When I was a little girl, one of my favorite books was called The Blue Valentine – so when Rita at Panoply invited me to join her Valentine’s Day Tablescape hop, I decideded to set a blue tablescape for it! I’m so excited to be joining this long-time group of talented bloggers, and honored with the invitation! Thank you so much Rita!
If you’ve just come from Patti at Pandora’s Box, I’m sure you loved her Valentine Breakfast! And no matter how you got here, I’m so happy to have you! If this is your first time, you can find out more about the blog and me, at the Welcome to Mantel and Table page.
And Now, On to the Vibrant Blue Tablescape
If you’re brand new to M&T, you might not know that I love white and ivory, gold and silver, more than just about anything! My tables don’t usually have a ton of color or pattern, even though I do love it, and it’s always so beautiful in other people’s tables. But this time, especially after getting the holiday decor out of my system with last week’s peaceful Neutral Pink Tablescape, I was ready for something vibrant!
I LOVE Williams Sonoma, and I’ve had my eye on this gorgeous Morris & Co pattern ever since it came out. So I decided now was the time to go for it!
I made a happy visit to our local Williams Sonoma store – mostly just to look around, since I already knew exactly what I wanted.
I had decided on the concept almost from the first. The table would be mostly blue with just a couple touches of romantic Valentine pink. I’ve always loved blue and pink together, and of course they’d be perfect any time, not just Valentine’s Day.
Tablecloth
The foundation of the blue tablescape is, of course, the tablecloth. Wow – this is one gorgeous piece of fabric! The pattern is just stunning, and the feel of it is wonderful! You can tell just by holding it that it’s going to be an heirloom piece.
It’s 100% cotton, and it’s got this beautiful Arts & Crafts style pattern. According to the Williams Sonoma description, it’s called Bluebell, inspired by the William Morris textile collection. I always love a pattern that’s intricate close up, but looks more monochrome from a distance.
There’s a lovely border around the bottom.
The Blue Tablescape Place Setting
I’m so in love with this place setting – appropriate for Valentine’s Day! Let’s break down the different pieces that make up this beautiful whole.
The Chargers
The thing that’s so cool about these charger plates – well there are several cool things – but one is that the pattern is so exactly like the tablecloth! If the charger didn’t have the gold rim around the edge, it would blend right in! As it is, it’s a marvelous textural effect.
I imagine the tablecloth’s brilliance will mellow with time. And while I totally love that they’re exactly the same color, I’m almost just as excited to see the look when the cloth is more muted. The pattern is so crisp and clear and detailed on the charger!
And it’s seriously heavy and solid. They weren’t messing around with this one. It’s silky smooth and just absolutely gorgeous – I don’t even know what else to say about it. I just want to look at it and sigh.
Did I already say I’m in love!?
The Dinner Plate
After all the excitement with the new tablecloth and chargers, the dinner plates are just my regular everyday white ones. I’ve gone off about these too many times to count, but a basic white plate is an entertainer’s best friend.
You can dress them up or down, and toss them in the dishwasher. And unless you particularly want some other color or style, you could probably go through your whole life using just these.
Plus, these 10 Strawberry Street plates are so durable. We’ve used these almost every day for over 25 years, and they’re still going strong. (I did chip one once, and I think my son broke one when he actually stepped on it … !)
They look so fabulous with this blue tablescape, picking up the white in the cloth.
The Salad Plate
And the salad plates!! I love these too! The pattern is different but completely complements the tablecloth and charger. It’s in the same William Morris Arts & Crafts style, but muted. And that lovely gold rim.
When they’re all together in the stack, they’re just beautiful!
I didn’t get any, but there are patterned dinner plates too. In fact, there’s a whole Morris & Co collection with lots of other pieces. My favorites were the fruit bowl, cheese tray, and herb planters.
The Blue Tablescape Flatware
Modern Gold Flatware
I’ve talked about this “modern” gold flatware before too. It’s such a fun shape, and nice and heavy. It feels a lot more elegant than the price would indicate. A really good deal!
Here are the forks.
And here’s the knife. It has that tiny blade, but it really cuts! I’ve used it for steak before, and it works great.
The Glassware
Gold Goblets
These gold goblets are so fun. They were my mom’s and I was always fascinated by them as a teenager. I think I had just seen some King Arthur thing right before she got them, so I thought of them as chalises!
These days, I love them for the regal warmth they give to the table. That much gold all in one piece is so unexpected! I couldn’t find any exactly this shape, but the title above, and the picture below link to one that’s very similar.
Mikasa Antique Lace Glasses
I got these beautiful glasses at Goodwill – I kid you not! I was doing a lunchtime shopping trip for this post, and just happened to see them on my way out of the store! Needless to say, I grabbed them!
