishes
Bleu Belle Interiors – La vie en Rose
The Bookish Dilettante – Valentine’s Day Tradition
Zucchini Sisters – Hugs and Kisses Valentine Tablescape
Pandora’s Box – Valentine Table for Two
Red Cottage Chronicles – A Romantic Table Setting for Valentine’s Day
Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Plant One on Me
Thank you for your lovely visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a most delightful week!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Good Morning Pam! Don’t you love it when you don’t have trouble getting reservations? 🙂 The Sunshine Cottage is the perfect spot for a cozy table for two. I love your pretty layered plates, and flower power of the camellia is especially welcoming on a cold frosty morning…such pretty botanical images! You have the most gorgeous collection of AC linens! The candlelight in the cottage with your keepsake cards makes your table even more cozy. Strawberry is a fruit, so I’ll have dessert for breakfast and take a cupcake to go. 🙂 As always it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Happy Tuesday ♥
Thank you, Mary. I agree, strawberry cupcakes are in the fruit category!
Your table setting is so pretty Pam. Love the flower design for Valentines Day. Everything is so lovely. Happy Tuesday. xoxo Kris
Thanks so much, Kris!
What a lovely table you have set. Thank you for reminding me to use my saved Valentine cards from my hubby as decor! We celebrate our anniversary in February as well. I get such inspiration from reading your posts!
Thank you, Debbie. Wishing you and hubby an early Happy Anniversary!
Dearest Pam, Sunshine Cottage is beautiful beyond words. All of your saved cards, lit by the votives, sets such a romantic and sentimental tone. And your place settings are exquisite. I love the camellia plates and the pierced plates on top. I bet the girls squealed when they saw the cottage bedecked for Valentine’s! It is just lovely.
Thank you dear one♥️
Oh sweet Pam, it is such a pleasure to call you friend and I adore your sweet and romantic table in the Sunshine Cottage. You are certainly racking up lovely memories for your girls, but for your RM too.
Your table setting has romance all over it and as you and I have shared before…we both collect our “heart aches” in the form of our past greeting cards. Someone once said to me…. why do you call them heart aches when they bring such pleasure in the re-reading…. and I replied “it is because they do bring so much pleasure that my heart aches (in a good way) as I read and re-read them”!
Have a great day and stay warm.
Phil 1:4
Kari @ Me and My Captain
Thank you, my friend. You are a special gift ♥️
I simply love all your Valentine cards used as part of your backdrop on this romantic table setting, Pam. We save all our cards too, and last year, only after our shots, did we look over the cards and each picked one we would have given the other had we gotten out. We took a picture of them together so we could capture the year we missed giving cards. Your plate stacks are so pretty! So many romantic china pieces that are simply marked Bavaria have such beautifully, hand-painted designs on them. Your primrose plates are beautiful. I guess I didn’t realize it’s your state flower, but always admire bloggers who have them and share their beauty from their gardens (I want one in my tiny landscape!). Your Sunshine Cottage has truly proven to be a place where your creative heart lies. I hope you & RM enjoy your special day (and that the two of you got to have the strawberry cupcakes before the littles got there!). Thank you for sharing your creativity and your love as a couple with us. ♥
Rita, we did enjoy the strawberry cupcakes. The Littles are enjoying the chocolates. Thank you so much!
What a beautiful table setting! I just love your cottage.
Thanks so much, Penny!
Those dishes are gorgeous. The whole setting on the table and around the table is beautiful. I am also very sentimental and have saved cards over the years and I even have many that my parents exchanged. I am beginning to get rid of some things like this. I’m not sure my daughters will want them after I’m gone. I am also in a clearing out mood.😀
Thank you, Nancy. I understand we can’t keep everything for ever and my son and DIL are very minimalist.
I love that you have a cottage to “play” in! The tea parties must be fun here. You have the prettiest dishes and your table decor sends the message of love and celebration. I especially like the dessert dish! How sweet to save all of your cards – do you date them? Have a Happy Valentines Day!
Thank you, Patti. We have wonderful little tea parties. Most of the cards are dated.
What a beautiful table you have set for two. The camellia plates and bread and butter plates are perfectly beautiful. Love the AC cloth, napkin rings, and the way the sunlight and candlelight illuminate your beautiful table. I love February for exactly the same reasons..Valentine’s and Anniversary for Bob and me. May love prevail in our world!
Thank you, Dianne. Happy early Anniversary!
Hi Pam! I love your floral plate combination–so pretty! Your Sunshine Cottage is charming, as always! Pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you and thank you for pinning, Cecilia!
