Love Is Everything, Valentine’s Day 2026
Love Is Everything, Valentine’s Day 2026….I know I am a hopeless romantic and I love to set a candlelight table for me and my Captain. I am fortunate the Captain is very romantic also. He is always up for my impromptu picnics or late night walks along the beach or riding camels up Mt. Sinai in the moonlight.
We Love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
This table was inspired in part by my sweet friend, Barb from Mantel & Table. I met Barb through her traveling teacup series when she asked me to have Miss Tessa the traveling tea cup, visit Florida several years ago. It was such fun to have the beautiful tea cup visit my state. I enjoyed taking pictures of Miss Tessa visiting several points of interest and posting about the visit. You can see that post here. Barb set a completely golden table a while back. It was so pretty. Instead of going all gold, as she did, which was lovely…, I decided to add white with the gold, using white flowers, white dinnerware and white napkins to my table. Fortunately, I had all the gold and white as I had used the elements in another tablescape. Barb had used all candles for her table but I also added two table lamps along with the flowers which gives off a different vibe.
The white and gold flecked table runner was my starting point. In the center of the table is a gold candelabra with gold candles.
Surrounding the candelabra are white roses, white carnations and white magnolia flowers and gold flickering votive cups. To add to the ambiance, I added two cordless and rechargeable small gold table lamps.
The plate stack consists of a gold webbed placemat followed by a gold charger, and white dinner plate. I debated on a salad plate which had a single red flower on the rim for a pop of color and to identify with the red of Valentine’s Day, but then I decided to go with all white dinnerware, although I used a white salad plate with flecks of silver.
There is a cute gold and white swan holding dessert spoons with pretty bows. The table is a simple one… more romantic. I think. No un-necessary distractions.
Aren’t these little gold cupids the cutest? I sat them on a little white tray with gold bows…luv ’em!
I placed one of the gold spoons with a bow on the tray, and I really like the look.
The gold flatware is another way to enhance the gold tablescape, along with the golden wine glasses which by the way keeps our wine nice and cold.. A white linen napkin is enclosed with a plain gold napkin ring.
In addition to good food, I believe one also needs soft romantic music to set the tone for Valentine”s Day. The Captain and I have a favorite piano instrumental called “The Lonely Island” by Ernesto Cortazar and if you would like to watch/listen to it on You Tube, you can see it here. We also have a few lovely CD’s of instrumental music by Carlos Santana (🥴that really dates us🥴) and other old CD’s that we will play in the background during our Surf & Turf dinner.
Surf & Turf Menu for Valentine Love Dinner
The Menu will be: Lobster Tails/Umami Sliced Steak with Truffled Mushrooms, Red Peppers & Caramelized Shallots, Roasted Potatoes, Green Salad, Broccolini Limone, and Chocolate Cheesecake Pudding for dessert.
Since this post is all about Valentine’s Day and Love, I wanted to share the beautiful lyrics from a song by Reba McEntire from 1983.
1 Corinthians 13:13 “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Blessings Always and Happy Valentine’s Day to all.
Resources: Gold Table Lamps, White Flower Assortment, Gold votive Cups, Candelabra, Gold Sparkly Table Runner, Gold Wine Stemware, Gold Water Glasses, Gold Candles, Amazon…Gold Chargers, Gold Napkin Rings and Linen Napkins, Hobby Lobby..,,,.Gold Flatware, Webbed Placemat, Dinnerware, I can’t remember where I purchased.🥴
What else can I say. Gorgeous.
Thank you so much Rebecca, I have such fun playing with my dishes and if it is romantic too? A win-win! Thanks for stopping by,
stay warm where ever you are. It was 39 degrees here in SW Florida last night! brrrrr🥶🥰
Kari, I listened to Ernesto Cortazar’s Lonely Island, and you are right – it is lovely. I can see/hear how it would be so romantic in the background to your beautiful table. Thanks for the suggestion. I love the gold and white theme that you chose and how the gold shimmers in the candlelight photos. The white dishes are perfect to offset the gold and for presentation of your delicious menu. The centerpiece is lovely with your gold candelabra surrounded by beautiful white flowers and the flickering gold votives. The gold and white flecked runner is a wonderful backdrop and adding the small gold lamps was genius (I must remember those). The gold swan holding the dessert spoons is so pretty. You and the Captain are all set for one very romantic and elegant dinner and I’m wishing you both a very happy Valentine’s Day!