Their gorgeousness doesn’t need to be described – you can see how beautiful they are! I think these are actually water glasses, but I used them for wine.
The Napkins and Rings
Morris & Co Napkin Ring
Another luxurious touch for the plate stack is the Morris & Co pattern napkin ring. You can take my charger plate description, and double it for the detail on this napkin ring. It almost looks like it’s engraved, it’s so crisp.
And like its plate cousins, it’s seriously heavy china. It just feels so solid. We usually end up playing with our napkin rings while we continue our conversation at the table after dinner. Let me just say that these are super satisfying to play with!
Blush Linen Napkin
And finally, a stroke of beautiful blush pink in the linen napkin from Made on 23rd.
I ordered these handmade napkins and matching table runners after meeting the maker at a photography seminar a couple years ago, and I was so excited to get them! I use them all the time, and they’ve just gotten better with age.
Romantic Blue Tablescape Flowers
I chose these grocery store tulips and garden roses for their gorgeous shapes and colors. I knew they’d look so pretty with the pink napkins. And of course with the blue tablescape. They add just that touch of Valentine’s Day romance!
The vases are really crystal flatware caddies, but they work well for flowers too!
The Whole Table
And so, that’s our vibrant blue tablescape! I love those top-down table photos, so I just had to take one!
I hope you enjoyed this table as much as I did! Be sure to check out the shopping below, and also be sure to go to the bottom for the rest of the tables in the hop!
Shop the Blue Tablescape Post
Click on the pictures of the pieces I used in this post. If the exact item isn’t available any more, I chose a similar option.
This post includes affiliate links for your shopping convenience. If you click on a link and end up buying anything from that site within 24 hours, I get a small commission with no extra cost to you. It’s a Win-Win, and helps cover the cost of publishing Mantel and Table. (You can read the whole disclosure policy here.) Thanks so much for shopping with me!
And remember, a portion of anything you buy from MANTELandTABLE.com goes to Habitat for Humanity and Proud Ground. With our purchases, we get to help people build homes for their own mantels and tables!
Pin the Blue Tablescape post for later
Go ahead and leave a Comment and let me know what you think of the blue tablescape – would you set something like this for Valentines Day?
The Rest of the Valentine’s Day Tablescape Hop!
Then, you get 15 more posts for Valentine table inspiration! Next on the hop is Ricki Jill at The Bookish Dilettante – Valentine’s Day Tablescape: Hearts and Lace
Or you can skip around anywhere on the list below. Have fun and thanks so much for stopping by!
- Panoply – Color My World, Valentine
- Hyacinths for the Soul – Cozy Moments of the Heart – Valentine Tablescape
- The Cat’s Whiskerz – Hearts, Snowflakes and some Sparkle for a Valentine’s Day Table
- Red Cottage Chronicles – Family Fun Valentine’s Tablescape
- Everyday Living – Valentine’s Day – A Celebration of Love
- Life and Linda – Love You Beary Much
- The Painted Apron – Rosy Valentine
- My Thrift Store Addiction – Must Have Flowers! Vintage French Valentine’s Day Tablescape
- Me and My Captain – Elementary, My Dear Watson
- Home is Where the Boat Is – The Birds and Bees
- Karins Kottage – Flirty and Fun Valentine Table
- Pandora’s Box – A Valentine Breakfast
- Mantel and Table – YOU ARE HERE!
- The Bookish Dilettante – Valentine’s Day Tablescape: Hearts and Lace
- Thrifting Wonderland – Be Mine…Valentine
- Dinner at Eight – A Valentine’s Table with Flowers, Ribbons and Hearts
What a beautiful table! I love it when people use other than traditional colors to celebrate a holiday known for particular colors. The blue here is marvelous. Everything is so lovely, your dinnerware is stunning, and that stemware is to die for!
Thanks so much Pattie – I sure had fun with it! So glad you stopped by!
Barbara, your table is gorgeous! I love the blue and white, with the beautiful touches of pink. I am happy to feature your post at Tuesday Turn About. Thank you so much for sharing!
Oh thank you Lynne – how sweet of you! I love Tuesday Turn About! 💗 See you there next week!
What a beautiful table, and very elegant. I like the idea of using simple white dinner plates with such an intricate tablecloth pattern.
Hi Lisa – thank you so much! Those white plates have come in so handy over the years. That was sweet of you to comment – I hope you stop back again. Take care till then!
