“Will you Be My Valentine?” Romantic Valentine’s Day Tablescape

Retro “Romance” and Reminiscing

I wanted to share the above Retro Valentine’s Tablescape from 2021 today because of all the tablescapes I have created for Valentine’s Day, it is my favorite so far. I think this is because the plates remind me of the Valentine’s Day parties I had in school as a child. The earliest school party remember was in about 1960 when I was near 4 and went with my mom to my sister’s elementary school party. My mom was the room mother for the class so I was allowed to attend with her. Because the kids had no way of knowing a sibling was coming, I only received a few cards (from my sister and the one or two kids who had brought extra cards “just in case” they missed someone) but it was an exciting party nonetheless, and a wonderful glimpse of parties to come.

Winter Weather

This table ended being much more like of my childhood Valentine’s Days than I had anticipated because the view out of the window was reminiscent of an Ohio Valentine’s day. A snowy Valentine’s day is not something I had anticipated in Texas, but Valentines Day in 2021 was in the middle of the “Big Texas Freeze” and we had snow, ice, and icicles, much like the weather of most of my childhood Valentine’s Days near Cleveland Ohio. If you would like to see a winter bear and husky Tablescape I did during the “Big Texas Freeze” and see more pictures of the weather and scenery at that time, please see my post called “Freezing Temperature Tablescape with Sled Dogs, Seals and Bears “Oh My!!”

Rosanna Studio – Retro Valentine Card Plates

I’m thankful to the bloggers who have shared the plates pictured above in their blogs over the years, as they have brought back many happy memories of these childhood parties. I believe I first saw these plates on Between Naps on the Porch. I know I saw them in another Tablescape or two after that (if you think that might have been on your blog, please send me a link to that post, as I would love to include that link here as well). There are so many beautiful tables that have been done with these plates.

To my remembrance none of the blogs I saw utilized the large square plates, but when i went to eBay to find the salad plates, I saw a few of these square ones, and they were called serving plates, or platters. However today I checked on replacements.com who does not have any in stock, but does have a picture and calls them “square dinner plates” so that may have been their original purpose. I bought the few I found, both because I liked their size, and I loved the large card in the center of the plate because is is baseball related. Our son played baseball into college and we have a lot of good family memories related to the game, therefore this plate seemed perfect for our Valentine’s celebrations. Because of the baseball connection I kept looking for more of these, with the plan to use them as dinner plates on my Valentine’s table. These plates are made by Rosanna or Rosanna Studio; as are the coordinating salad plates, bowls, small mugs, and heart shaped serving plate. I think there are about 12 different Valentine “card” designs used on the different pieces. All of them remind me of the Valentine cards we delivered at parties in the 1960’s.

It’s fun to notice all the things that were common at the time shown in the Valentine’s card on the dishes. The first thing to stand out to me was the girls being pictured exclusively in dresses and at least one boy in overalls-both things being much less common now. I was also surprised to recognize the dog floating down with heart balloons that is on one of the plates, as I believe he was one of the “Barker Brothers” who were the mischievous dogs in one of my children’s picture books.

Over the years, on eBay and Etsy, I was able to collect 12-14 of the large square plates. I found the salad plates, bowls, and serving heart shaped bowl, on eBay and Etsy also. Some examples of the plates, and bowls are shown below from the four different place settings on my table.

These Rosanna dishes are often available on eBay. I wish they would remake them as they are sooooo cute!! I have not noticed a reissue, however, Hobby Lobby issued two plates this year based on a retro Valentine Card theme, so they would be a good substitute. However, there are only 2 salad plates in the Hobby Lobby set and so a tablescape based on these does not have the same variety. Also, I wish they had kept the plate border the same in each plate so they would look better together in a tablescape.

The Hobby Lobby Valentine card plates, available this year (2024) are pictured below. They are made in China, and list price is $9.99, but they are on a 40% off sale currently.

The Place Settings

At each place setting, I placed a white square wooden charger below the square Valentine’s plate. Also included in each place setting is a white or red heart shaped cupcake holder from Hobby Lobby. For our family Valentine’s dessert we had chocolate cupcakes with Valentine’s Day sprinkles. They are pictured below.

Morgantown Glass

I decided not to purchase the small mugs from this set though they are adorable. I decided to use wine goblets for the beverages instead of mugs. One wine glass I chose has a heart design, it is from Italy – via Homegoods. The other wine glass is one from Morgantown Glass Works (West Virginia) in the Golf Ball Pattern. While checking the pattern name I happened upon a Morgantown Glass article that surprised me with a mention of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy purchasing Morgantown wine goblets for the White House State Dining room in 1961. Apparently she loved their glasses and was trying to bring more “American Made” items into the White House. Its fun to think that we are drinking out of the same brand goblet that is used in the White House. I was also interested to find the below article, which is specifically about the golf ball pattern, and shows many of the beautiful colors and styles of glass made in Morgantown.

