I’m so excited to share my Valentines tray with you! Especially since I was invited by the lovely Katherine at Katherine’s Corner to join her Valentines Day on a Tray Blog Tour! Thank you so much Katherine!
If you’re coming over from Debbie Dabble and her lovely tray – and table – Welcome!
My Valentines Tray of Favorite Things
My first idea when I think about putting something on a tray, is food and drink! So for my Valentines tray, I went with some of my favorite romantic things to eat and drink – chocolate and champagne! I also love flowers, silver, vintage linens, pretty plates, and pearls.
So this is a perfect time to put them all together for a little Valentines Day decor. It looks lovely on the buffet, but I’m not sure I can wait until Valentines Day before savoring my treats!)
The Valentines Tray Itself
I jut love this beautiful tray! Not only does it have a nice large flat area, but the combination of gold and silver is so beautiful.
I actually got it as a prize when I was selling Mary Kay for a minute way back in the day! I don’t remember what the prize was for, but I remember being thrilled with it! And I still love it. See the lovely bow detail in the photo below?
It was made by Oneida and is stainless with that lovely mirrored finish. You can still find them on resale sites quite often. I found one on Etsy that’s very reasonably priced.
Vintage Linens in Lovely Pale Pink
Another thing I’m crazy about is beautiful linens. These napkins are so pretty in their soft pink, and I love the pattern woven in.
I got these at a vintage store several years ago, and I use them all the time. They’re a smaller size than a regular modern dinner napkin, so just right on our Valentines tray for champagne and chocolates.
Beautiful Pink Flowers on Our Valentines Tray
And of course, the flowers! No Valentines tray would be complete without something Valentines colored. I lean towards the pink end of the Valentines spectrum, so this lovely combination really appealed to me.
The little silver vase has been around for a long long time and it has the battle scars to prove it! It’s kind of top heavy and it tends to fall over a lot. The metal is really soft, which makes it dent easily. But it also makes it possible to bend it back into shape – sometimes easier than other times!
It’s developed quite a patina to it as well. But it looks lovely for all of that, and is right at home on our Valentines tray.
And for the flowers themselves, talk about romantic! I was smitten with these beautiful roses – they’re so fluffy and peony-like. I just love those soft, almost salmon-y colored carnations too. And besides the colors, the textures are wonderful.
The pink tulips were my third flower choice. I usually try to have three – one darker, one lighter, and one in the middle color-wise.
Plus, as well as some pretty eucalyptus, I got lucky finding greenery with these lovely little pinky-purple blossoms.
Gold and White Appetizer Plates
The photo below was supposed to be a close up of my pearls, but it works for the appetizer plates too! These were a gift from my sister-in-law (or SIL as we call her here on M&T,) who shares my love of china, crystal, and everything tabletop!
They’re just the perfect size for a little something – chocolates! – and so pretty with the gold against the white. They’re a fun shape too, almost square with their wavy edge.
I haven’t been able to find these anywhere online, but if you have a source, please let us know!
The Perfect Champagne Glass
The next thing on our Valentines tray is the champagne glasses. The latest wine buzz on champagne glasses, is that the wine actually smells and tastes better in a regular-shaped larger wine glass. But I just love the look of traditional champagne glasses! They’re so graceful, and have such a straight clean line. Perfect for watching bubbles rise!
Plus they make a great resonant clinking sound! And when they have actual champagne in them, they’re even more beautiful. I use them all the time – most recently in this post.
Which brings us to the actual champagne!
And Pink Champagne
At the time I’m writing this, I haven’t opened this bottle yet, but I’m really excited to taste it! Here’s what some folks who HAVE opened the bottle have to say about it:
Lovely pink colour with brilliant highlights. Fine, persistent bead. Freshness and finesse: fine, lively bouquet with fresh, red-berry fruit aromas (wild strawberries and cherries). Lively initial impression on the palate and good aromatic intensity. Well-balanced on the palate, following through with a fresh, wonderfully subtle aftertaste.,
AllianceLoire.com
Pretty with tart strawberry notes. Bone-dry and refreshing. Great bubbly for weddings and large gatherings. Awesome price!
NatalieMaclean.com
This Crémant de Loire has a nice, crisp nose with plenty of plenty of bright, citrus aromas like grapefruit and lemon. It also offers some cranberry and a touch of yeast. The palate is very tasty, bringing tart green apple, lemon and cranberry flavors. The acidity is perfect. The mouthfeel is nice and bubbly. It finishes with a salty mineral quality layered over citrus flavors.
cheapWineRatings.com
And Now … The Chocolates on Our Valentines Tray!
You know I just had to tell you about the chocolate portion of our Valentines tray! Oh my – these are SO good! And the wrappers are pretty too!
This chocolate is made right here in my town of Portland Oregon, and actually right in my neighborhood! The Woodblock Chocolate manufactory is in a gorgeous old restored building, and is run by a couple who roast the cacao beans and make the chocolate themselves!
