Valentine's Dinner for Two • Robyn's Southern Nest

Every year my husband, Chris, and I typically have a romantic dinner at home for Valentine’s Day. I am much more comfortable at home in my element, where I can focus on the only person I really want to be around. This year I thought I would create a little romantic Valentine’s dinner for two in our courtyard. We of course had to put up our gas patio heater to keep warm since well, it’s Winter. There is just something about eating outside under the night sky by candlelight. It almost felt like we were at a little French bistro restaurant.

I kept it rather simple this year with small bistro table for two. The chairs I used were actually the ones we sat on during our wedding reception. So they hold a very special memory for us. You can easily set up a small table somewhere inside and re-create this same look with just a few simple essentials.

If you are setting a table outside I suggest gathering all of the items you’ll need to create the table. It will almost be like a test run so you won’t have to go back and forth inside and out. Once you’ve gathered everything you need in one area, then you can carry it out in a bin to set it up. It wil be much easier trust me!

My Essentials for a Tablescape:

White Tablecloth

Tapered Candlesticks

Fresh Florals or Greenery

Stemware

Layered plates

Napkin Display

A nice fresh white tablecloth will feel like you’re at a nice restaurant and create a clean base for the table.

For the centerpiece I kept the florals sitting low in a crystal bowl. That way your view of your significant other won’t be obstructed. We had some of our camellias blooming in the yard so I just grabbed a few blooms and greenery from the bush and displayed them in a crystal bowl with water. An easy way to keep them in place is to do a cross hatching with clear scotch tape as seen below.

I think cut glass stemware looks so nice because it will reflect in the candle light, and just feels fancy right? Chris and I don’t drink so our glasses will be filled with sparkling water instead. I’ve had this bottle of Rosé since we got married. I call it my prop bottle. lol!

To create some height with the plates just add a simple dinner plate topped with a salad plate. You could also do a charger underneath depending on how much room you have to work with.

For the napkin display I just took a linen napkin and tied a sprig of ivy on top with jute string. It’s just a dash of greenery that adds some interest. You could also tie on a rose as well.

On the Menu:

Here are some yummy recipes for an easy dinner at home. They are all save to my Pinterest Board here.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Marinated Sirloin

Roasted Lemon Garlic Broccoli

Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potato

Chocolate Cupcakes

Now that dinner is almost ready let’s get the candles, lights and heater on shall we?

We have really loved our solar bistro lights we strung up a few Springs ago. They create the best ambiance in this little courtyard. I highly recommend them. The best part…they are solar and don’t cost a thing to run! Just the power of the sun!

This heater really saved the night. It was in the 50’s that night so we definitely needed some warmth. Shout out to my mom for getting these for Chris one year for Christmas! They are the best!

I’ve selected a nice French Dinner playlist from Spotify if you need some nice music in the background during your intimate dinner.

The best part will be the memories you create while spending time with your significant other. I thank you for flying by and I hope you have a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

For more tablescape ideas click here.

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