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We had so much fun pulling together these Valentine’s table settings, and we think you’ll have even more fun pulling them off for yourself and surprising your loved one with a special dinner at home this holiday!

Sure, there’s something about a night on the town, but does it have to be on Valentine’s day? The crowds, prix fixe menus… We suggest saving the big night out for another evening and celebrating at home. After all, it’s more cozy and comfortable and with the right tablescape, you can set the mood however you like!

We’ve created three designs here – one more casual, another a bit fancier and a third setting that sets the stage for a true holiday celebration:

First up, a casual supper setting.  Perhaps you’ve just started dating, so you don’t want to go overboard just yet. This place setting featuring Libeco linens, a Match Pewter Dinner Plate, R. Wood Studio Dessert/Salad Plate all topped off with a silver heart ornament (could double as a sweet gift!) by Eric Cortina, offers a sentimental feel where a classic french bistro meal such as croque monsieur and a simple salad would be perfectly suited.

Also featured in this setting is an R. Wood Studio Small Scallop Bowl, Two-Piece Salad Set, in red glitter, a Tart/Pie Server, also in red glitter, a simple red spreader, an Acrylic Dolce Vita Water Goblet and Tumbler and Vintage-Style Flatware.

With this setting, things are getting a bit more serious… Although they’re kept casual with the Acrylic Lente Tumbler and Highball glasses and white Vintage-Style flatware. The le Jacquard Francais tea towel, turned place mat and Libeco Linen napkin, both in tones of strawberry and red give a nod to the holiday celebrated. But it’s really the Match Pewter Convivio dinner and salad/dessert plates that elevate this setting. The three heart ornaments by Eric Cortina offer a little something special, while also doubling as a gift.

A creamy lemon shrimp risotto would be an ideal compliment to this setting, and would certainly impress your loved one! Take a bit of the stress off your plate by turning to a local bakery for dessert…

Finally, with our third setting, we’re looking at a proposal-ready tablescape, so beware! This is your classic Valentine’s surf and turf place setting… It’s grounded by a tea towel place mat by Le Jacquard Francais and an April Cornell Essential Napkin in pink. The dinnerware is a combination of Match Pewter Viviana Dinner and salad/dessert plates and a bread a butter plate in Royal Crown Derby‘s Mikado pattern. This tablescape’s crowning glory is the Royal Crown Derby, Mikado coffee/tea service – it’s even more stunning in person!

Also featured in this table setting are the Acrylic Dolce Vita Water Goblet and Wine Goblets, and Vintage-Style Flatware in Black. Add a few flowers and some candles, and this tablescape will be over the top!

And there you have it – three table settings that are sure to knock your loved one off their feet! Plus, those recipes = a guaranteed success of a Valentine’s dinner! Pop into the steve mckenzie’s showroom today to pick up a few of these items to help create your perfect holiday tablescape, and maybe even the perfect card for your special someone…

While we’ve been enjoying some unseasonably lovely days here in Atlanta, it’s sure not to last and the bitter days of winter will be upon us once again.

So, we decided to share some of the best ways to keep warm and cozy when the weather is anything but.

Our first bit of advice is get a warm beverage going on the stove, or even in your crock pot. Keep a ladle and group of mugs at the ready and your family and friends can help themselves throughout the day.

Our current favorite is a hot mulled cider… Simply tie together cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, orange peel and some allspice in a bit of cheesecloth and warm it slowly with your cider. Not only does it taste delicious, but your home will smell like a winter haven and everyone will be greeted with the aroma of the cider as soon as they walk in your front door. If you’d like to make an adult version of this beverage, add a bit of rum for a kick or use a nice red wine and make hot mulled wine – they’re both winners!

Another must have in any winter-ready home is a selection of cozy throws, such as these alpaca throws, by Alicia Adams, which are available in a rainbow of colors (as well as soft herringbone patterns) in our showroom now. Have them scattered throughout your home to create an insanely inviting environment. Toss on on the back of the sofa, on the ottoman in your reading nook, at the end of a guest bed – even in an adirondack chair near an outdoor fireplace. But beware… your guests may never depart when surrounded by the comfort of these luxurious throw blankets.

Another great way to add instant warmth and comfort to a space is to light a few candles – especially if you don’t have the option of making a fire. This takes practically no effort, but can immediately enhance the ambiance of your room. We carry an assortment of hand-poured candles by Juls Candles, and the scents are simply scrumptious.

Okay, and although this tip may not be for your home, it’s so chic, it’s earned a spot on our list. If you must go out and brave the cold weather, why not drape a cape and create a look of elegant sophistication while you’re at it? Available at steve mckenzie’s, this option by Alicia Adams offers great lines, which can be dressed up or down. It would also make a fantastic gift (ahem, did someone say Valentine’s Day?!?), with complimentary gift wrapping, of course.

Well! If that list didn’t make you want to cozy up with your new alpaca throw and enjoy a warm beverage as you hibernate away some of the upcoming cool days, we don’t know what will! Be sure to stop by the steve mckenzie’s showroom today and let our team help prepare you and your home for the cold weather ahead!