Happy Tuesday! As always, I am so thrilled you are here.
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
1 John 4:11 ESV
With February 14th fast approaching, I am joining fifteen table stylists for a Valentine’s Day Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by my talented friend, Rita at Panoply. You will find all of the links for the beautiful table settings at the bottom of this post.
“Without Valentine’s Day, February would be well, January.”
~Jim Gaffigan
Valentine’s Day is such a sweet treat tucked into the middle of winter. This special day is perfect to celebrate the love I have for my Sweetheart! Not only do we celebrate Valentine’s Day, but we also celebrate our anniversary on February 23rd. This year will be number 51! How is that possible?
The word “love” in the dictionary is described as an intense feeling of deep affection. We often use the word “love” to describe many things like a particular food or dessert that we enjoy! I would say I love chocolate. It is a must for Valentine’s Day! Do you agree? The large solid milk chocolate Hershey kiss, displayed on a pedestal, has 960 calories. A serving size is 1/6 of the package, but since it would be hard to measure a serving size, I might as well eat the entire thing…ha!! RM has a fondness for Hershey’s kisses. He loves milk chocolate, and shares as a wonderful memory, that his grandfather always kept a good supply of kisses at his house! Surrounding the big kiss are Lindor strawberries and cream white chocolate truffles. I would never want to serve any candy that I have not tasted. They are amazing!!
I have been saving Valentine’s, anniversary, and birthday cards from my Sweetheart for years! Since we most often have dinner at home for Valentine’s, we take pleasure in reading our cards from years past!
The Camellia salad plates are at least twenty years old with no markings on the back. I especially enjoy using them for Valentine’s tables.
Ruby red stemware sparkles in the sunlight!
Thinking I might have friends over the weekend before Valentine’s, I set the table for four! A lovely way to show love is to invite someone that would be spending Valentine’s Day alone. For many years a dear friend of mine would invite all the widows from our church to a Valentine’s dinner. Instead of a day that could be rather sad and lonely, she made it extremely special for twenty to thirty ladies! Isn’t that a lovely idea?
The camellia is our Alabama state flower!
‘Charlotte’, my favorite transferware pitcher holds pink and white carnations with sprigs of cedar! This is so simple…carnations are inexpensive with a long vase life and a spicy fragrance…and cedar from our yard is free for the cutting.
What I love most in the photo is the gift of the digital mini grand piano from my Sweetheart for our 50th anniversary last year! I have enjoyed countless hours playing from the Great American Songbook, old hymns of the faith, and the beautiful melodies of John Denver!
For the centerpiece a rustic dough bowl was filled with moss and pine cones. Red candles were placed in small brass holders that were easily covered by moss. This took all of five minutes and can be enjoyed from now until February 14th! I can change the candles to white or blue and keep it on the dining table even longer!
With the different varieties of camellias, some bloom during late fall to early winter, others bloom from winter into spring!
1950’s Anchor Hocking Ruby Red ‘Boopie’ sherbert cups are holding a must-have candy for Valentine’s…Cupid’s Blend of M&M’s. The three grands will enjoy them!
I layered several of our cards over the romantic vintage-style table square by April Cornell. RM has written the sweetest and most romantic thoughts in cards that he has given me. They melt my heart each time I reread them. We have started a new tradition…writing letters rather than buying cards.
We have one Camellia bush that has never performed well. It is Camellia Sasanqua and it blooms late November to early December! Camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees with glossy leaves.
Someone recently saw the blush-colored dinner plates from an older post and asked for info on them. I happened upon them at Hobby Lobby several years ago. Rounding out each place setting are the Camellia salad plates, antique hand-painted Nippon bread/butter plates and gold flatware. I paired the plates with their gold highlights for an added touch of elegance!
The red velvet bow napkin rings with pink napkins seem to say Valentine’s Day. Of course no Valentine’s table would be complete without my gold-crowned red velvet heart!
With candles lit and a delicious menu planned, we will celebrate the love we share for each another. We will thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of family that we love and hold dear. Most importantly, we will thank Him for sending His Son who has shown us His perfect love!
For beautiful tables and creative ideas be sure to click on all the links below!