Thank you Kim for your beautiful words regarding my Valentine Table. Don’t we have such fun playing with our dishes? I can remember as a little girl setting tables with mud pies on old orange crates so it all comes naturally to me that I would continue striving for that pretty table. Sometimes I start out with a plan but the end result is nothing like the original plan. I am sure you can identify with that too. I believe those gold table lamps were a great buy and I might go back and get the black ones also. They have certainly been useful and I haven’t had to recharge them in ages. Have a great and Blessed day. ❤️🥰❤️
Kari, I loved the romance of your table! All the golds leavened with white set a really enchanting mood, heightened by the beauty of candlelight. The metallic stemware, flatware and candle holders shimmered in the glow. The evening photo with the red lights through the window was dramatic. This is a very special table to share. Happy Valentine’s Day
Sandra, I don’t think there is any other holiday as special for couples….married or otherwise …as Valentine’s Day. I even loved it when I was in elementary school. I would work on a shoebox to decorate to take to school for my classmates to give me valentines and I would slave over each and every valentine I would give to them. LOL Thanks for your kind comments and for stopping by. I hope it is warming up in your neck of the woods. Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
What a beautiful table set for you and your Captain, Kari. I love that he indulges your romance too. The golds of your table make an elegant feel, and all the candles are romance swoon-worthy. That little swan with dessert spoons is beautiful! The metal wine glasses I think are a brilliant idea for keeping wine chilled. The lyrics to Reba’s song are wonderful, and oh my goodness, that piano piece by Ernesto Cortazar is just gorgeous! I am listening as I read this post. Music like this is truly moving, It’s why I loved dancing ballet so much also. Thank you for sharing the incurable romantic in you with all of us. Blessings to you and your Captain!
Rita, I found myself listening to ‘The Lonely Island’ by Ernesto Cortazar over and over as I typed all my responses to comments and I find I love it even more each time I play it. Years ago, I found his piano playing and purchased his music when it was available. He was quite the pianist.
“Ernesto Cortazar – Relaxing Piano MusicErnesto Cortázar II (1940–2004) was a renowned Mexican pianist and composer, famous for his romantic piano melodies and scoring over 500 films.”
His music has a haunting mellowness that one never forgets. Thanks for organizing this hop and for your sweet comments. I trust you are back to “normal” now that the storm is slowing down. Happy Valentine’s Day my sweet friend.❤️🥰❤️
Oh Kari – you’re so sweet!! I’m glad I could inspire you after all the times you’ve inspired me! Isn’t that the best thing about being part of this wonderful community!? So fun to reminisce about Tessa Rose’s lovely visit with you. And your table!! My dear, it’s just lovely! The white and gold centerpiece stops my heart! And I love the two table lamps! I really need to get some of those – they’re just perfect. The gold taper candles are very cool too. I’m in love with your gold and white un-distracted simplicity, and I bet The Captain was too. You two are so darling! (I’m glad someone else still listens to CDs.) Mmmmm your menu sounds fabulous – caramelized shallots – I’m IN!! Thanks for sharing your creativity my friend! I’m inspired all over again! Happy Valentines to you both. PS – I want to see pictures of you on camels!!
Oh Barb…I fell in love with your all gold table. I was glad I had a few gold pieces to put together. The lamps I had purchased about 2 months ago and used them in my kitchen and bedroom. So handy, so I had to rob peter to pay paul so to speak as I removed them and put them together on the table. I found that I really liked them there. Miss Tessa Rose was so much fun. Wow! such a long time ago it seems. The camel experience was surreal. We went up the mountain in the dead of night with nothing by the stars overhead. I kept pinching myself as I couldn’t believe it all. I must confess that camel riding such long distances is not for the feint of heart on narrow bumpy paths. However, going up the mountain on a camel was much easier than coming down on a camel. Those humps hurt and this is from a gal who has ridden horses all her life.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are able to stay warm. Happy Valentine’s Day.🥰❤️❤️
Kari, you really did capture that perfect romantic mood for Valentine’s Day! I think you were right not to include any red, what you chose made the statement. I love that embossed scalloped salad plate! Very pretty! Have a lovely Valentine’s Day!💛
I agree Ann…sometimes less is more with color. I really like those salad plates too. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Valentine’s Day to you too…
Kari, What a lovely and romantic Valentine’s Day table for two. I love your choice of an all gold and white setting, along with the ambiance of soft lighting and candles. Your menu sounds divine, the Captain is in for a treat! As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Stay warm & cozy! 🩷
Mary, I confess! I can get ‘mushy’ when it comes to Valentine’s Day’s Fol-De-Rol and Fiddle Dee Dee. I think it is because I am coming off a ‘high’ with Thanksgiving, then Christmas then New Year’s and landing with a splat flat smack into Valentine’s Day…the relaxed, slow, sexy, quiet Holiday is definitely a needed reprieve. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are staying warm…it was 38 degrees at first light down here which is very cold for us Floridians.
