How to Decorate Your Table for Valentine's Day

Whether you are planning a Valentine's party or just want to get your house dressed up for the occasion, decorating your table is an essential step in getting ready for this romantic holiday. Keep it simple by choosing one of the following table ideas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ribbons
• Valentine Confettis
• Valentine's Day Greeting Cards
• Candleholders
• Candles
• Fabrics
• Fresh Or Silk Roses
• Vases
• Votive Candleholders
• Votive Candles
• Hershey's Kisses Candy
• Candy Conversation Hearts
• Foil-wrapped Candy Hearts
• Strings Of Fake Pearls
• Napkin Rings
• Napkins
• Tablecloths
• Napkins
• Candles

1. Decide on a tablecloth first. You don't need to buy a heart-covered tablecloth. A simple lace one will do, or try a plain pink or flowered tablecloth.

2. Purchase a dozen pink or red roses and display them in a crystal vase in the center of the table. Arrange some strings of decorative imitation pearls in swirls around the vase. Place two tall pink candles on either side of the flowers. Set one foil-wrapped heart candy on each plate and tie the napkins with ribbon.

3. Sew Valentine-colored cloth into hearts of different shapes. Stuff the hearts with batting and arrange them in a bowl or basket in the center of the table. Place napkins in simple napkin rings and place a real or silk rose through the holder as well. Set a small Cupid figurine near each plate. Scatter Hershey's kisses around the table.

4. Make several Valentine cards and stand them up in the center of the table. You could also use Valentines created by your children or Valentines that have been given to you. Sprinkle Valentine confetti (shiny little different-colored hearts or Cupids) around and among the cards. Place one small rosebud in a tiny vase or one votive candle in a pink or red votive holder next to each plate.

5. Use your imagination to design your own table. Swaths of lace, tulle, pieces of ribbons, conversation heart candies, paper hearts, lace doilies and any other romantic or frilly objects you happen to have can be added to your table to create a Valentine effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using candles if children will be at the table.

on 2/22/2006 Place a tea light on each step leading up to the bedroom; if no steps, line the hallway with candles leading to the bedroom or bath.

on 11/22/2005 Sprinkle rose petals on the tablecloth and/or bedsheets.