Panoply – Color My World, Valentine
Hyacinths for the Soul – Cozy Moments of the Heart – Valentine Tablescape
The Cat’s Whiskerz – Hearts, Snowflakes and some Sparkle for a Valentine’s Day Table
Red Cottage Chronicles – Family Fun Valentine’s Tablescape
Everyday Living – Valentine’s Day – A Celebration of Love
Life and Linda – Love You Beary Much
The Painted Apron – Rosy Valentine
My Thrift Store Addiction – Must Have Flowers! Vintage French Valentine’s Day Tablescape
Me and My Captain – Elementary, My Dear Watson
Home is Where the Boat Is – The Birds and Bees
Karins Kottage – Flirty and Fun Valentine Table
Pandora’s Box – A Valentine Breakfast
Mantel and Table – A Vibrant Blue Tablescape for Beautiful Valentine Romance
The Bookish Dilettante – Valentine’s Day Tablescape: Hearts and Lace
Thrifting Wonderland – Be Mine…Valentine
Dinner at Eight – A Valentine’s Table with Flowers, Ribbons and Hearts
How long, do I promise to love you?
How long, do I promise to hold you?
When it comes to sharing life with you,
How long do I need?
Forever is long enough.
~Butch Richardson
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a joy-filled day!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Good Morning Pam, I always admired your pretty camellia salad plates and they pair perfectly with your beautiful floral April Cornell tablecloth! What wonderful memories and a sweet tradition your cards and now your Valentine letters are. Love the welcome sight of sunlight streaming in and highlighting your pretties on your table. Clarice Cliff Charlotte is a favorite transferware pattern and your carnations are perfect to fill your vase. The simplicity of your dough bowl centerpiece, pops of red from your candles and goblets, and sherbet cups with M&M all make for a wonderful table for celebrating Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart, family or friends. As always it’s a treat to have a virtual seat at your table. Happy Tuesday ♥
Thanks so much, Mary ❤️ Valentine’s Day is fun and filled with chocolate!
Pam, what a beautiful table, and lucky will be the couple who will be seated with you come the time. The camellia plates and Nippon together are a wonderful pair, such delicate details. I’ve never seen Boopie in ruby red, only green, but those are lovely. I adore seeing sunshine in winter, and it casts a truly romantic glow across the glass especially. Your digital mini grand, what a great gift for you and Butch both to enjoy! like you, the chocolates of the season are being enjoyed. The question is, will how many times will they be refreshed between now and the 14th, lol? We love th Dove milk chocolates, but I wondered about those s&c Lindor when I saw them. Yhe idea of hosting widows is so very thoughtful. I am particularly sensitive to that, living among 7 within two short blocks across the street from me. Your new tradition of writing letters each year is the best idea yet in expressing and validating each other’s love annually.
Thank you for participating in this hop and offering all the lovely table and heartfelt ideas, Pam.
Rita, I love chocolate and have trouble leaving it alone. Thanks for all you do to make the blog hops successful!
Your guests will enjoy sitting at this inviting table with such a pretty stack of dishes! The red stemware glasses are a favorite of mine! EEnjooy your dinner and Valentines Day!
Thanks so much, Patti!
Absolutely gorgeous!!! Wonderful dishes! Congratulations on your 51th Wedding Anniversary. Happy Valentine’s Day!.
Thank you dear one ❤️
What is it with me and china? I feel all giddy like Harry Connick Jr. just walked into the room! (as if I know what that’s like). The china with the camellias is making me fall in love again! Bee-uuu-ti-ful!!!!
I love your humor, Leslie Anne! Thank you!
Good morning! This is my first time to post even though I am an avid reader of your blogs. They always make my day better, especially the reminders of God’s perfect love. Thanks again for reminding me of my blessings of faith, family, and health. Hope you are blessed with a wonderful day!
Hello Jackie, I am so glad you posted on the blog this morning. Your encouragement is so appreciated. Thank you for reading and following our little blog. God’s love is perfect and I need a daily reminder of His faithfulness.
Blessings,
Pam
What a beautiful table Pam. Elegant and gorgeous. Love all the plates you paired up. Happy New Week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, dearest Kris!
Hugs,
Pam
“A sweet treat tucked away in the middle of winter” is such a perfect way to describe Valentine’s Day Pam! And wow, that is a big Hershey’s Kiss! Your table is so Valentine pretty, the red glassware really makes everything pop! I think your tradition of keeping old Valentine cards and enjoying them again every year is so special, and now writing letters, I’m tearing up just thinking about it! Your gold rimmed camellia plates are so beautiful, and look so pretty with your AC cloth. The red bow napkin rings are really cute, and who wouldn’t love a bowl of M&Ms at their place 🙂 Enjoy this very special holiday! ❤️
Thanks so much, Jenna ❤️
Pam, such a loving romantic table with the gorgeous gold-rimmed camellia salad plates against the AC tablecloth. Love the red glassware. The red bow napkin rings are darling with the pink napkins. I adore the red velvet heart with the crown. How special to save your Valentines cards and enjoy them through the years. I love the idea of writing letters to each other. Chocolate make everyone happy. How very sweet Butch gifted you with the mini digital baby grand. Lots of enjoyment for you both. Always a pleasure hopping along with you. Happy Tuesday.♥
Thank you, Linda! I agree chocolate definitely makes me happy!
