Tickle Your Valentine Table's Fancy With Neon Pink
Show your ardor with passionately bright pink candles, ribbons and flower petals that set the stage for romance
An intimate table set for two is always a special affair. This Valentine's Day, whether you're trying to impress a new romantic interest or refresh a relationship, try adding an unexpected jolt of color to your tablescape. Netherlands designer Sonia van der Zwaan-Barrigas of Gosto Design helped me put together a fresh and playful take on a candlelit dinner. See how just a few vibrant bursts of neon can set the mood to celebrate love on February 14.
"[We] approached this concept from a contemporary point of view using romantic aspects in a more modern setting," says van der Zwaan-Barrigas. "While a lace tablecloth wouldn't typically be associated with a modern interior, it softens the room, giving it the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner for two."
A delicate handmade fabric garland of both bright and muted tones weaves its way through the tablescape. This one was made with a sewing machine; you also can make one by cutting out circles in different colors of fabric or paper, punching a hole in each circle, then connecting them together with twine or string. Sprinkle edible candy hearts on the table for more color and whimsy.
Garland: Gosto; dinnerware: Royal, Villeroy & Boch; cutlery: Oscar, Villeroy & Boch
Garland: Gosto; dinnerware: Royal, Villeroy & Boch; cutlery: Oscar, Villeroy & Boch
Add small romantic details, such as a delicate velvet ribbon as a napkin ring with a tiny white narcissus.
Cutlery: Oscar, Villeroy & Boch
Cutlery: Oscar, Villeroy & Boch
Fresh honeydew melon hearts with paper umbrellas can add a splash of fun to any Valentine's beverage.
To make them, simply press a mini heart-shaped cookie cutter into the flesh of any melon. Then cut into one side of the heart and place it carefully on the rim of the glass. Insert a couple of umbrellas into the top cheek.
To make them, simply press a mini heart-shaped cookie cutter into the flesh of any melon. Then cut into one side of the heart and place it carefully on the rim of the glass. Insert a couple of umbrellas into the top cheek.
Fill small vases with blooms. For our arrangement we included white and pink roses, a white narcissus, a white hyacinth, a pink anemone, white and orange gerberas and a pink carnation.
"Adding neon-pink candles to the scene gives it a playful and edgy feel, while perfectly tying in with more delicate ribbons in pink and pastels in the vases and flowers," says van der Zwaan-Barrigas.
Candelabra, pendant lights: Muuto; candles: Dille & Kamille; dining chairs: Eiffel, Eames
"Adding neon-pink candles to the scene gives it a playful and edgy feel, while perfectly tying in with more delicate ribbons in pink and pastels in the vases and flowers," says van der Zwaan-Barrigas.
Candelabra, pendant lights: Muuto; candles: Dille & Kamille; dining chairs: Eiffel, Eames
Decorate vases of all shapes and sizes with ribbons, trimmings and washi tape. Each vase here has its own thoughtful decoration. Most were given a layered treatment, but one is dressed with a simple pink grosgrain bow.
"We loved the use of neon pink as a way to splash color in an otherwise neutral setting," says van der Zwaan-Barrigas.
To add subtle hints of the color to the tablescape, we painted the petals of some of the fresh flowers with neon-pink acrylic paint. You could even personalize the flower with your loved one's initials or name. The idea is inspired by the work of London-based author, stylist and designer Sania Pell, who did a similar project using florals found in her garden.
To add subtle hints of the color to the tablescape, we painted the petals of some of the fresh flowers with neon-pink acrylic paint. You could even personalize the flower with your loved one's initials or name. The idea is inspired by the work of London-based author, stylist and designer Sania Pell, who did a similar project using florals found in her garden.
This lone carnation also got the neon-pink treatment to add a hint of fun to its frilly edges.
"Though Valentine's Day isn't something that I ever celebrate back in my hometown of Portugal, I would certainly use this table setting all year round to keep the romance alive," van der Zwaan-Barrigas says. Now light the candles and toast to love.
Tell us: How will you be decorating your table this Valentines Day?
"Though Valentine's Day isn't something that I ever celebrate back in my hometown of Portugal, I would certainly use this table setting all year round to keep the romance alive," van der Zwaan-Barrigas says. Now light the candles and toast to love.
Tell us: How will you be decorating your table this Valentines Day?