A Sweethearts® Tablescape for My Sweetheart

A Valentine’s Day Tablescape focusing on Conversation Hearts

Hi and Welcome to Valentine’s Day on the Lake!!! I’m so glad you could stop by….

Do you remember the “Conversation Hearts” or Sweethearts® of your childhood – the small candy hearts that had messages on them? Did you enjoy them? Do you remember enjoying the taste or the sayings on the hearts? both? Quite a few years ago, in the Homegoods checkout line, I found a set of conversation heart dinner plates, salad plates and bowls, and purchased them to use in a Valentine’s day tablescape. That was the beginning of this tablescape.

above: The Conversation Heart dishes I found at Homegoods many years ago.

I love that these dishes bring back the excitement of a Valentine’s Day party at school, and memories of the excitement of being able to read the candy hearts on my own during the year I first learned how to read, and the fun of receiving a Valentine’s day card that had a pack of Sweethearts attached. I was in kindergarten in the 1960’s which is quite a while ago, but I was happy to see the Sweethearts candy in the grocery store this year, and to realize that its likely the candy and the sayings are making kids happy on Valentine’s Day this year as well!! The tradition continues …

I decided to look up the history of Sweethearts to see just how long kids have been enjoying this candy, and was surprised to learn that the first Sweethearts were sold in 1904. But I was even more surprised to learn that each year Sweethearts makes candies with not only the traditional messages but also with some new sayings on a specific theme. For example, in 2021 the theme was “love songs” and the following song titles were some of the sayings included on the candy hearts that year “SUMMR LOVING”, “LUVME TENDR”, “MY GIRL”, “STILL THE 1″ IGOTU BABE” and SUGAR SUGAR”. For more about the various saying on the hearts each year see the Reader’s Digest’s article “The Best Candy Heart Sayings from the Past 120 Years”

A Sweethearts® Tablescape for My “Sweetheart” Practice Table

Last year I really wanted to put this tablescape together and do a post about it, but somehow, I ran out of time before February 14th. For some reason, after Valentine’s day, I decided just to put it together quickly, just for fun, and to see how it looked, wrinkled tablecloth and all. I was happy with much on that original tablescape, but I had the feeling that something was missing. It wasn’t until I was putting away rabbit figurines from an Easter table, that I realized what was lacking on the tablescape was something about LOVE. The practice table was ALL ABOUT THE CANDY. Looking at it, I realized it needed something about the Romance of the holiday – it needed a couple in love. When I was putting away the Easter Rabbits, and saw the rabbit couple on the bench, I realized that they were just what I needed. It may seem strange to you to have bunnies in a Valentine’s Day table, but I grew up with parents who searched for bunny greeting cards for each other for each holiday. It was their “thing” and it is fun to carry out their Bunny Tradition in this tablescape.

The Main Centerpiece

I love that the boy bunny is giving the girl bunny – flowers and a kiss – perfect for Valentine’s day!

The Plate Stack

On top of the fuchsia tablecloth, I placed a wooden charger, purchased about 8 years ago from Homegoods.

On top of the charger, I placed the melamine Conversation Heart Plate I found at least 5 years ago – also from Homegoods.

Other Items in the Place Setting

In each place setting I placed a pink wine goblet.

These were a “find” at Homegoods this year. I was fortunate enough to be in the store when they first were unpacked, so I was lucky enough to get all 8 I needed, at only one store. I love the blown glass heart in the stem of the goblet!

Each place setting includes our every day Oneida flatware, a heart shaped cupcake pedestal from Hobby Lobby and a conversation heart napkin ring – found on eBay.

I used both pink and white cupcake pedestals in this tablescape. And for a Faux Dessert I added the conversation heart tea cakes. These were from Homegoods – this year – see packaging below.

The Centerpieces

In addition to the Bunny Couple, I added some wooden Conversation Hearts to the table.

I also added my triple candle – depression glass – heart candle holders (see below). Can you make out the double hearts at the base of each candle holder? Each candle holder has a purple taper in the center, with pink tapers on the outside. Because we like to use candles a lot and we prefer to not have to worry about blowing them out – we use the battery operated moving wick candles whenever possible. The pink and purple battery operated tapers were purchased at Amazon.

I added a flower arrangement of roses to each end of the tablescape. The flowers are in matching pink glass vases.

The rose arrangements have metal conversation hearts at the front of the arrangements, and wooden conversation hearts in the back of the arrangements.

To carry out the conversation heart theme I scattered faux candy hearts around the center of the table. They are either from Amazon or Oriental Trading and are made of craft foam. I like that they do not attact Simba thru smell as real candy would, although I still watch him closely as he is continues to be at the “eat everything” stage.