Happy Anniversary to come…very soon! I always enjoy seeing your gold-rimmed camellia salad plates, and with the AC tablecloth, it is all so beautiful! The red bow napkin rings are perfect.
I love chocolate as well and why not enjoy it all on Valentine’s Day?!
Your collection of Valentine’s Day cards is such a treasure! And the baby grand from John Denver… oops, I mean Butch… is so sweet! (He does look like John Denver!)
Happy Tuesday to you dear Pam!
Thank you dear one. Butch sings just like JD!
Pam, your lovely table is such a sweet reflection of love. I really like your pretty camellia plates and as a chocoholic, the giant kiss caught my eye immediately. Once again, you’ve styled a beautiful table! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you, Cecilia!
What a beautiful table! I have admired your camellia plates before…they are exquisite. Would it be bad to admit I could eat that big ol’ Hershey’s kiss all by myself…and the M&Ms! Today I was reminded of a sweet part of living in a college town…watching a young man at Publix picking out some flowers for his girlfriend. It was one of those moments that just made my heart happy.
Thank you, Roxanne. I am with you, I could eat all of the treats on the table. What a sweet scene you witnessed! Wishing you a lovely week, my friend ❤️
Pam and Butch…Congratulations on your 51st wedding anniversary….and what a beautiful table to celebrate your union AND Valentine’s Day. Matthew and Mark are very clear in chapters 19 and 10 respectively. “…therefore what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. ” and you both are proof that a God Blessed marriage endures forever. Your table is a special reminder of your lives together with the past greeting cards… and all the lovely elements speak volumes from the Camellia plates to the Clarice Cliff Charlotte transferware. I, too, love the sunlight streaming through those gorgeous ruby red glasses. Your guests will love the ambiance of the table on this upcoming special evening.
Perhaps you will play that beautiful digital mini grand piano and your RM will sing his poetry to you.
Blessings and much love my dear friend.
(1 Corinthians 13)
You are a sweetheart, Kari. I think Butch will sing. He has been singing to me for over 51 years ❤️
What a beautifully set Valentine’s Day table you’ve created, Pam. The camellia plates are so pretty and those Nippon bread and butter plates are such a lovely addition. Your idea of writing letters instead of cards is so thoughtful. I still have a hope chest filled with cards and notes from my late beloved. Thank you also, for sharing the beautiful scripture verses with us. Happy Valentine’s Day and Anniversary! 💕
Thanks so much, Kitty for your sweet comments. How special to have those cards and notes from your late beloved. Wishing you a lovely week, dear one!
Many of your comments brought tears to my eyes. I read some of the cards and what I came away with is what I had always thought, that your love for each other reflects in everything you do. I have never heard of the digital mini grand piano. Where do I get it? We always had camellias in NC . They were beautiful in Winter when nothing else was blooming. My mother collected Nippon. I have some of her collection And treasure it.
Alice you are so sweet. God has been so good to us, and we are thankful. The digital mini grand is by Roland. It sounds just like a grand piano! I love playing it. Camellias are a bright spot in winter. How wonderful you have some of your mother’s Nippon. Does your sister also have some of the collection?
No she doesn’t enjoy Nippon as my mother and I. She does have many of my mothers other collections however.
Pam, I love the way you and Butch honor each other in your marriage. 51 years! Congratulations! I also love the idea of rereading valentine’s from years past. We didn’t always give each other cards, but I did save some and consider them treasures because they include special notes from Monnie. Your table is delightful as always. Love the camellia plates and the Nippon bread and butter plates. They create a beautiful stack with the blush dinner plates. Happy Valentine’s and Happy Anniversary to you and Butch. A long, healthy marriage is what I wish for all couples.
You are alway a sweetheart, Sarah.
Pam, what a beautiful table and I love all the sentiments and traditions – new and old – behind it. The Camellia plates are lovely paired with the Nippon plates and the AC tablecloth is so pretty. I love the red pops from the stemware, the Boopie sherbet cups, and the adorable red bow napkin rings. The centerpiece is wonderfully clever – I might have to borrow the idea one day. And of course the piano in the background is beautiful. I wish you and Butch a wonderful Valentine’s day and upcoming anniversary and may your celebrations be filled with love, laughter, and music. Take care my friend.