Here’s what they say about their chocolate:
We look at cacao beans like a winemaker looks at grapes. Our job is to discover and highlight the most interesting and exciting flavors a single origin cacao has to offer. A little black pepper here, a little cherry there, a smidge of olive… We want our chocolate to be expressive of each cacao’s terroir, the weather, even the culture of the place it is grown.
Our signature double origin blend is showcased in a floral wrapper celebrating the City of Roses! So pretty and so tasty! It is also the base chocolate for our distinctive and delicious flavored bars.
Woodblock Chocolate
In the onsite cafe, (closed at the moment due to the pandemic) you can watch the chocolate being made right behind a huge window. and of course, you can buy some to take home too! Which is what I did!
And Finally – The Pearls!
Both my grandmother and my own lovely mother wore pearls. I’ve loved them since I was a child, and I just got lucky that my future husband loved them too! This gorgeous strand was my first gift from him when we were dating. And it’s still my favorite piece of jewelry, all these years later.
So adding them to my Valentines tray was the crowning touch of romance!
I hope you got some inspiration from our Valentines tray! If you do one of your own, I’d love to hear all the details in the comments!
And remember to keep scrolling down for the rest of the Valentines Day on a tray blog tour!
Pin the Valentines Tray for Later!
Now On With the Valentines Day on a Tray Blog Tour!
The next stop on our Valentines Day on a Tray tour is Master”PIECES” of My Life. I know you’ll love her beautiful post – with white roses! There’s so much inspiration on this tour and I’m honored to be part of it!
- Katherine’s Corner
- The Painted Apron
- Debbie Styles Life
- Everyday Edits
- Common Ground
- My Hubbard Home
- Simple Nature Decor
- My Home of All Seasons
- Crafts ala Mode
- Debbie Dabble
- Mantel and Table – You are here!
- Master”PIECES” of My Life
- Dinner at Eight
What a super romantic tray Barbara! I love the detail on the try too. Champagne, chocolate and flowers…you’re calling my name! All my favorites! How was the champagne? I love Rose Champagne too.
The champagne was good! I know you share my favorites – just can’t go wrong with CC&F! 🙂 Take care out there!
I love this! I have some vintage trays that were my Grandmother’s – beautiful idea!
Such a perfect pairing for Valentine’s Day. Champagne and Chocolate. so pretty and that tray is gorgeous. I agree with you, flutes are just so lovely filled with bubbly. So sorry to be late coming by late. Deb
Hi Deb! It’s great when you stop by – whenever it is! I’m so glad you like the tray – I use it for so many things – especially champagne and chocolates! 🙂 Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Such a beautiful way to celebrate the season! I love that you found pink champagne and the chocolates look fabulous as well. My favorite thing about this tray though is that you can do something similar to treat yourself throughout the year. It definitely makes you want to slow down and enjoy the moment. Hugs, CoCo
It really does! Almost my favorite thing in the world is a relaxing indulgent day- maybe a bubble bath too … ?! 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend with lots of wonderful moments CoCo!
It looks absolutely lovely, Barbara! I love the pearls!
Thanks so much Marieza! Pearls are so fun aren’t they?! 🙂 So glad you stopped by – Happy Weekend!
What a gorgeous and romantic tray setting, Barbara! Even the chocolate is pretty!
You sure know how to put beautiful pieces together for a big big impact. Love it.
Thanks for popping by! I finally posted again, haha. Good sign I guess, haha.
Sending big hugs your way!
Hi Michele! Aw thanks – that’s sweet of you! I was really happy to read your new post, especially about VDay! Big hugs back to you – hope you’re keeping warm and safe over there!
Such a beautiful tray Barbara! You set up a romantic and elegant display with your combination of flowers, pearl and chocolate. Nothing says romance better than that. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Hi Edmee – so nice to see you! And I’m glad you like the tray! Wasn’t that a fun idea of Katherine’s? It’s so fun to see what everyone comes up with, when we all have the same instructions. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping over, and hope you’re doing well!
I absolutely love this Barbara. Every single detail is gorgeous. I am a huge fan of pink champagne. This looks like a good one. Always love the flowers you pick. Happy Valentine’s Day my friend.
Hi Kim! Thanks so much – you know how I love champagne and flowers! 🙂 Hope you had a great VDay up there!
How charming and romantic!
Thanks so much Maristella, and thanks for popping over! Hope you have a lovely Valentines Day!
I love the elegance of your tray with the silver and pearls. And those flowers are gorgeous!!
Thanks so much Debbie! And thanks for stopping over – it was great sharing a blog tour with you! Happy Valentines Day!
This is so very lovely, Barbara! It is understated and elegant, filled with the things you love. (Coincidentally, I love them all too) The tray’s unique design is beautiful and emphasizes the contents with its mirrored surface. A tray I would surely enjoy all month, if not longer! Periodically refreshing the champagne and chocolates of course. Enjoy a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
I’m so glad you like it Sandra! Yes, I definitely will refresh the champagne and chocolates! 🙂 Happy Valentines to you!