Oooooo I do love this! I love blue and white, and with a touch of blush pink, your table is truly romantic. My favorite is how the pale pink napkins pop on your plate stacks. Stunning table! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Hi Ricki Jill! Thanks so much! We definintely share the love of blue and pink! 😊 I’m so glad you stopped by – it’s been lovely hopping with you. Happy Valentines to you too!
Barbara, this is beautiful! I love the repetition of the gorgeous pattern. Different mediums provide different views of intricate designs and their interplay on the same table is all the more interesting. Of course I love using patterns and colors (especially blues) particularly when they’re paired with such lovely items as those marvelous gold goblets and pretty pink napkins. And the flowers! I love everything about this! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day
Oh thank you Sandra! I love the way you describe the different mediums providing different views – that’s exactly what I was after! Thanks so much for stopping by. It’s so fun to hop with you!
Striking tablescape!
https://jeanneselep.blogspot.com/2023/08/collection-china-hutches-and-china.html
Thank you so much Jeanne! I’ll pop over to your blog and see what you’re up to too. Happy Valentines!
Barbara, the contrast between your vibrant blue table setting and beautiful pink roses is absolutely stunning! Pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Oh that’s sweet of you Cecilia! Thanks so much for pinning – I’m happy to be sharing the hop with you! Take care till next time!
Beautiful and classically elegant table, Barbara. It was so nice to see that you are joining this great group for some Tablescape hops. The beautiful blue and white tablecloth really sets off the classical shades of pink in the flowers. Loved the charger with the gold rim to set it apart from the tablecloth. The gold flatware is lovely and ties in beautifully with the goblets. I’m sure your guest will feel so special seated at this lovely table. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
Lynne
Hi Lynne! Thanks so much – I’ve always loved pink and blue together. So thoughful of Williams Sonoma to make such lovely tableware for me! 🤣 I hope you’re having a wonderful winter so far. I’m always happy to share a hop with you! Happy Valentine’s Day to you too!
Barbara! Wow this tablescape is absolutely gorgeous! The centerpiece just stands out against the tablelcoth and dishes. So so stunning. Goodwill glasses??? Sheesh total score! You have always had a way with creating tablescapes. You inspire me!
Hugs,
Karin
Aww thanks Karin! I know – isn’t Goodwill amazing? I’ve found such great things there! You inspire me too – it’s so fun to be on the same hop! Hugs back, and Happy Valentines!
Wow Barbara, this is an unexpected surprise, a colorful pattern mix is something you don’t normally do! It is really pretty, I love the pink and blue. The gold really adds a glamorous touch! The Goodwill glasses were an amazing find, they are beautiful! The WS tablecloth and matching charger, plate and napkin ring look wonderful with the pink roses…it all looks gorgeous! I wish you a Valentine’s Day filled with love, flowers, and beautiful tables 💕
Ha – Jenna you’ve got a very observant eye! Yes, I’m really just inching into color and pattern, Tablescapers like you who do great things with color have inspired me, and this tablecloth made it so easy to dip my toe in. Hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day too – and maybe warm up a little! SO nice hopping with you!
Barbara, Your blue and white table is lovely and such a classic combination any time of year. Love the addition of the blush pink from your napkins and beautiful flowers and what a great idea to use the crystal flatware caddies as vases! Your Mikasa Antique Lace goblets were a wonderful find too. It’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day. ♥
Hi Mary! I think I’ve used the flatware caddies more often for flowers than for flatware! 🤣 But it’s fun to have things that do double duty. Off topic, but I just love your gravatar picture of the puppies! I’m still going through dog withdrawl after 25 years, but someday I want to have some as cute as yours! Thanks for sharing them, as well as your gorgeous tables and decor and treats … ! Hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day too! Take care till next time!
Such a beautiful tablescape. Love the blue, various colours of the flowers, plates and gold cutlery. Very elegant.
Thanks Janice! I’m having so much fun messing around with the blue. Stay tuned for some more! 😊 Hope you’re doing well up there!
Beautiful!!! Love every detail and hope to find something close to those Mikasa lace glasses!!!
Oh thanks Carie! I’ll keep my eyes open for you next time I’m at Goodwill! 😊💛
Oh my gosh Barbara – this is stunning! The WS Morris and Co pieces you chose are classic and timeless. There would be almost endless possibilities for mixing and matching with other dishware – isn’t playing with dishes just the best? I love how you paired the blue with the pink napkins, white plates, and gold accents and the flowers are just gorgeous. I remember the Mikasa antique glassware find from the thrift store – what a great score. It’s all beautiful my friend and I am so so happy you have joined the group. Welcome!!
Hi Kim! I’m so happy I joined too – you ladies are so creative, and I’m really inspired by all the beautiful tables! Ha – that’s funny that you remember the Goodwill shopping trip. That sure was fun, but I wished I’d had more than an hour! 😊 Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! See you around and about, my friend!
