Monthly Archives: February, 2010

Did you know that Saint Valentine was a religious martyr? There are many myths regarding St. Valentine, but one of the most popular legends is that Saint Valentine was a priest who was martyred for his faith in Rome under Claudius II. More importantly, he was killed because he married catholic couples, and helping christians in any way, shape or form was a crime.

It’s a grisly thought, at best, but also rather incredible to think that a man believed SO MUCH in marriage that he ended up giving up his own life in order to unite loving couples in holy matrimony. Incredible.

For 8 years, my life was steeped in the commercialization of Valentine’s Day as I worked in floral retail situations. Last year, for the first time since I’d met my husband, I decided not to work over V-day. We had a leisurely day and I made heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast. It was nice. We made memories.

But sadly, due to the over-commercialization of holidays, most people think that Valentine’s Day is just about giving gifts. Massive arrangements of red roses, diamond jewelry, decadent chocolates and expensive dinners at uber-chic restaurants may be some people’s way of demonstrating their love, but I know a lot of people who would far prefer that their partner took the time to create a special memory with them. Creating a special memory can be as simple as throwing a tablecloth on the table, lighting a few candles, and serving up a favorite meal. Or it can go a step further than that.

Here’s a sweet tablescape I came up with for a romantic Valentine’s dinner for two on the back patio… keeping in mind that time with one’s lover is worth more than gold!

I was inspired by this valentine, calligraphed by my mum, Victoria Hoke Lane.

Rather than one large floral arrangement, I chose to do three smaller arrangements. I used very “traditional” large mint julep cups, and filled them with wild arrangements of purple stock, tulips and statice, with dusty miller, silver brunia, green berzillia berries and some funky sticks.

The table settings consisted of “Emma” dinnerwear from Pottery Barn, vintage lace linens, and vintage silver flatwear. I accented each plate with a crocheted doily (it’s “Grandma chic”!), a bit of lilac ribbon, and a snippet of silver brunia.

Other simple touches included the paper doily garland and the ribbons on the backs of the chairs.

European-style hand-tied bouquets are my favorite, and you definitely don’t have to be a bride to hold a bouquet! I make myself a bouquet every chance I get!

Wouldn’t you enjoy sitting at this table, eating a delicious meal, and savoring the moment with your lover?

And in case you missed it, Bonnie Tsang also shot this table for me, and her photos were featured on Grey Likes Weddings!