Be Mine Valentine's Table

I love setting a Valentine's table because Valentine's is such an extra special day to me. 
 I met my husband while in college at a 

Valentine's party 36 years ago!  I set our little breakfast room table in honor of our special day.

We celebrated a little early this year with a trip to the California coast and stayed at one of the most romantic inns in Pacific Grove... 
the Seven Gables Inn.  

Seven Gables is truly breathtaking and deserves an entire post so I'll save that for next week...so on to our table...

On our trip I purchased new placemats in Carmel while shopping with friends in the most 
beautiful shop.  

Thanks ladies I had the best time!!

 Red geraniums greet shoppers entering through  the open dutch door.  Table linens, Easter bunnies, unique home and garden gifts abound at Casa di Campagna and it was hard to leave without making a few purchases.  
 I love the black "frenchy" floral  pattern and reversible black check pattern on the placemats.   I plan on also using them for a sunflower table this summer. 
  I purchased the coordinating napkins as well.

 The black mats look great on a red linen tablecloth.

The large red Portugal chargers are some of my favorites and I use them frequently.

I have a collection of  all white dishes with patterned borders.  I selected a basket weave dinner plate and a leaf motif edged salad plate to
 add some pretty textures.

 I topped the white plates with my cute little polka dot saucers that can be used for 
bread or desert plates.

I love the heart shaped ramekins I purchased at Target several years ago.  I filled them this year with conversation hearts to be read during dinner.

Chocolate is also an option!!

The sterling flatware is Westmoreland and originally belonged to my mother-in-law and I love using it for the holidays.

The tea set was my grandmother's and it is by far my favorite.    The "girly" curves are so pretty and look wonderful on a romantic table.   I try to include a teapot on all my tables. 

The Valentine's heart was purchased at Picket Fences in Solvang, another adorable place to shop.  I placed it in a heart shaped card holder and thought it was the perfect way to display it.  

Simple heart shaped votive candles finish the table.

Wishing you and your Valentine a 

very special day!

I'm linking with 

Show off your Cottage Monday

 Tabletop Tuesday
Tea Time Tuesdays
Tablescape Thursday
Seasonal Sundays

Garden Wish List

Do you ever make wish lists?  I don't actually write out a list but I do keep a mental wish list.  Spring is still a couple months away and I find myself wishing it was already here.   I've been looking at garden magazines, Pinterest and my own travel pictures for garden inspiration.   

Blue Bird Cottage, Carmel

We are excited as our annual "escape" from winter is just a few weeks away to our favorite places along 

the California coast.

 Pacific Highlands near Carmel

  This trip is always a source of inspiration for my garden.  I enjoy seeing the plant combinations and designs that gardeners create in their spaces and usually find a few things that go on my wish list! 

A visit to Carmel-by- the Sea is always on my 

wish list and I find so much inspiration there! 

Cyclamen in pots can be easily changed 

with the seasons. 

Half Moon Bay is another of

 our  favorite stops along the way. 

   

  Last fall we strolled along Half Moon Bay's historic district with it's quaint shops.  Flowers edged the buildings and store fronts along Main Street.  The town was preparing for their annual Pumpkin Festival so pumpkins were everywhere!

The prettiest potted containers lined the streets and these  favorites and went straight to the top of my wish list!  

Precious bunny topiaries sit as greeters to the entrance of a children's store.  I love the mosaic tile containers and the cute little blue bunny feet! 

Gorgeous hydrangeas at the base of this small tree.

These were outside our hotel entrances. 

I put this on my list too because I love it's simplicity with just  pumpkins at the base.  This was actually taken in Yountville last fall outside of  Napa Style..one of my favorite places to shop in the Napa Valley.  

What's on your garden wish list??  We have plenty of time to dream and plan 

and maybe make a few of our wishes a reality!

I'm joining Susan's Outdoor Wednesday 

 Tootsie's Flaunt Your Flowers  
and 
The Tablescaper's Seasonal Sundays