Valentine’s Day is around the corner.
Today I’m joining a fun group of bloggers to share ideas for celebrating with friends.
Thank you, Mary Ann, Cindy and Annie for including me in the fun!
I’m inviting a few friends to Snowberry for a casual and easy Valentine’s Day lunch.
Last year I thought a tea party was fun.
This year it’s a laid back luncheon.
Or is it brunch … quiche is on the menu.
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When it comes to hosting I like to keep things simple.
I’ve shared before that I’m not an effortless entertainer.
So I follow Ina Garten’s advice and set a simple table with minimal fuss.
A Simple Table Setting
Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day but I’m sticking with blue and white … and a little green.
Things I already own.
I borrowed a navy blue ginger jar from the library.
And two smaller jars from the great room.
And filled them with white hydrangeas from the grocery store.
My block print table cloth came from Etsy.
Amazon carries them too.
They come in so many pretty patterns and color combinations.
Including traditional Valentine pinks and reds.
For the place settings I pulled out my rattan chargers,
everyday white dinner plates,
and blue Delft soup bowls.
The embroidered napkins are by Henry Handwork.
My blue and white dotted glasses came from Watson Kennedy in Seattle.
I loved shopping there when we lived on Fidalgo Island.
You can also find them here.
I love the red and white version and these pink beaded glasses are fun too.
Candles during the day?
Why not?!
Aren’t these birds nest votive holders adorable?
On the Menu
Remember … we’re keeping it simple
What’s easier and yummier than Quiche Lorraine?
With a mixed green salad topped with pecans, dried cranberries and crumbled feta.
Tossed in a blush wine vinaigrette (there’s no wine in it).
Vinaigrette Recipe: 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp agave syrup (or honey or 2 tsp sugar), 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 6 tbsp vegetable, canola or sunflower oil
You can buy a pre-made version here.
Slice your favorite baguette and voila … lunch is served.
Piece de Resistance
Let’s not overlook the most important item on the menu.
Dessert
Following Ina’s guidance, I often buy dessert.
This small pink Princess cake comes our local grocer.
(If you live locally, Diablo Foods, of course.)
Served on my Ralph Lauren Cote d’Azur plates.
A little espresso with your cake?
Jim’s working from home these days and will happily take a break to handle barista duties.
Don’t Send Them Home Empty Handed
Even a casual luncheon deserves a party favor.
Bubbles for my favorite Valentine gal-pals.
Wrapped up with a gold, metal straw and a few chocolate pieces.
Are these the sweetest bottles you’ve ever seen?!
So there you have it!
My plan for a fun and easy Valentine’s Day lunch with friends.
I hope this gives you a few ideas.
Now off you go to see how my creative friends are celebrating Valentine’s Day with their friends.
You won’t want to miss any of them.
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Friends
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As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
What a beautiful table setting Juliet! Your guests mUst feel so spec ial coming to your home! And that cake looks amazing! Does it taste as good as it looks?
Oh, Kristen … let me tell you that cake tastes even better! Hope you have something fun planned for Valentine’s Day too! xo
Even better! xoxo
Hi Juliet
I love that you did blue and white. I am not a big fan of hearts or Pink. I was very tempted to do just what you did, much classier! Those embroidered napkins are to DIE for. Love the idea of a simple menu. Who is doing anything big or fancy these days! Thanks for joining us as always. You never disappoint
Thank, Cindy … I was so excited to use these napkins that we a gift a year or so ago. I do love my blue and white. Had to break out the pink for dessert … the best part. I enjoyed your outdoor setting … and can’t imagine a better place to spend Valentine’s Day than your courtyard. So fun to be included today. Thank you. xo
YOU ARE JUST MISSING YOUR BLUE AND WHITE HEART PILLOWS!I KNOw tHEY ARE EN-ROUTE!
LOVE YOUR LONG SWEATER……..who made that and does it HIT THE FLOORBOARDS?
