Photographs by Kyle Norton
Sweet Settings
WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING A ROMANTIC EVENING OR A VALENTINE’S-THEMED FAMILY DINNER, A LITTLE CREATIVE THINKING CAN GO A LONG WAY. ASHLEY ALLAN OF ASHLEY ALLAN HOME OFFERS INSPIRATION TO HELP YOU CREATE A MEMORABLE DINNER.
TABLE FOR TWO
1. Find unique fabric textures for table cover-
ings, like this one made
of burlap.
2. Nix the normal and choose a surprising
location for dinner, like
the library.
3. Don’t tie yourself to red and pink—try more sophisticated colors like aubergine and brown.
4. If roses are overdone, opt for fresh fruits as a centerpiece.
5. Don’t get hung up on
a particular use for something—these vintage rose glasses are meant
for brandy, but work for water, too.
Sources
Burlap Tablecloth Ashley Allan Home, 917-355-7165
Vintage Rose-Colored Brandy Glasses Trovare Home, 203-869-5512;
trovareathome.com
Fiorella Champagne Flutes Juliska, 203-316-0212; juliska.com
Berry & Thread Salad and Dinner Plate Juliska
Ikat Napkins, Dransfield & Ross Hoagland’s, 203-869-2127
Feather Place Mats Similar at Abigail Fox Designs,
203-344-1707
Silverleaf Votive Holders Similar at Abigail Fox Designs
CROWD PLEASER
1. Personalize boxes for your guest’s favors using unique patterned papers that match your theme.
2. Use a cool, colorful food display as opposed
to a more traditional
centerpiece on the table.
3. Felt has an interesting texture and is an inexpensive option for a kid-friendly table runner.
4. Tissue paper flowers make for a fun project with the kids and are a unique twist on your average Valentine’s Day arrangement.
5.Think of interesting alternatives to conversation hearts—one great idea is to make personalized fortune cookies.
Sources
Felt Jo-Ann Fabric; joann.com
Fortune Cookies Hunan Gourmet, Greenwich; 203-869-1940
Fortune Cookie Boxes
weddingfavorsunlimited.com
Patterned Paper Kate’s Paperie, Greenwich;
203-861-0025
Grosgrain Ribbon Kate’s Paperie
Tissue Paper Papyrus, Greenwich, papyrusonline.com; 203-869-1888
Scalloped Linen Napkins The Linen Shop, New
Canaan; 203-972-0433
Macaroons Patisserie Salzburg, Rye; 914-921-4458
“Staccato” Dinner Plates Crate & Barrel; crateandbarrel.com
Pink glasses Anthropologie, Greenwich; 203-422-5421
Red hots & Conversation Hearts candyfavorites.com
