Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And if you plan to celebrate the big day from home, there are many ways to set the mood up for romance. Part of that includes designing a romantic tablescape for your partner. A thoughtfully designed tablescape can truly make your beau feel special, plus it’ll make your home feel extra cozy and festive.

Candlelight Dinner Ideas for 2

Whether you’re preparing an elaborate meal or ordering in, designing a romantic tablescape can undoubtedly contribute to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration. To make this special day your best one yet, here are five ideas for designing a romantic tablescape:

Pick a color.

Color psychology points to the way in which certain colors affect our mood. For example, bright colors like yellow or orange evoke feelings of happiness, whereas blue can evoke a sense of tranquility or even sadness.

So if you’re trying to create a romantic tone for your tablescape, be sure to pick a color like red, which evokes passion, pink for a playful vibe, or cream for a more sophisticated dinner experience.

Be intentional with table linens.

Having the right table linens — i.e. tablecloths, runners, napkins, etc. — can do a lot of good for your tablescape. To conjure up romance, start by picking a tablecloth or table runner that complements your chosen color palette.

For example, plush, luxurious fabrics such as satin or linen can add a fancy touch to your romantic tablescape. To kick it up even further, incorporating table linens with texture, such as lace or embroidered details, is ideal for creating even more visual appeal for your tablescape.

Pro Tip: Decorating with napkins can be an easy way to spruce up your table. Simply fold the napkins into unique shapes, or secure them with colorful ribbons for a charming finishing touch.

Display fresh flowers.

Flowers — red roses, in particular — are synonymous with romance. And a strategically-picked floral arrangement can be the centerpiece of your Valentine’s Day tablescape.

To display your flowers, pick fresh blooms that complement your color palette. Of course, red roses are a classic choice, but you can mix them up with other flowers such as orchids, tulips, or carnations.

Be sure to arrange the blooms in a vase that matches the rest of the decor, or spread several petals throughout the table for a playful tone.

Add candlelight and/or ambient lighting.

The quickest way to usher in romance this Valentine’s Day is through lighting. Certain lighting settings can encourage feelings of intimacy, so planning your lighting accordingly is essential.

Soft, warm lighting is the perfect complement to a romantic tablescape. You can achieve this type of lighting via candles or fairy lights, which you can scatter throughout the table.

As an alternative, dimmer switches not only add an amorous glow, but you can control the brightness levels in order to set the mood just right.

Pro Tip: If you do decide to place candles, be sure to use unscented candles. While scented candles are ideal for the bedroom, at the dinner table, they can be downright overpowering and take away from the flavors of your meal.

Decorate with personalized details.

Decorating the table with personal details that celebrate your relationship can make your Valentine’s Day celebration even more special. For example, you can craft personalized place cards that express your love or point back to a cherished memory.

Another special gesture is incorporating keepsakes or tokens that are meaningful to you and your partner. This can include a photo of a happy moment, a love letter, or a piece of jewelry. Using personalized details to decorate can strengthen the emotional connection between you and your beau, making the evening one you never forget.