Oh wow, Barbara! This is absolutely lovely. All the WS pieces you used are fabulous and you will use them over & over again. The crystal glasses were a great thrift find! And I love the idea of using the crystal flatware caddies as vases. Genius! XO- MaryJo
Thanks so much MaryJo – you’re so encouraging! It took me quite a while to figure out what those caddies were! 🤣 So glad you stopped by!
Barbara, your table is gorgeous. Love the pretty Morris & Co. tablecloth and matching dishware. It is lovely with the pink roses and gold accessories. I love that the plate charger has a gold rimmed border. The white dinner plate adds some separation from the pattern. I can see why you love this so much. Loving the gold goblets, so perfect with the gold touches. What a great find on those Mikasa Antique Lace glasses. The matching napkin rings looks lovely against the pale pink. A beautiful table to enjoy Valentine’s Day and more. A pleasure joining you on this hop.
So nice to join you all too, Linda! I love these hops – so much inspiration all in one place! Hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with your cute bears and all the pink in your table too!
I love all your new blue pieces, Barbara! They are super gorgeous! I might have to pop into a Williams Sonoma soon…
PS: Congrats on your magazine feature! That’s awesome and SO well deserved!
Hi! Yes, a trip to WS is always fun. I actually thought of you as they were wrapping my plates up, since I know you love blue too. Hope you’re doing well in this late winter season, and staying warm. Take care till next time!
Beautiful table, Barbara. The blue with hints of pink is lovely. The table collection from William-Sonoma is gorgeous. Glad you got it to use in your tablescape. The flower centerpiece is so pretty.
Hi Carol! Isn’t that Williams Sonoma pattern great? I was so happy to be able to use it in this table. Glad you like the flowers too. Hope you’re doing well out there – I’m still loving your Blogger Bulletin. 😊 Happy Thursday!
Wow, Barbara, this is such a classically elegant and romantic tablescape with that predominantly WIlliam Morris pattern you’ve used. Williams Sonoma does such a fine job with their selections offered. You’ll be able to mix and match those elements you’ve purchased for many a future tablescape combination. My only WS shopping option is online unless I’m traveling, and you can believe I visit their retail stores when I do. I adore the soft peachy pinks you’ve used here (my favorite wardrobe color choice) with the napkins and florals. Together with the gold goblets and flatware, they make the blue & whites pop. And those Godinger cutlery caddies – beautiful for your stunning table florals! You go girl, with that crystal you scored at Goodwill! Love your Valentine table, and happy for your excitement in being a participant in this blog hop. A warm welcome to you!
Thanks so much Rita – I’m having a wonderful time sharing your hop! Too bad you don’t have a Williams Sonoma near you, but at least with online, you still end up with great pieces. I’m planning to use mine in lots of different combinations. And yes, blush is definitely your color! 🙂 Your gravitar picture is lovely! I’m getting a ton of inspiration from everyone’s posts – thanks again for having me along, and organizing such an excellent hop!
Barbara, I love your gorgeous table. The WS tablecloth, chargers, salad plates, and napkin rings are stunning. I have somehow missed seeing this pattern. The white dinner plate is perfect with the pattern of the Morris & Co. The modern gold flatware and the gold goblets add more elegance to an already elegant table. What a find were the Mikasa lace glasses, great way to spend a lunch hour. Who doesn’t love tulips and roses as a centerpiece …they add the ideal Valentine’s Day touch! It is always a pleasure to sit at one of your lovely tables, my friend ❤️
Barb your table is lovely. I like the blue for valentines day theme because the beautiful flowers give your table that touch of pink which is so beautiful with the vivid blue. The Goodwill glasses were certainly a find you lucky girl. I like when you share your “lunchtime” visits to thrift stores…one never knows what treasures you will find and by allowing yourself a short visit…you make the most of your shopping experience. The gold wine glasses do remind me of a sort of chalice from King Arthur’s court. I will always remember when “Tessie” visited me in Florida. What a fun experience with the traveling teacup. Thank you for joining our blog hopping crew…and have a wonderful week. Blessings Always
Absolutely gorgeous., my friend. The dishware and flowers are so beautiful.
Aww thanks my friend! Hope you’re staying warm and dry out there!
Your centerpiece really caught my eye and pop on the blue tablecloth! The gold cups and flatware sparkles and also stand out. This is a lovely setting and any guest would enjoy sitting at your table!
Thank you so much Patti! I’m so glad you like it. I’m so happy to be joining you on this Valentine’s Day hop! Hope you have a wonderful day!