Tickle Your Valentine Table's Fancy With Neon Pink

A romantic table set for 2 is almost always a particular affair. This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re wanting to impress a new romantic interest or refresh a relationship, try adding an unexpected jolt of colour for your tablescape. Netherlands designer Sonia van der Zwaan-Barrigas of Gosto Design helped me put together a fresh and playful spin on a candlelit dinner. See how just a couple vibrant bursts of neon may set the mood to celebrate love on February 14.

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“[We] approached this concept from a contemporary point of view using amorous aspects in a more modern atmosphere,” says van der Zwaan-Barrigas. “While a lace tablecloth would not typically be correlated with a modern interior, it softens the room, giving it the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner for 2.”

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A delicate handmade fabric garland of both muted and bright tones weaves its way throughout the tablescape. This one has been made with a sewing machine; you also can create one by cutting circles out 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 much more color and whimsy.

Garland: Gosto; dinnerware: Royal, Villeroy & Boch; cutlery: Oscar, Villeroy & Boch

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Add small romantic details, like a delicate velvet ribbon for a napkin ring with a tiny white narcissus.

Cutlery: Oscar, Villeroy & Boch

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New honeydew melon hearts with paper cubes may add a dash of fun to any Valentine’s beverage.

To create them, simply press a miniature heart-shaped cookie cutter into the flesh of any melon. Then cut into 1 side of their heart and put it carefully on the bottom of the glass. Add a few umbrellas into the very best cheek.

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Modest 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 sense, while perfectly tying in with much more delicate ribbons in pink and pastels from the vases and flowers,” says van der Zwaan-Barrigas.

Candelabra, pendant lights: Muuto; candles: Dille & Kamille; dining chairs: Eiffel, Eames

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Decorate vases of all shapes and sizes with ribbons, trimmings and washi tape. Each vase has its thoughtful decoration. Most were given a layered therapy, but one can be dressed with a simple pink grosgrain bow.

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“We loved the use of neon pink for a way to splash color in an otherwise neutral setting,” says van der Zwaan-Barrigas.

To add subtle hints of this colour to the tablescape, we painted the petals of some of the fresh flowers with neon-pink acrylic paint. You could even customize the blossom with your loved one’s name or initials. The concept is inspired by the work of London-based writer, designer and stylist Sania Pell, who did a similar project using florals located in her garden.

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This lone carnation also has the neon-pink remedy to add a hint of pleasure to its frilly edges.

“Though Valentine’s Day isn’t something that I celebrate back into my hometown of Portugal, I would surely 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?

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