The Guy’s Guide: The Art of Setting a Valentine’s Day Dinner

ART & ARTICLE BY KRISTIANA MORELL PUBLISHED: FEB 2025

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to impress your partner with a thoughtful dinner setup. No matter your skill level, this guide keeps it simple, stylish, and stress-free.

THE TABLECLOTH: YOUR BASE LAYER

Start with a clean slate. Go classic white, romantic with blush, or bold with deep red. For a casual vibe, swap the cloth for a textured runner or chic placemats.

THE DINNERWARE: SIMPLE YET STRIKING

Keep it simple and classy. White plates work with anything–add a charger for extra flair. Tie your napkins with a ribbon to finish the look.

THE FLATWARE: PLACED TO IMPRESS

Place forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right. Add a wine glass and water glass for balance. Pro tip: Kick things off with sparkling water and a splash of cranberry for a pop of color.

THE LIGHTING: SET THE MOOD

Ditch the overheads. Use candles for that warm, romantic glow. Mix tall tapers with votives for variety.

THE CENTERPIECE: SIMPLE SOPHISTICATION

Go low and lush. A small bouquet or greenery in a low vase keeps things intimate. Stick to one or two colors and sprinkle in petals or metallic accents for a polished look.

THE DETAILS: THOUGHTFUL FINISHING TOUCHES

A handwritten note or heart-shaped place cards show you’ve gone the extra mile. A printed menu of the night’s dishes? Even better.

THE PLAYLIST: THE PERFECT BACKDROP

Set the tone with soft jazz, acoustic love songs, or your partner’s favorite artist. The right playlist makes all the difference.

THE CONFIDENCE: YOUR SECRET INGREDIENT

Don’t sweat perfection. It’s the effort that counts, and your partner will feel the love you’ve put into the night.

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