Table by Maison Fête et Cie, Photo by Eugenia Remark
Dinner for two at home offers a quiet indulgence, a retreat from the world that can be just as romantic as dining out. The French — masters of romance — know how to host at home, despite their love for bistros and brasseries.
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Creating a special moment at home is all about setting the scene and attending to the details. A thoughtfully set table does more than hold a meal — it tells a story. The right touches elevate the evening from routine to revelry, turning even the simplest supper into an occasion.
Here’s how to arrange an unforgettable table for two this Valentine’s Day, inspired by the intimate setting of French eateries.
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1. Choosing Table Linens
The foundation of a table setting, the table linens plays a pivotal role in setting the mood of your dinner for two. A pristine white tablecloth evokes the refined dining experience of a Parisian brasserie, while linens in deep plum, moody magenta, or faded rose conjure a whisper of old-world romance. For an alternative, a delicate lace overlay can add vintage charm, while a striped runner in soft neutrals lends a Provençal touch for those that prefer minimal place settings.
Pro Tip: Let the fabric drape fluidly, pooling ever so slightly at the corners for an effortlessly undone look. To complete the setting, opt for napkins in complementary colors and fabrics, secured with silver or mother-of-pearl napkin rings for a delicate sheen.
2. Playing with Place Mats
Layering fabrics instantly adds intrigue to your tablescape. Lace-trims, handwoven straw, frayed edges or quilted cotton bring contrast and a tactile quality that invites touch. The French embrace the sensual and always pay attention to details, so try to make your dinner table as alluring to the fingertips as it is to the eye. Playful details like scalloped edges or delicate embroidery also lend a flirtatious air. For a chic and contemporary edge, consider using leather placemats, or if you prefer a French country design, rattan mats can be used for a rustic romantic atmosphere.
Pro Tip: For extra flair, pair your mats with coordinating charger plates to frame the table setting elegantly.
3. The Art of Plateware
For a Valentine’s Day setting, you can’t go wrong with antique french porcelain plates, either with a gilded rim or sporting delicately faded floral motifs which set an elegant tone for the meal ahead. For a modern French touch, opt for minimalist stoneware in soft, natural tones or carved olive wood plates and bowls for an artisanal touch.
4. Defining Glassware
Glassware does more than hold a drink — the right pieces make even a simple sip feel considered. Long-stemmed wine glasses glow when placed next to candles, refracting the light beautifully, while heavy-cut crystal tumblers add a touch of nostalgia. A truly French table might be graced by a delicate Champagne coup or water goblets in smoky grey or deep emerald which add a splash of color and quiet drama.
Pro Tip: For a balanced look, arrange your glassware in a diagonal line from the dinner plate, starting with the largest (water glass) closest and tapering down to the smallest (liqueur glass) at the outer edge.
5. Selecting Serveware
Since the French revels in the details, never overlook your serveware when it comes to dining with style. A well-polished antique silver butter dish, burnished cutlery, or an intricately scalloped serving spoon adds a healthy dose of old-fashioned opulence. When shopping for silverware, it should feel weighty in the hand and cool to the touch. Small but deliberate details — such as etchings — are also appreciated and give your table setting an expensive finish.
Pro Tip: Place large serving utensils in a porcelain dish or on a silver serving tray to keep the setting tidy and intentional.
6. Dimming the Lights
Harsh overhead lighting is the enemy of romance. Instead, let candlelight shape the scene and heighten the mood. Slender tapers in vintage holders add height and drama to a table, while low votives cast intimate pools of flickering warmth. Opt for soft ivory or deep oxblood candlesticks — the French never settle for ordinary white when a richer hue will do. Scented candles can also infuse your evening with rich notes of fig, tuberose, or French vanilla, subtly enhancing the ambiance.
Pro Tip: To create the most flattering light, place candles at varying heights across the table, ensuring soft illumination without obstructing eye contact.
7. Accessorizing the Table
For the final flourishes, flowers should feel abundant, almost unruly. Opt for blooms like roses, anemones and ranunculus and have them spill from an antique vase, trailing onto the table. Knife rests, a refined yet often overlooked French touch, keep cutlery poised and provide an opportunity for playful styling. A delicate scattering of dried petals or a single bloom at each place setting adds a poetic air. Consider using bud vases in varied shapes and sizes to create an organic floral arrangement or incorporating seasonal elements like sprigs of rosemary tied with silk ribbons for a fragrant and unexpected detail. For a finishing touch, include a handwritten menu on petal infused paper to elevate the dining experience further.
