As we enter the season of love, Valentine's Day tablescaping is at top of our mind. Whether you're setting the table for a party, a Galentine's brunch, or an intimate dinner with your other half, what's on the table can make all the difference. Though we've come to expect pinks and reds, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Cher's interior designer, switches it up with black and white.
He tells Homes & Gardens: 'The Valentine’s Day tablescape should always be something of beauty. Not only is it a moment of romance, but it’s also a chance to show your loved one how much you care about them and how you want to both impress and delight them with your style. The classic idea of red being the color of love is, of course, a vital part of the Valentine's Declaration of Love, but I like to incorporate that into My florals on the tablescape rather than it being the main event.'
To add interest to his tablescape, Bullard is couching these vibrant details in a more neutral background. 'This year, I am planning on a black and white themed table, using the Addison Ross chinoiserie collection of placemats, coasters, and salt and pepper grinders (added for the height and beauty they give to the table as well as their use),' he explains. 'This classic colorway and romantic historical reference with the design makes for a dramatic statement, especially when mixed with the red-themed florals, many candles at different heights (with the rest of the lighting in the room dimmed to its lowest levels).'
Infuse your tablescape with history and style with these gorgeous black and white chinoiserie placemats. They would look gorgeous with white plates and pink flowers.
Grind your pepper in style with these Martyn Bullard-approved mills. Their pillar shape is easy to use and looks beautiful in the middle of a table.
These chic lacquered coasters look good in any setting. I use them on my coffee table when I'm not using them on my table, and it makes the whole space look more elevated.
This pink, white, black, and red vase is perfect for holding red roses on your Valentine's Day tablescape. I love the love-themed pattern.
Candles are the secret weapon to a stylish tablescape, no matter what the rest looks like. For Valntine's day, they will help create an extra romantic feel.
Mix these fluted candles in with white candles to create an interesting and varied look. They would look gorgeous with metallic candlesticks.
This dining table decor has the additional benefit of being versatile depending on the season. Bullard says: 'You can never go wrong with a black and white background for the table pieces, it allows you then to accessorize with whatever colors you love, and the food to become the star when served upon it, becoming a tablescape so magnificent that it will arouse the most amorous appetite and flame the passions of true love.'
Just because something is classic, doesn't mean it's the only option. By switching it up, you can create Valentine's table decor that feels elevated and personal