Oh Pam, it’s absolutely beautiful! Everywhere you look there is a Valentine something to make you smile! Your plates are gorgeous and I love the conversation hearts along the edge and the pink napkins with red heart napkin rings and of course the yummy looking cupcakes! Valentine delight! I hope there is a Valentine tea party coming up with EM and EK! I love February too {it means January’s over and Spring is on the way 😂}
Jenna
Thank you, Jenna. Hopefully there will be a tea party soon ♥️
Your table is absolutely charming, Pam! I love the pinks and using what dishes you already have. (I suspect that’s quite a collection!). And the idea of saving the valentines and using them for decoration is brilliant. I love them all. You and Butch will definitely be having a “lovely” time!
Thank you, Jeanie. I enjoy using what I have in a different way!
Pam, your table is lovely and is delightful styled in your Sunshine Cottage. Your plate stack is charming and eye catching. I love camellias and your plates are so pretty. I don’t remember your heart napkin rings but they look beautiful with your lovely pink linen napkin. They caught my eye first! The cupcake looks inviting atop the reticulated Bavaria bread and butter plates. I love the layers of your plate stack full of color and texture and full of interest. Vintage items add so much.
You have decorated the Sunshine Cottage beautifully. I know the girls were excited when they saw it.
Thanks so much, Bonnie. The cupcakes were delicious!
Good morning, Pam! Your table is absolutely gorgeous! I love all the pretty elements you have incorporated. I agree with you…carnations are such a pretty flower. I adore their fragrance, and they last longer than most flowers. I remember you sharing the story of your Valentine cards before. I think that is so special how you display them and read them on Valentine’s Day. Sunshine Cottage looks so beautiful, and what a perfect spot to share a special dinner for two. Happy Tuesday, my sweet friend!
Thank you sweet friend ♥️
Pam, many years ago, my mom decorated a room in pink and green. Since then, it has always been one of my favorite color combinations. And carnations are a favorite of mine. Love the spicey scent and how long they last. All of the layering of plates, flowers and linen blends beautifully for a Valentine Day party. And setting it up in the Sunshine Cottage was perfect for dinner for two.
Hope you have a good one!
Rachelle
I love the longevity of carnations and their clove-like scent. Thank you, Rachelle!
Pam, Your Sunshine Cottage is indeed ready for Valentine’s Day! It’s beautiful! I especially love the camellia plates. The plate stack is so pretty as are the heart shaped plates. Your cards are such a nice sentimental touch. Your velvet heart is a favorite. Enjoy your week! Clara❤️
Thank you so much, Clara ♥️
Love that you love love love to play. That makes my heart sing. And so does Valentine Day in your play house. Would love to see the faces of the Grands when they first see It!
Thank you dear one!
Pam, your table is so lovely. I adore the plate stack, so pretty and yet romantic. Beautiful camellias area favorite. How sweet to save your Valentine cards. They make for a perfect display. The red heart napkin rings are calling my name,. The candlelight is spot on and adds to your romantic table. Who needs a reservation when you can dine in your lovely romantic Sunshine Cottage? Always a pleasure to join you.
Thank you, Linda…Happy Thursday!
Good morning, Pam. Such a beautiful and romantic table. Oh, the bread and butter plate is to die for. So many beautiful things have the Bavaria marking. You have set the stage for a perfect evening for you and your dear husband. Blessings to you both .
Thank you, Sandra. Happy Thursday ♥️
I love that you have this special place for you and your grandchildren. Also I’ enchanted by your table. I may have to find a few special plates to add this year!
I hope you are feeling better. Thank you, Linda!
What a romantic setting… and as the evening went on the candlelight was quite stunning! I have to say… you inspired me. I am loving your table and may have to set my table soon for Valentines day! Hmmm may happen this afternoon!
Stunning in many ways dear friend! I loved it all!
Happy Tuesday my dear Alabama friend!
You are so sweet, Nancy! Thank you ♥️
Hello Pam! What a beautiful and intimate table you’ve set! I really love those camellia plates. The whole dish stack is wonderful. Love the varied carnations of pinks and reds, so perfect! Red velvet cake sounds perfectly delicious!
Thank you, Liz. I am glad you like it!
Pam what a beautiful, romantic table and setting to celebrate both Valentines Day and your anniversary! Love all your layering of patterns, linens and dishes. It feels so warm and comfy — fabulous styling! I also save cards and letters, but from everyone! Once a year, I bundle them up and put them away for safe keeping. You’ve inspired me to want to go back and pull all the anniversary, Valentines, birthdays and other cards separately from hubby and I to each other. I do have the Valentines my sons made for me when they were little, and I hang them up in a Kids Gallery of rotating artwork.
