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:
Mains
Beef Tenderloin (We also prepare King Crab Legs every year—it’s always the kids’ favorite!)
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'm also including a sweet poem this year at each place setting, which I’ve included here so that you can simply click on and print for yourself. Give it a place on your own table or tie onto a gift!
(A Little) Something for Everyone
Every year, I always love surprising the kids with something small that I hope makes them feel special. This year, I jumped on magnolia.com and found a little something for everyone (except Crew, whose unfailing love for birds sent me on a search for the perfect bird call…)
For the Boys | No.16 Forest Green Hat, Major League Ballpark Scratch-Off Chart
For Crew | Field Guide to Backyard BirdsOpens in new tab, Bird Call SetOpens in new tab
For the Girls | Petite Avery Dish, Pink Agate Bracelet Set, Golden Key Chain Bracelet Set
Explore more gifts to celebrate the people you love:
