Easy Romantic Vignette on a Tray

Sometimes we want to do a little decorating but don't want to make a huge commitment by slathering holiday decor all around the house. Valentine's Day is one of those times that I like to gather some of my fun vintage pieces but don't necessarily want to cover every surface with hearts. 

I have a tendency to "over-decorate" at times. It's just me. 

My answer is to put together a few smaller and like items on a tray or in a crate. A tray is perfect for when you have a grouping of smaller pieces like cups and saucers, paper valentine's, a votive candle, and maybe a small floral piece. Do you have some pretty chocolates and candies? Add them on the tray and make it even "sweeter". 

I'm here in the Dining Room and using the Valentine's tray to add a little extra "LOVE" to the Paperwhite floral centerpiece and large concrete alter candlesticks. A cardboard "Ex-Voto" gold painted heart and red wired ribbon decorate the vase with faux paperwhites.

I've grabbed up vintage Valentines when I could find them in years past. The elaborate ones are getting harder to find and much more expensive. "School" valentines from the 50's and 60's can still be found, but there are digital images that can be used too when the real thing can't be found. Etsy has a variety of pretty digital images.

I'm using my mix and match red transferware cups and saucers along with a floral teapot. They get a workout at Christmas and Valentine's Day.

I have several different trays from ornate silver ones to a wooden cottage type, and this glass topped tray that I repainted and updated from the early 1900's. Even a large platter or doughbowl will work as a base. 

An antique Limoges handpainted brooch adds to the romantic setting.

A Staffordshire rose-y teapot for two.

The best thing about a themed tray is that you can move it around the house...  on the dining room table, island in the kitchen, or on a coffee table. I love using trays and at this moment have one decorated in three different places...

A votive candle in a mercury glass cup is small enough to fit in,

 but not overwhelm the grouping. 

Here's another Valentine tray using vintage post cards on a vanity mirror tray.

And here's my latest styling in the Holiday Cupboard for Valentine's Day

more Valentine ideas...

How to Make a Moss Heart for Valentine's Day

Valentine Pocket Pillow

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