Thank you, Debbee. i have also saved cards from everyone. I love the idea of a kids gallery of rotating artwork!
When I saw your first photo with the pink and green plates, I literally sighed. I love this table! I also like how your countertop is styled, and I think it’s sweet to use Valentine’s cards from the past. I also love carnations for Valentine’s Day, too. I might need to bring some in before the big day. Your tablecloth is stunning. It might be my favorite! I love the blues in it, too. Lovely room!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
XO,
Ricki Jill
Thanks so much, Ricki Jill. I am happy that you like it ♥️
Well I would say that you got reservations pretty easy. You must know the owner! LOL! Happy early anniversary. I love your romantic setting there and I fell in love with your sweet cottage the first time you ever shared the idea with your bloggers. I am somewhat of a sentimental nature myself Pam and I am sure that you and Butch love reading those sweet cards again and again. Special moments made today will become precious memories won’t they? Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Yep, I know the owner quite well 😂 Thank you, Cindy!
Pam, I love the idea of a romantic table for two in the Sunshine Cottage. Your table details are so pretty with the mix of different patterns. Carnations are my birth flower, and I have to agree with you. They are underrated. I especially like to buy the antique ones. Have you seen them? The colors are muted and these blooms last for weeks and weeks. You and Butch make a great team. Like you, I save valentines through the years too. I especially treasure the handmade ones. Thanks for sharing this romantic setting all a glow with candles.
Always fun to hop with you, talented friend. Thanks for the inspiration and Happy Valentines!
Thank you, Sarah. I am so glad you like it!
Oh, my goodness! I just love the color scheme and all the pinks and the candles add such a beautiful glow! I so thoroughly enjoyed this post! May God bless you with a wonderful anniversary, too!
Thank you sweet friend ♥️
Cozy, romantic, for two — the very best combination for Valentine’s Day! Your Sunshine Cottage has become a getaway for romance, a place with no distractions, a place just to share memories via all the lovely cards. The patterns in the tablecloth, plates, teapot and pillows are lovely and mix seamlessly with each other. You always combine patterns so beautifully! And the sweet, soft pinks tie everything together perfectly. I know the two of you will enjoy this table for Valentine’s — and perhaps a few more evenings!
Thank you, Sandra. Sunshine Cottage has been a great getaway and I have enjoyed it immensely♥️
Wow these dishes win the prize! These are just stunning! I love all colors that you put together. So romantic and pretty.
Thank you, Karin!
What you have created in the cottage is an absolute delight! No restaurant in the country could have a more perfect setting. Like you and Butch we stay home on Valentine night as it is one of the hardest reservations to get. I can’t believe you’ve saved all the cards which must provide such memories.
Thank you, Linda. I know you will have a beautiful table and menu for the special day!
Hi Pam, I am such a fan of flowered plates and especially in PINK! Love that layered look and the way pink is in the flowers inn the centerpiece. What an inviting Valentine’s Day table for two. I could sit right down and spend awhile just looking at your lovely cards. Have a wonderful Valentine’s /day.
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
Thank you, Lynne. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day ♥️
The Sunshine Cottage is my favorite! Pam, you always outdo yourself. My heart is so warm and happy seeing this beautiful setting. I have the same wicker placemats and love adding chocolates, too! You have such a touch in creating beauty around you. The candles just make it that much more inviting and delightful! I’m so happy you’ll be celebrating your anniversary soon! I can see two happy grand girls viewing the cottage! Sending love and hugs dear Pam. 💕❤️❣️
Karla, thank you for your sweet comments. Valentine’s Day requires chocolate, right 🥰♥️
You’re welcome, Pam 💕 it sure does! Sending love and hugs! 🤗❣️
Pam, you used the perfect word for your table….”magical”. If ever a tablescape stirred up my feelings of adoration and love, your table truly did. Your beautiful plate combination and April Cornell tablecloth with your filigree wicker placemats are a blend of all things loved, just like Valentine’s Day. The hints of red among all of the pastels is like a whisper. So intriguing among the candlelight. I adore your gold and red heart shaped napkin rings. So unique. Nothing beats a candlelit room like the one you displayed with your collection of wonderful cards. It conveys all of the special love. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Thank you, Marsha. Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day ♥️
Oh my Pam! I was like a kid in a candy store admiring your table! Your plate stack is stunning. The mix of patterns and colours….so beautiful! I love the iridescence of the wine glass sparkling in the dappled sunlight and the candles. Such a romantic ambiance indeed. You are so right about carnations. They are often overlooked, but you have styled them to really show their true. potential! I love how you have used rich, jewel tone colours, yet your table is so soft, feminine and romantic! Always a pleasure to visit your tables!
