Setting a Romantic Table

If you're taking a frugal approach to Valentine's Day today, you may be planning to eat in. That's a great way to save money and ensure that you and your sweetheart won't be rushed through your meal. It's the worst when you've gone out for a romantic dinner and the next thing you know your server is shoving the bill at you, because they need your table for the next seating. With a romantic dinner, you want to be able to linger, and the best place to do that is at home.

One way to make your Valentine's Day dinner at home more romantic is by setting a table so that your dinner isn't like every other ho-hum meal at home. To help you set that perfect table, I spoke with the folks at Denby, producers of pottery for more than 200 years, for these 4 tips to create a truly special dining experience in the privacy of your home.

1. Start with a tablecloth. You probably rarely eat dinner at home with a tablecloth on the table so start by adding that to your dining room decor. Using a tablecloth is a great way to add an instant splash of color, which in turn provides a beautiful backdrop for your dinnerware. For Valentine's Day, try using a solid red tablecloth as your base and then layer a sheer silver or gold tablecloth on top to create visual interest. If you prefer a clean look where your dinnerware is the main attraction, you can't go wrong with a white tablecloth.
2. Set a proper table for two. Achieving a restaurant-quality table setting is easier than you might think. Start by placing the dinner plate directly in front of each seat, about two inches from the table's edge. Place salad and bread plates to the left, and if you're serving soup, place the bowl directly on top of the dinner plate. With silverware you want to place the forks to the left side of the plate with the smaller salad fork on the outside. Then place the knives and spoons to the right, making sure that the cutting edge of the knife is facing the plate. Butter knives should go directly on the bread plate. For dessert silverware, here's how to set things up if you're using both a spoon and fork: have the spoon above the dinner plate with the mouthpiece facing left, and the fork above the spoon, with the mouthpiece facing right. Glasses go to the right of the place setting, above the knife, and cloth napkins can go across the dinner plates. (FYI, if someone has set the table for you and you're not sure which piece to grab first once the meal begins, a general rule of dining etiquette is to start from the outside and work your way in.)
3. Hide love notes throughout the table. Try incorporating little messages into your table setting, such as by hiding them under plates and glasses. This way your messages are revealed when your loved one takes a drink or begins working on their next course. It's a fun and frugal way to convey your emotions.
4. Use lighting to set the mood. Candles are one of the easiest and quickest ways to set the mood. Always choose unscented candles so they don't overpower the space with fragrance, which can take the focus away from the aroma of your wonderful meal.