Please note, some of the Morgantown glassware as well as other glassware made during the depression and other time periods from approx 1830 to 1970 have been found to have uranium and/or other possibly toxic ingredients. Those glasses with uranium become somewhat “florescent” under black light and also register on a Geiger Counter as more than background radiation. This Uranium glass has been both praised for beauty and feared for possible risk. Before purchasing any of the clear or colored class of this and other time periods, I would recommend researching the item and checking with a reputable medical/scientific source concerning what ingredients (such as lead, uranium, arsenic, selenium, etc.) were likely used in each type and color of glass. Additionally, for the items you are considering, you will likely want to research the kind and magnitude of risk, if any, associated with them, considering also that the risk may be different depending on whether you plan to use them in a display, to eat a meal from, or to store food or beverages in. Before writing this post, I had been fascinated by Uranium Glass in antique shows, but thought that it was always green depression glass, that glowed neon green under black light. In researching for this article I found that light yellow glass, often called Vaseline glass, can also be Uranium glass. Light yellow glass is a color I have in my collection. In addition, I found out that other ingredients besides uranium that are found in clear glass and other colors may have other risks, so I am in the process of researching these further as I love this gorgeous older glass but want to make sure I am using it safely.

Centerpieces and other Dining Room Decor

The center items on the table are Paden City candlesticks from eBay in Ruby Red Glass and the Luli pattern. I love the way these Heart shaped candlesticks, coordinate with the Ruby Red Morgantown goblets. The battery operated candles are from Amazon (a family decision to go almost entirely “moving wick-battery candles” was made when our 3rd friend reported a fire or almost fire in their home due to traditional lit candles) . The “I Love You” ceramic heart, is from Homegoods, as are the cake stand, Valentine’s Cookies and table runner. The napkin holder and the heart “mini” are from Nora Fleming. The vintage vase is # 8104 by Lefton and the Valentine girl planter is #5657 by Relpo- both are from eBay, and I filled filled both with flowers from Hobby Lobby.

The “Be Mine” ceramic heart on the windowsill is from Homegoods, as is the Valentine’s day radio. However, the wooden retro Valentine cards on windowsill and under the heart tree are from Hobby Lobby and Bethany Lowe.

The tabletop tree is from Amazon, as are the little heart ornaments.

I had a wonderful time making this table and reminiscing on past Valentine’s days would love to hear about your past Valentine’s Day highlights, tables, and parties. Drop me a note if you have time!

If you are also interested in Outdoor Decorations, I’d like to invite you to my “Lighting up the Night for Valentine’s Day” post.

Wishing You a Very Happy Valentine’s Day!

Table Details and Origins

Valentine Dinnerware by Rosanna Studio – occasionally available on eBay and Etsy.   Try searching for “Rosanna Valentine’s Day dinnerware” Or Rosanna Valentine’s Day Card Dinnerware”. 

An alternative to the above dinnerware, is this year’s (Jan 2024)- Hobby Lobby Valentine salad plate. These plates may or may not be available in your area as they sold out quickly in many stores. One of these plates is “love for you” and another one is “Be Mine”.

Morgantown “Golf Ball” Goblets – for sale in different sizes at times on eBay, and Etsy. 

Valentine’s Day glasses – Homegoods in past years

Paden City candlesticks in Ruby Red Glass and the Luli pattern – occasionally available on eBay and Etsy.

Moving wick battery operated tapers (candles)-Amazon

Tabletop tree  in various colors is currently available from Amazon. 

Napkin Holder – by “Nora Fleming”– in discontinued dot pattern with heart “mini”  For Similar items see the Nora Fleming Website, your local retailer, eBay, and Etsy.  

Flatware – “Community by Onieda – Marquette” pattern is currently available at Amazon. 

Ceramic Hearts “I love you” and “Be Mine” – from Homegoods a few years ago. 

Valentine’s Day Radio – Homegoods.

Wooden Retro Valentine’s cards – from Hobby Lobby and Bethany Lowe a few years ago 

Valentine table runner – Homegoods

Vintage vase – # 8104 by Lefton – eBay 

Valentine girl planter is #5657 by Relpo – eBay

Flowers in vase and planter – Hobby Lobby 

Valentine’s day cookies – Homegoods

White Cake Stand – Homegoods 

Heart cupcake stands – Hobby Lobby

Red Cloth Napkins – new from eBay

Small Heart Ornaments from Amazon – the exact ones I purchased are not available, but similar ones are – search “small heart ornaments for small tree with sayings” and also searh “small heart ornaments for small tree”

Coming Soon

2024 update – If you liked this Tablescape, I hope you will like the tablescapes that are coming for this year’s Valentine’s Day. One will be Conversation Hearts, and one will be Disney.

Posts I Hope You Will Like …

2024 update – If you liked this post, I think you may also like my…

“Mickey and Minnie celebrate the Lunar New Year” post. The 2024 Lunar New Year begins February 10th and goes for 15 days – so we will have plenty of time to celebrate both the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day this February!

Mickey and Minnie and their Dragon Friends Celebrate the Lunar New Year!!!

and my …

Lighting up the Night for Valentine’s Day

and my

Freezing Temperature Tablescape with Sled Dogs, Seals and Bears “Oh My!!”

and if you enjoyed the lake view and sunsets in these posts, you may also enjoy…

Sunset on the Lake – April 2, 2023

and …

A Glorious Sunset on the Lake – April 15, 2023

Comments

Thanks so much for “stopping by” to visit us at the Lake. It was great to have you here!

I would love to hear your comments and any stories about your Valentine’s Traditions, Memories, and decoration. If you have time please drop me a not in the comment section at the very bottom of this post.

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!

I hope you have a Valentine’s Day filled with the LOVE of family & friends, and that your Valentine’s Day is filled with many BLESSINGS … and with chocolate too!!!