This a lovely tray filled with romance. I love the pearls too, I have a pearl bracelet that belonged to my Mum and I really need to wear it more often. it . Thank you for sparking a memory with your beautiful tray. Thank you for joining in the fun. Happy Valentine’s Day xo
Oh how fun – yes wearing the pearls is great and really brings them close! Are you from Canada? All my relatives are, and I’d recognize “Mum” anywhere! 🙂 Hope you have a lovely day, and thanks again for hosting!
Barbara, I love hearing more details about you…Mary Kay?!?! Such a lovely and elegant tray. And I must find that champagne and try it. Just the description had me wanting a glass. What a fun blog hop. Love the tray theme. Thanks for sharing your elegant tray with us.
Haha – another chapter from my long ago past! 🙂 We’ll have to compare the champagne – I’ll probably open it tonight! Hope your day is lovely!
Oh my goodness, such a classy tray and perfect for two people. The details are perfect for two. Those pearls your husband gave you are gorgeous. Sorry I was late posting major word press issues. Hope you can stop by.
Hi Maria – thanks so much! And so sorry about your WordPress issues – they’re always a challenge, aren’t they!? Glad you got to join us though, and Happy Valentines to you!
How did I know that your tray would be special? Everything is special that you do. Very beautiful and romantic. I pinned to my Valentine Board also. Hope you are enjoying the hop. Best wishes, Linda @craftsalamode
Linda you’re so sweet – thank you so much! And thanks for pinning too. I love sharing a blog tour with you! Take care and Happy Valentines!
Beautiful tray Barbara – you’ve hit all the right notes, so to speak. Pretty pink flowers in a vintage vase, the gold and white plates, chocolate, a gorgeous tray, and bubbly in champagne glasses. And those pearls! Just lovely! Happy Valentines Day!
Hi Kim! Thanks so much my friend! Hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day!
HI Barbara, This is so pretty! It’s just pretty to open up and enjoy! Ha! Happy Valentine’s Day!
laura in Colorado
Happy Valentines to you too Laura! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing this fun blog tour!
I agree about the champagne glasses, Barbara. They really make drinking champagne special. And I always love the bubbly stuff with a pink label and foil top. Everything on your pretty tray is perfect for Valentine’s day. What a great score on the napkins, and the tray you won. The flowers and pearls are so romantic and fit with the theme.
By the way, you must be able to smell the chocolate being made. It’s that just the best 🙂
Happy Valentine’s Day
Hugs,
Rachelle
Hi Rachelle! Yes we can smell the chocolate when the wind is in the right direction. Good thing that’s not often or I’d never get anything done for sitting in a daze inhaling! 🙂 Hope you have a lovely day too!
*sigh* I just knew your tray would be gorgeous and classic Barbara! Just beautiful with wine, chocolate, flowers and pearls, such a perfect way to display love and romance! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day full of love, wine and chocolate!
Any day full of chocolate is a good day! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping over Jenna – I’m so glad you liked it!
Thanks for sharing this a few days ahead of time. I’m inspired to create something for Bob and I on Monday. Now I just have to decide with all these great ideas.
Hi! That would be so fun – you two are so sweet! Hope things are going well for you all! Happy V Day over there!
So pretty, my friend. I love it, I would love it if you would share this on The Fabulous Friday Link Party.. https://www.peacockridgefarm.com/category/fabulous-friday-link-party/
Hugs to you.
Hi Renae! I’ll do that – I love your new link party! 🙂 Hope you’re having a lovely weekend my friend!
I think you’ve just created the most perfect Valentine’s Day tray ever Barbara. Champagne, chocolates, flowers, and PEARLS! Love it! What a wonderful first gift your pearls are. That tray is just the perfect one for such a romantic vignette too! Thanks so much for sharing and Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Thanks Denise – I do love those pearls! 🙂 So glad you stopped by, and HVD to you and yours!
Oh Barbara. This is so lovely, I don’t even know where to begin. I must admit the pearls immediately caught my eye since I am a big pearl gal. I love the story behind them. All the details are lovely- champagne, champagne flutes, gold plates, etc. The silver tray is a great award from your MK days and I would use it all the time. So Happy to be touring with you. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. XO- MaryJo
Oh thanks MaryJo! It’s always so fun to use something speacial to decorate – especially on a Romance holiday! 🙂 I’m so glad you stopped over, and yes, sharing the tour is great – Katherine does such a good job, doesn’t she?! Hope you have a lovely Valentines Day!
Barbara,
Stunning, elegant , simply gorgeous!! Love everything you used to create this beautiful Valentine’s Tray!! Thanks so much for sharing …
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble
Oh Debbie – thank you! I hope you can wish your family members Happy Valentines Day in passing, and have a lovely weekend in your beautiful home!