Thank you so much for your sweet comments, Maureen ♥️
Can I make a reservation for an afternoon at your Sunshine Cottage??!! You always make it look like a slice of fabulous!! It is perfectly curated for celebrating Valentine’s Day! I love your beautiful plates and how well they pair with your April Cornell tablecloth – and then topping them off with some perfectly placed conversation hearts !!! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!! XOXO
Ann, you most definitely can come without a reservation. Thank you ♥️
Hi Pam! Oh, your table is absolutely gorgeous! So romantic, so Valentiney and just wonderful! The dishes you’ve used are so pretty and the touches of little votives makes it perfect!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Thank you Shelia. I am so glad you like it♥️
Absolutely gorgeous Pam and I’m in love with your cottage! I keep all our cards too but I have never thought to use them this way. What a fun idea! You’ve put together a beautiful, romantic, and sentimental tablescape all rolled into one. Thanks so much for sharing. Have a great weekend ahead!
Thank you, Denise. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Pam, this is such a happy happy glimpse of warmth, love, and yumminess! You might catch me peeking through the window …
What a ray of sunshine you are!
Thank you, Linda.
Pinned this post and love the PINK!
Thank you!
What a lovely table. Pinning this for sure. I absolutely love your plate stack and the carnations look fabulous in that pot. So many great details. Love that you have all your old cards; I save mine too and never thought of using them in decor. What a great idea & I might steal a page from your book. Thanks for the inspiration & have a wonderful day. XO- MaryJo
Thanks so much, MaryJo. Cards make wonderful decor!
Oh Pam, your cottage looks so beautiful! My mom had a subscription to Victoria magazine years ago, and your photos look just like a page in the magazine. I love the pink and green color scheme and all of the floral motifs. I’m dying to get a closer look at Sunshine Cottage, too! Do you have a blog post about it? How sweet that you have such a special place to spend with your granddaughters! I hope you and your husband have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Rebecca, thank you for your very sweet comments. Yes, I have several blog posts about the Sunshine Cottage. i will try to send you some links.
Wowwww… Absolutely gorgeous!!! Such inspiration! How beautiful and adorable. Congratulations!
Thank you my friend!
Pam, what a beautiful and romantic table you have set for the two of you. Everything is so pretty – the plates, the tablecloth, the candles, and the flowers! And that you saved all your cards is so romantic. I wish you both a wonderful Valentine’s Day and a very Happy Anniversary!
Thanks so much, Kim. I hope you are staying warm and cozy!
Your tablescapes are always a feast for the eyes, Pam. Love your sense of style!
Thank you, Nancy!
Opening the door to Sunshine Cottage these days is like walking into the gift of romance. The aura is unmistakable with the
cards you and Butch exchanged, the lovely tableware (who could design such a gorgeous camellia plate and not sign it?) the candles aglow and, knowing you, an impeccable menu for dining with Butch providing the melting music floating on the air….
The Love infusion of floral sight and aroma wraps up the whole experience with a cherishing embrace of appreciation between you two. Now that is a Valentine…..
Thanks so much my dear one. Your sweet sentiments always warm my heart♥️
Pam, I am glad that you have tea parties with your granddaughters! I had tea parties with my granddaughters too. They are all grown up now, but hopefully I have instilled a love of tea. I have a sweet memory of my youngest when she was 2 or 3 of teaching her how to use the sugar tongs. I love your darling cottage and may you make many sweet memories there.
Thank you for your heartwarming comments, Donna! You made precious memories with your girls.
Beautiful table for two! Such a romantic style with your stunning plates and all of your Valentine’s Day touches. Love how you keep old Valentine’s Day cards. I do the same. The cottage is such a perfect place for the girls to play or for a table for two.
Thank you, Judy. Wishing you a lovely week!
Sooo romantic Pam! ❤️ Happy anniversary!
Bless you sweet friend,
Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer ♥️
Just beautiful! You’ve provided so much beauty for us to see. I love that you’re sentimental–what a fun trip down memory lane you’ll have. Thank you for all the inspiration!
Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
Thank you for the feature, Richella. I always enjoy the Grace at Home party.