This Year’s Gaines Family Valentine’s Dinner

A Sweet Tradition

The first year we lived at the farm, Chip and I had the idea of making Valentine’s dinner at home. Instead of finding a fancy table for two somewhere, we thought the kids might enjoy dressing up our own table, making a spread of our favorite dishes, and toasting to a night spent together. Every year since, we’ve returned to this sweet tradition, and as the kids have grown up, it’s now a full-on family affair. Everyone takes a job: setting the table, cooking (or sometimes just tasting…), playing dj, or lighting the candles. We like to change up the table setting and add to the menu every year, so I thought I’d pull together what the kids and I came up with for this February 14. Maybe it will inspire your own evening in!

The Menu

The theme here is simple. I make everyone’s favorites, and fill in any flavor gaps with tastes I know we’ll all love. Here’s the lineup for this year:

Starters & Apps

White Cheddar Bisque

poured into small, individual cups

Salad & Sides

Arugula and Dried Cherry Salad

Mac and Cheese

Scalloped Potatoes

Dinner Rolls

Mains

Beef Tenderloin (We also prepare King Crab Legs every year—it’s always the kids’ favorite!)

Desserts

Crème Brûlée with Fresh Berries

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

The Table

When it comes to the tablescape, I like to layer in a few feminine details along with a neutral base to keep the look balanced. The sweet spot for me is a table that feels celebratory and nostalgic, but one that also feels intentionally put together for the people there. This year, I played around with woven and linen textures as well as vintage flatware and glassware. It feels classic to have a centerpiece of roses, so we snipped a few varieties from the garden!

Grey Scalloped Plate (Dinner & Dessert), Amelia Placemat, Dawn Rose Napkins, Etched Glassware (Tall & Short), Vintage Flatware Set, Gatecrest Candle Holder, Hand-Dipped Taper Candle, Rustic Black Hand-Made Vase, Dutchess Rose

I love the idea of including a sweet poem at each place setting as a simple, intentional layer on the table. I’ve included one here that you can print and use for yourself. It also makes for a thoughtful addition to a gift—simply tie with ribbon or twine!

(A Little) Something for Everyone

I always love surprising the kids with something small that I hope makes them feel special. This year, I jumped on magnolia.com and took note of a few things I’m eyeing for the kids this Valentine's Day.

For the Boys

For the Girls

Explore more gifts to celebrate the people you love: