Last year, if you remember, I shared with you all how I created my vintage valentine’s day tablescape. This year I wanted to keep it similar but do something a little different. So today I am going to share with you all how to create a vintage valentines centerpiece for your dining table.
Basically all you need is a tray and a few vintage goodies and you are all set. I got a few new things for this centerpiece, but a majority of it was just stuff I already had on hand.
And you could use these ideas not only for a dinner table, but even for some coffee tables as well. Basically, wherever you want to create a romantic centerpiece, these ideas I have listed below will help you do just that!
Come style a centerpiece with me to create the most amazing romantic atmosphere for your Valentine’s Day celebration!
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Start With a Basket or Tray
The first thing I did to start creating my vintage valentine’s day centerpiece, was to get a long, rectangular tray. This was a new piece that I ended up getting for this years tablescape.
I think having a basket or tray is essential to having a simple centerpiece. It’s also one of the cheap ways you can style and re-style your table every season. Especially since you can reuse it over and over again.
If you remember, I used to have my dough bowl as my centerpiece on my dining room table. But once I got my entryway table, I moved it to a centerpiece on there instead.
I needed something to be the focal point and when I saw this tray, I knew it was the one.
I got this tray from my friend Jackie’s shop, Rodworks of Asheville. If you’re local, you should definitely go check out her store because they have so many cute seasonal and everyday home decor pieces!
I like this specific tray because I can continue to use it throughout all the different seasons so it was totally worth the price.
I even already have an Easter centerpiece in mind for it, but obviously, we will talk about that later!
If you don’t have a tray, there are a lot of other options you could use as a centerpiece too. Such as a basket, tiered tray, or even a dough bowl like I used to use as well.
Or if you need to go out and purchase something else like I needed to, I would tell you it’s would really be worth the investment.
Like I mentioned above, if you get something that is good quality, you can definitely use it as a mainstay and keep re-using it season after season.
Find Items to Give Your Vintage Valentines Centerpiece Some Height
I think Valentine table centerpieces always look good when you create differing heights with objects. For example, I found one tall vase that I loved (also from Rodworks) and wanted to start designing my centerpiece from that specific piece. Any kind of flower vases would work well here too.
I placed the vase where I wanted it to go in my tray and worked my way around it in the correct direction. I did not want it to be in the very center of the tray, instead I wanted it to be on the side.
Once I figured out where I wanted the vase, I knew I needed to add something of similar height to the other side of the tray. I ended up using my brass antique candlesticks and placed them in the opposite corner.
There are three of them total and have different heights which I think adds so much dimension to the centerpiece. I also love grouping things in odd numbers as well because I feel like the eye is more drawn to it.
Also, when you light the candles, it definitely makes for a romantic dinner at home as well. I recommend making my perfect seared filets, if you want a really special celebration of the day of love!
Add in Some Greenery and Accessories
Now that you have the majority of the vintage valentine’s day centerpiece figured out, it’s time to add in some little accessories. I of course chose to add in some greenery to my pretty new vase.
The vase I got is a neutral color and goes well with all my creamy ironstone I already had on the table for place settings. But, if red hearts are more your jam, feel free to add in as much color as you want to here. Even some conversation hearts would be cute as well!
I am just more drawn to the pink color rather than the red color for Valentine’s Day. Especially since I can bring the pinks into Easter more easily than the reds!
I wanted to keep it pretty neutral and just add in a few pops of color here and there. The florals I chose have a slight blush color which is perfect because it goes so well with my napkins that I already have.
Another fun thing to add in to give your centerpiece some texture is a beaded garland. I got this fun garland again from Rodworks and I just love how chunky it is! It’s full of different sized wooden blocks and looks perfect wrapped around the tray!
I haven’t seen one like it before so I love that it is so unique. Again, the garland is a nice neutral wooden tone, but if you wanted to add in some color, you definitely could with some colored beads! Or some red twine, pink hearts, or red roses too!
Since this beaded garland is so chunky, it took up a lot of space on the tray which is what I wanted as well. I wanted a simplistic look and not too many things on my tray cluttering it up.
Finishing Touches For Vintage Valentine’s Centerpiece
The last thing I did to finish off my vintage valentines centerpiece was add in more ironstone pieces and an antique candle.
This tied in perfectly since all my place settings are already ironstone too. My candle is poured in a pink antique depression glass teacup and I got it from my favorite small shop, Antique Candle Co.
It’s perfect since it’s a light pink color and it goes so well with all the other soft pink touches on the table.
Conclusion
Again, the varying heights of all the objects on here creates interest which is exactly what I wanted! I also filled the small pitcher with some extra pinecones.
They are also placed on each side of my centerpiece as well. I thought this really continued the natural element vibe I had going on already.
As you can see, you don’t have to have too many items to create a beautiful vintage valentines centerpiece. And the best part is that it isn’t too over the top. They are the most perfect, simple Valentine table decorations, in my humble opinion.
I could easily transition this into spring and just get rid of the paper hearts. I love styling trays and tablescapes to create the perfect look I am going for.
To me, it’s like a challenge to find the just right spot for everything you have. It’s almost like a puzzle and it is so much fun when you complete it!
Tell me, do you guys like to create valentines day themed tables too?? And if you do, is a romantic table setting more your vibe or do you like just plain and simple floral centerpieces instead?
I would love to know how you celebrate and style centerpieces for special occasions just like this! Tell me all about it below and I hope you all have a very Happy Valentine’s Day my friends!
markstraveljournal says
I love the simplicity and layering of objects (if that makes sense). Easy to do with a few pieces and such a great visual appeal. Thanks for sharing,
Charity Gentry says
Yes it sure does! Love layering objects like this too. It creates a lot of visual interest. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Britt K says
This is so simple and yet so beautiful. I love how adding those paper hearts elevates the overall look from just a nice vintage look to a Valentine’s Day display. I love using the simple little changes like that to change an otherwise day to day look into something seasonal. It also makes it easy to switch it back after the holiday is over!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you! I love that about it too. It will be very simple to switch up after valentines day because I can leave a majority of the pieces there!
Amanda says
So beautiful! You but such wonderful touches in each decor scape you do!
Charity Gentry says
Awe thank you so much my friend! I really appreciate that!
Cristina Rosano says
I love this! I never thought about making Valentine’s inspired centrepiece! I love that you added different heights with the candles and greenery as well as using some accessories. Thanks for sharing x
Charity Gentry says
No problem! So glad you enjoyed it as well! I love the differing heights to it too!
Demi Le Huray says
I love this idea, thanks for sharing! ❤️
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoy it too!
Lucy says
This is such a beautiful centerpiece and it’s perfect for Valentines! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much Lucy. I am so glad you think so!
Fransic Verso says
It looks so pretty. That would be one romantic night for Valentine. The hearts and candles, just perfect touch.
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much! It is a very romantic tablescape for Valentine’s Day for sure!
Sophie Naylor says
I love how simple yet unique and effective this is! So beautiful and vintage x
Charity Gentry says
Thank you! I love to add in as much vintage pieces as I can!
Kayla Miekley says
Love these tips! Starting with the base and building on it with different heights and textures are so important to make your centerpiece look interesting.
Charity Gentry says
Thank you! Yes, that definitely helps build a perfect centerpiece for sure!
Lynn Mejia says
Love how simple this centrepiece is! Looks great x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Charity Gentry says
Thank you! I am so glad you think so too Lynn!
Fadima Mooneira says
Wow…….lovely! I love this vintage look. Thank you for sharing your tips.
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much! I love the vintage look too!
Jodie | That Happy Reader says
I love the natural elegance of this table setting. The muted tones, the varying heights of al items and the hearts make for a lovely table. Thanks for sharing!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much! I am so glad you think so too Jodie!
Aimsy says
Oh, this centrepiece is beautiful. I love that it isn’t overly valentine’s (in the sense of tacky trinkets etc), but still romantic. The vintage look to it is just lovely. There is something beautiful about the pale leaves of eucalyptus too that adds to the romanticness.
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Charity Gentry says
Awe thanks so much Aimsy! I didn’t want to overdo it either so I am glad with how it turned out too!
Kayleigh Zara says
I absolutely love the idea of this centerpiece and I’m really found of the texture in it, and how many great bits you have on it. I love the antique candle holder x
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much Kayleigh! I love those candle holders too!
Kelly Diane says
These looks absolutely beauty. Its so simple yet so effective and I love that you’ve added some greenery too.
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much! I always love adding greenery to things!
Jaya Avendel says
Loving the pretty little scene you have created here; the classy cut of the little pitcher I love and the candles are so elegant! I love beeswax candles, but there is something to be said for a traditional candle in white. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much! Yes, there is something about a traditional candle like this. I don’t burn them all the time though, just for special occasions!
Hannah Marie says
What a lovely centerpiece! I took a centerpiece-making class a few years ago, but I haven’t made one this beautiful. I need to practice some more, lol! Xx
https://explorewithhannahmarie.blogspot.com/
Charity Gentry says
Awe thank you so much. I really appreciate that sweet compliment. I agree, the more you practice and play around with it, the easier it becomes!
Sarah says
This centerpiece is gorgeous. I don’t normally decorate for Valentines’ Day but a simple centerpiece like this looks like something I could see myself making. I think my aversion to decorating for this holiday stems from my dislike of pink, but this project looks like something you could have out year-round.
Charity Gentry says
Oh yeah, you definitely don’t have to do rational pink for valentines day decor at all! And I plan on leaving this out throughout the year and just changing up a few things!
Della Driscoll says
This is so gorgeous! I love the simplicity of it and it goes with the rest of your room decor so well xx
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much Della. I am so glad you think so!
Hannah says
Oh wow, it looks absolutely amazing! The tray is very beautiful, I’m loving white details at the minute, they’re so classic and beautiful xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much. I love all the white details too!
Jenny in Neverland says
This is beautiful! I love seeing your posts about your different themed table centerpieces. I wish I had the sort of table which I could do this on – it looks so special!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much! I do love to make some different tablescapes for every season and holiday!
claire says
I honestly think i just need to move in with you! Your house is so so beautiful!
I love the table decorations, so pretty without being in your face Valentines! We are having a big family dinner with the children so I think some table decorations are essential x
Charity Gentry says
Awe thanks so much my friend. You are too sweet! That is exactly what I was going for, I didn’t want it to be too in your face.
Jodie Paterson says
That centrepiece is gorgeous! I love how simple the overall idea of it is as well. I don’t have a table big enough for something like this, but as soon as we move somewhere bigger I’m definitely going to be doing more of this.
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much Jodie. It sure is fun to decorate so you will enjoy doing it too once you have the space!
Stephanie says
Talk about an absolutely beautiful tablescape. It’s stunning for Valentine’s Day, but truthfully, it can be used throughout the rest of spring as well without feeling out-of-place. Great job!
Charity Gentry says
Awe thank you! That’s exactly what I wanted it to be!
Heidi Bruaw says
I love that you made sure the tray could be used for other centerpieces. I tend to buy holiday specific items and they can’t be reused throughout the year. Less is more. Thank you for the ideas!
Charity Gentry says
Yes I like tying to reuse things as much as possible!
Under flowery sky says
Wow this looks too cute, love the idea. White really
pops up perfectly..
Charity Gentry says
Thank you. I think it does too!
Tiffany McCullough - Metaphysical Mama says
This is a beautiful centrepiece! I love how you bring all the different element together. It looks perfect for Valentine’s Day! Thanks for sharing!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much. I am so glad you enjoyed it Tiffany
Alexandra says
Love this post! Those are great tips to keep in mind when decorating the table!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much. I am so glad you think so!
Rosie (@greenrosielife) says
Very simple and very pretty. I love that you’ve included some natural items in there too.
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much. I love the natural elements too!
Clarrisa Lee says
Love this so much- beautiful photos too! One day I’ll have to try something like this, once we get all the boxes in our kitchen unpacked! 😂
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much! Good luck getting the boxes unpacked!
Ira says
Aesthetically pleasing to look at and great tips on how to decorate the table. Thank you!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much. I am so glad you think so too!
Venturing Venturas says
This is so pretty, and not a traditional black and red Valentine’s day so I love it!
Charity Gentry says
Awe yay! I am so glad you enjoyed it as well.
Kalin says
Great comment about introducing height into the center piece. I love playing with height when decorating, it adds such dimension! And the texture from the pinecones looks great in the pics and I’m sure ever better in person 🙂
Charity Gentry says
Yes I do too! Thanks so much for the sweet comment!