Kim, you are always so sweet and thoughtful. Thank you!
So many beautiful touches, Pam. And what a lovely combo of dishes. You’ve mentioned your Valentine re-reads in the past and I just love that idea. It’s very romantic!
Thank you, Jeanie!
Pam, Your Valentine’s table is so elegant. I love your plate stack! Your centerpiece is lovely and versatile. The vintage plates are so pretty and I always enjoy seeing them in a post. Your transferware pitcher is a favorite. What a wonderful idea to have single people who have lost their loved ones over for a Valentine’s Day celebration. Your digital piano was such a a nice gift. It’s wonderful to be musically inclined. I am not but do so enjoy those who are when they’re playing. We’re getting buckets of rain! We need it but hope the flooding isn’t too bad. Maybe this will help make up the deficit for our drought last year. Take care. Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara for your sweet comments. We have had plenty of rain yesterday and today. It was nice to stay indoors and read and have our three grands spend the afternoon with us!
I’m with you Pam, why do the math when the whole Kiss is right there?! 🤣 Another stunning table, and so sweet that you use your cards in the design. Butch’s poem brought tears to my eyes. It’s so wonderful to see a love that’s lasted and grown for so long. Thanks for sharing your beautiful tablescape talent, and your beautiful self. Happy Valentines!
Thank you, Barbara for your sweet comments.
Wowza 51 years! I am so sure they have been the most wonderful and grand years of your life! Congratulations!!!! I love that you page back through the cards on Valentines Day! Your table is a vision of awesomeness!
Thank you, Mary. We have been blessed to have been married almost 51 years!
Those plates are just amazing. They look fabulous paired with the red goblets and the gorgeous table runner. It really looks so stunning!
Thank you, Karin!
Such a lovely customer, Pam, saving and reading cards received from a loved on on Valentine’s Day. We do the same and it brings back so many wonderful memories. Loved your plate stack with the beautiful green dishes that catch your eye and bring a sense of elegance to the table. The red goblets are a nice pop of color and tie in well with the centerpiece. Wishing you both a lovely Valentine’s Day.
Lynne
Thanks so much, Lynne!
I love that you & Butch read your past cards together Pam. Hubby & I keep all our cards from each other…but don’t read them together, I may borrow that tradition from you 😉
A beautiful setting once again sweet friend.
Blessings to you both, Jennifer
Thank you, sweet friend. It is so sweet to read the cards together. It makes for more beautiful memories!
Lovely! I love the vintage glasses…
Thanks so much, Jeanne!
Oh my goodness Pam! My heart is melting that you and your husband love to look through past cards! So special! That big Hershey’s kiss looks like one serving to me too! Your plate stack is so romantic and I just the floral pattern. The red bows on the pink napkins just add to the romance! What a gorgeous table, and I am sure your friends are going to be delighted that they get to dine with you!
Thank you, Maureen. Your comments are so sweet!
Thank You Pam for always haring your beautiful Tablescapes. The salad plates are lovely, The holiday is always represented in a special way.
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Thanks so much sweet friends!
Pam, this is sweetly beautiful from the tablecloth to the dishes to the cards to the chocolates. With a story behind several items I’m sure any dinner shared here would be treasured. I love the details that you build your table settings with and I love the wonderful colors you’ve used. The camellia plates are particularly lovely — by coincidence the camellias in my garden have been blooming up a storm since late fall. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks so much, Sandra for your sweet comments. I just know your camellias are beautiful!
Pam, this is such a beautiful post. Your table is gorgeous, and all of the sweet treats look yummy. The floral themed plates are so pretty. I have always enjoyed reading about your tradition of the Valentine cards. I think the idea of letters is wonderful too. My sweet friend, I hope you have a most wonderful week ahead!
Thank you sweet friend. Happy week ahead!
Pam, your plate stacks are so pretty. I love the green and pink color combination. I also like your pink napkins with the adorable red bowtie napkin rings. Your tablecloth is gorgeous, too. You never disappoint with your pretty tablescapes. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thank you, Ricki Jill for your sweet comments! I hope your ski trip was fabulous!
A beautiful post, dear friend. Love to you and all of the family.
Thank you, my friend. Love to you and Mike!
Such a beautiful post! And I love the poem by Butch at the end. Many blessings to you both!
Thank you, Cheryl!