HAPPY DAY TODAY AND EVERY DAY!
BLUE & WHITE RULES FOR YOU!
WHAT WILL YOU BE FEATURING?
I MUST STAY TUNED!
XXX
Wish I’d learned about Trish sooner and had those adorable heart-shaped pillows for this table. I’m watching the window for the mail truck to pull up! The sweater is wonderful and cozy and hits just below the knew … and it came from (wait for it) Target! Yes, Target … last fall. I’m wearing it out. xo
What a lovely table juliet! love the use of blue and white as a refreshing change from pink and red! so, so pretty!
Hi Sheri and thank you! Blue and white works for everything, right?! At least it does at my house … because it’s what I have! So fun to join you to share Valentine ideas. Your infused liquor is the best! xo
JuLiet what a beautiful tabLe . I Love a blue mix . Your embroidERed naPkins are so lOvely! Thats the cutest champagne Bottle ever! I have To look for those. Its a cute idea sending a Favor home. I like the menu too.. no stress just fun.
I Dont know why my comment is part capitals and some not. On the mobile app i can only leave a COMMENT incapitals ..
Others have mentioned this Kim and I’ll look into it … when the comment is posted its all smoothed out. Hmmmm.
Good morning, Kim … thank you so much. You know I love my blue and white and finding those bottles was a thrill. They were hanging in a shoe rack at my grocery store … just for me. Right?! xo
Juliet, this looks beautiful! I love a blue and white TABLES-CAPE and of course HYDRANGEAS and CHAMPAGNE go with everything! The cake is so sweet! Can’t wait to check out all of the other beautiful ladies posts.
Haha … Elizabeth! Yes, hydrangeas and bubbles … what more does one need? Well … perhaps chocolate!!! xo
Beautiful table Juliet!
Thanks, Janet … striving to be as amazing as you are … one day! xo
This is so lovely, Juliet! I pinning everything. Wish I was sitting at the table with you. Love the little bottles, too.
Thanks for doing this with us!
Thanks, Mary Ann … I had so much fun! xo
Juliet, your tablescaPe is gorgeous. This is such a great group of talented bloggers. We definitely need to collaborate soon. Hugs to you.
Would love that Renae! xo
I love the blue! so pretty, and those little bottles, I must find some! love all the details 🙂
XO,
Amy
Amy, they are at the end of an aisle at my local grocery store. I bought as many as I could! xo
it’s all so lovely! My favorite is the bird votive holders. I might need to order them!
Aren’t they the cutest?! Chirp chirp. xo
Now this is just the cutest Valentine’s day lunch idea! If only my backyard wasn’t getting construction, I would totally love to invite my friends over and have a pandemic friendly gathering. Though, I can totally gain inspiration to have a lunch with my sweet daughter.
Thanks, Janine … you and your daughter had quite a Valentine feast. That board was out of this world. xo
Looks absolutely wonderful and I bet it was all delicious! that cake was so lovely. And gifts too? Wow, please invite me anytime. Awesome as always Juliet!
There is a seat reserved for you, Crystal! xo
This is a beautiful table. Love the simplicity and elegant look.
The added gift is adorable!
Thanks so much, Cindy … hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! xo
Juliet! I beautiful table, lovely menu and I’m with you and Ina on store-bought dessert, those princess cakes are so pretty! And the perfect party favors! Love every detual!
Thank, Annie … I’m dreaming about your cocoa bombs! xo
Absolutely wonderful post! Happy weekend!
Happy weekend, Leslie! And, thank you. xo
This is beautiful! I love the non-traditional blue- perfectly offsets the pretty pink cake. Oh Watson & Kennedy is such a good store! Pinned!
Marie … I envy your proximity to Watson Kennedy. I could spend all day in those stories! xo
Juliet, I am not sure how this post was missed by me. Everything is stunning, my friend. The food looks amazing. Those darling sparkling wine bottles are a great touch. I have never seen anything like that around.