Kari, Gold and white is certainly a great choice to express romance at Valentine’s Day. I was so intrigued by your sparkly table runner, candleholder with tapers and, of course, your unique swan dessert spoon holder. It adds a touch of vintage elegance. The filigree plate in your plate stack conveys a special occasion, like a wedding design to the table along with the mini gold lamps that provide a subtle glow. The white flowers truly speak of love and romance. It is a very intimate setting where two people can enjoy the presence of each other as if the world around them didn’t exist. So special
Thank you Marsha, some ‘people’ get it and some don’t…You are one who does and I so appreciate your stopping by and commenting. I always say the Holiday we are celebrating is my favorite when in reality ALL Holidays are my favorite and sharing with a loved one…makes it “more” special if that is possible. Stay warm up there…it is so cold here by Florida standards…it was 38 degrees this morning as the Captain and I decided against going to our courtyard for our first light morning coffee. Hugs and blessings🥰
Kari, I love your elegant gold and white table. It speaks of elegance and romance! The sparkly white and gold flecked table runner was a great starting point and the lamps are a perfect addition to your stunning table! You know I am a romantic just as you are. Your gold and white table pulls at my romantic heartstrings. Wishing you and the Captain a wonderful Valentine’s Day, my friend ❤️
You and I are definitely ‘romantics’ Pam…and we are fortunate our husbands are too. I can listen to certain music and get all warm and fuzzy such as “the Lonely Island” by Ernesto Cortazar that I mentioned in my post. The Captain and I are ‘on the same page’ when it comes to music too. Thanks for stopping by my dear Sister. ❤️🥰
White and gold is always such a romantic way to set the mood for a special table, Kari. Love the candles and the beautiful little swan. Your favorite guy will so enjoy sharing this table with you. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Lynne, Thrifting Wonderland
I really like the little swan Lynne, and bring him out for occasionally as he seems to signify special. Thanks for your sweet comments and stay warm.
Dear Kari, What a romantic setting, and I love the Lonely Road. It’s so peaceful. Oh, and I’ve always liked Santana. His music can be rousing. Reba McIntire knows how to write from the heart. Fantastic woman!
Hugs,
Sandy
thanks Sandy…I am so glad you listened to the Lonely Island song by Ernesto Cortazar I love the piano and can lose myself in the hauntingly romantic melody. We like Santana so much that I think between the Captain and me, we have every album he ever recorded. Thanks for stopping by my friend…Happy Valentine’s Day and stay warm and keep the lights on…❤️🥰❤️
This table is so elegant and pretty! And YES to 1 John 4:19!!! I love anything that reflects light in winter. We need more light, and your table is perfect.
Thank you Ricki and as I have said before, my prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow. Hugs and blessings as you move on in your journey…thanks for your comments and we have Jesus who is the Light of this world…remember we are in this world not of this world and someday we will unite with our loved ones who have gone before. What a day of rejoicing that will be. Hugs and blessings my friend.❤️🥰
Kari, you have set such a pretty table with white and gold. Love the sparkle and candlelight. The votives are are a nice touch, along with the gold swan. Your menu sounds so delicious. The song lyrics are so precious. Always a pleasure joining you at the table. Happy Valentines early.❤️
Linda you are so kind, thank you. I suppose I am an incurable romantic but it is what it is…I believe you are too and that is a good thing. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day as your guy is always there for you too. Stay warm
What a perfectly romantic and elegant table for two for Valentine’s Day, Kari. I love the candles and the soft lighting and your menu sounds perfect for you and your sweetheart.
I love to cook and make special meals Kitty…I’d rather be in the kitchen than do laundry, folding towels particularly. LOL I am sure your family will be with you as they are so sweet to include you …you are fortunate indeed dear one. Hugs and Blessings and I hope you are staying warm and cozy.❤️🥰
Sandra, it is a beautiful table to set a romantic mood. Keep setting those tables for your guy. Make every moment count. It’s so elegant! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sarah, I am sure you meant to say Kari rather than Sandra (I only mention it because I think you did that the last hop too, but don’t give it another thought because sometimes I don’t know who I am! LOL) but never-the-less…thank you for stopping by and commenting….Have a great and blessed day
Kari, your table is just aglow and magical. That first picture caught my eye immediately with your shimmering runner since I love sparkles and glitter. The gold and white is a very romantic look for Valentine’s Day. Had to chuckle when spotting your hand in the reflection of the gold votive. Where you on the floor for that shot? Speaking of shots, how about all those great Bidunga Dunks?
Oh Jan! I noticed my hand and nails in that photo and wondered how many would notice it…I should have known you would catch the Jayhawk blue. LOL Yes, those Bidunga Dunks were so cool….I was so proud of them all. I hope they can continue with consistent play although I was disappointed DP was sidelined yet again against K-State. Rock Chalk !! we have a tough BYU game coming up Saturday and we still have to face Arizona…TWICE….and Houston! Oh, and thank you for your kind and sweet comments on my Valentine’s Day post. Your are always there for me….Thanks my dear friend.❤️🥰❤️
I love the gold and white here. It is non-traditional, but so appropriate because it’s very romantic. What really blows my skirt up here is the Swan with the little spoons. That is adorable!
Thank you Pattie…I love that little swan too…the spoons are so delicate and it makes eating dessert feel a bit more special. Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm.
Such a glitzy table with the gold and candles. This gives off such a romantic vibe! Enjoy your Valentines day!
thanks Patti…I do enjoy the romance of the day.
This table is so beautful and terribly elegant. I love your votives too, and how they surround that beautiful floral wreath. It’s a wonderful and refreshing look. I’d call this one seriously romantic!
Thanks Jeanie…I am an incurable romantic! Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comments. Stay warm and keep the lights on…❤️🥰❤️