Around the Dining Room

I often decorate the window sill of the large window when I am doing a tablescape. I had hoped to put more of the wooden conversation hearts in the window sill, but I learned last Valentine’s Day that Simba is not quite ready for things that break easily in the window sill. This large window is Simba’s favorite place for checking out the wildlife. The squirrels in the yard, the blue heron who frequents the dock as his favorite fishing spot, and the Green Anole lizard on the window get Simba so excited that window sill decorations often have a bad fall. Today I went with the less breakable Valentine’s Day metal mailboxes and the plastic “love” sign.

In the Dining Room is a figurine I just love – a Valentine’s Day figurine with FOUR Golden Retrievers!

On each door is a Conversation Heart Wreath.

I decorated the tree in the dining room for the occasion, and used the remote to switch the tree lights to bright pink!

and last, but not least the chandelier got a Valentine’s Day makeover!

The View Thru the Window

While I was designing the tablescape today, a much greater “design” was happening on the other side of the window. All day the weather was cloudy and gray, which doesn’t alway look great in tablescape photos, but is magnificent in its own way. I love watching the lake in the wind, rain and clouds, as well as when the sky is clear and sunny.

Today this was the view most of the day. Although I did not photograph the scene in black and white, it looks almost as if I did.

As I photographed the table, I noticed that many of the dark clouds had dispersed but the sky still had a grayish look.

And then, right before sunset the great designer chose to have the light of the sun poke through the clouds and it was gorgeous!

and the sky turned a gorgeous blue as the sun set.

Update – 01/15/2024

I took a trip to Hobby Lobby this week, and saw some adorable conversation heart garland, made from wood, and it was on 40% off, so I decided to get it for my dining room window. I really like it – so I will include some pictures. I love that the front of the hearts on the garland has the little sayings while the back of the hearts, although they do not have sayings, are at least painted-which makes the garland look good from the outside as well as the inside, which is nice!

While I was hanging the garland, I noticed that Simba was largely ignoring the window decorations, so I decided to put up the rest of the wooden conversation hearts in the windowsill and see how they do…so far so good.

Also, I want to share my roses on day 8. So happy they are going strong and keeping the indoors cheery even on our cold winter days. The purple roses on the left (with fuchia petal edges) are openning up more and showing a little more of their purple color. I have been putting them in the cold garage each night, and changing the water and plant food every two days, and am very happy that both things seem to be prolonging their beauty.

Here’s a picture of our winter weather today. It is much colder than it looks, with snow on the roofs and ice on some roads (not a lot of snow by northern standards but unusual for us). My car is covered with ice and a few icicles as well. We will drop to 14 degrees this week, before jumping up to 66 on Thursday. As I’m from Ohio originally, I’m always excited to get some “summer” days in January.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I am wishing you a Wonderful Valentine’s Day – full of fun times with family and friends, and wishing you also – many fun memories of Valentine’s Days gone by.

Table Details and Origins for Sweetheart Tablescape

Wooden Chargers – Homegoods – about 8 years ago

Conversation Heart Melamine dinnerware – Homegoods about 8 years ago

Oneida flatware Chateau – Amazon

Conversation Heart Napkin Rings – eBay

Pink Glass Vases – flower supply

Pink Glass Goblets with blown glass heart on stem – Homegoods 2024

Cupcake Pedestals – Hobby Lobby

Conversation Heart cloth ornaments on tree and in chandelier decor – Amazon

Roses – H.E.B grocery store

Faux Conversation Heart Tea Cakes – Homegoods 2024

Kate Spade Larabee Dot Table Cloth and Napkins – possibly available on eBay

Valentine’s Day figurine with 4 Golden Retrievers – Marshalls 2024

Despression Glass Triple Candleholders with double heart base – eBay

Conversation Heart Garland – Homegoods

Conversation Heart wreath – Oriental Trading

Battery operated moving wick tapers in pink and purple – Amazon

Comments

I would love to hear about your Valentine’s Day traditions, both recent and those in the past. What is your best memory? Did you have Sweethearts in your home or school! Did you enjoy them? I’d LOVE to hear from you! Please scroll down to the comment section at the very bottom of this post and let me know what memories and traditions you treasure from Valentine’s Day.

Crazy Little Love Birds Link Party

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Link Parties 

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Party” aka “Blog Hop”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Masterpieces of my Life hosts the “Home Imagined Link Party” on Tuesday every other week. This is a relatively new link party for me to attend, and I am really enjoying it the many home projects and decor ideas found here! 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters”and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas!

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

I hope you will enjoy visiting these wonderful bloggers on the above websites as much as I do!

Comments

I’d love it if you would comment below! Your comments mean the world to me!

Thanks so much for visiting!!!

From our home to yours…

Wishing you a Wonderful Valentine’s Day!!!!