In need of some last minute Valentine’s Day inspiration?

Look no further than your own back yard… you can create a simple, inexpensive table setting with a few branches, any color dishes and hearts!  You gotta have hearts for Valentine’s Day, y’all!!

I was inspired by these wooden heart ornaments to create a winter inspired tablescape using natural elements and things that I already own! I found these wooden heart ornaments from Cracker Barrel during Christmas time and they were too cute to not use for Valentine’s day.  Hobby Lobby and Michaels have a great selection of heart shaped ornaments in the traditional holiday colors or wood tone.  You can cut hearts out of cardboard and tie with jute for a quick, free and natural looking alternative.

 

To begin, I covered the table in blue wrapping paper!  I chose a color to contrast the wood table and the wood chargers that I planned to use.  You can use any color or pattern of wrapping paper or tablecloth.  I thought the blue was kind of reminiscent of winter! Plus, y’all know that I love blue.  I encourage you to think outside the box the next time that you want to set a fun tablescape for your family or friends.  Look around your home for things that you already own that could work together to set a theme or style. Holiday decorating does not have to be traditional or bought from the holiday decor section.

 

 Next, I placed wood slices cut from cedar at each place setting to use as chargers.  I have seen faux wood chargers in stores, but you can ask someone that you know who lives in the country and owns a chainsaw to cut some for you. Thanks, sister! I love the natural look of the wood chargers and the chunkiness of these!

 

I layered my white dinner plates and blue and white china on the wood chargers.  The white plate contrasts well between the wood and patterned dishes.  I used my striped napkins for a fun mix of pattern!  Lastly, I placed white candles on each plate.  White candles are great to decorate with for winter.  When lit, they provide a warm glow to remind me of being cozy by the fireplace.

 

For the centerpiece, I cut branches from my backyard and placed them in white pitchers. I initially used glass jars but they didn’t stand out enough on the blue paper.  The bright white pitchers were a great contrast and pulled the table together well.

 

I hung the wooden heart ornaments on several of the branches placed in the white pitchers.  I had previously tied gingham ribbon on the top of each heart for a pop of color.

 

I think this works well for Valentine’s Day, simply because of the heart ornaments!  When you use one item that really signifies the holiday, you can keep everything else simple.

That means you can use natural or found elements, untraditional colors or decor, and things that you already own. Celebrate in style without breaking the bank or feeling the need to have it all.

The moments gathered around the table will be remembered by your family!  Make them special, y’all! Especially, if you aren’t a great cook like me, pretty distractions are key!