Scottish tablescape artist Maria Elizabeth on her Valentine’s table styling tips
With Valentine’s Day this week, we spoke to Quine friend and pro tablescaping artist Maria Elizabeth for her top tips and seasonal inspiration. Whether you’re hosting a romantic dinner or a full-blown Galentine’s celebration, these styling tips will help you create a setting that’s equal parts stylish and sentimental…
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Romanticise everything (yes, everything)
There’s a reason why soft ruffles, scalloped edges, and delicate florals are taking over our feeds—it’s the season of romanticising life. Think of this as bringing the cosy, curated charm of your favourite café (à la Dune Bakery, where buttery croissants and artisan coffees are served in the dreamiest setting) into your home.
Or the quiet, golden-hour strolls through Dunkeld—stopping by the gorgeous homeware store Jeffrey’s for a browse, a bit of inspiration, and maybe a new candle (or two).
Layering fabrics is key here: ruffled tablecloths, cotton napkins with embroidery, even a scalloped-edged charger plate to set the tone. If your style leans more contemporary, a delicate detail like frilly napkins or vintage-inspired coupes can add just the right amount of charm.
Shop the look:
Stripe tablecloth with ruffle, Habitat x Sanderson at Argos, £35
Pink ‘first bite’ 100% cotton napkins (set Of 4), Rockett St George at Next, £22
Red cocktail napkins with squiggly embroidery (set of 4), Anthropologie, £22
Fleur ombré coupe glasses (set of 2), Marks and Spencer, £15
Rethink the Valentine’s colour palette
Sure, pink and red are classics, but let’s shake things up. 2025 is all about saturated hues—think earthy greens, oxblood tones, and deep browns. If painting your walls merlot feels like a stretch, ease in with accents: rich velvet dining chairs, dark candlesticks, or a statement serving platter. Mixing deep hues with neutrals keeps things warm yet modern.
Shop the look:
Hemp dining chair, OKA Weston, £350
Forest green recycled glass candle holders, Sue Parkinson, £28
Floral serving platter, Marks and Spencer, £20
Mango wood chopping board, H&M, £22.99
Velvet cranberry red dining chairs (set of 2), Next, £330
Pattern drenching (because more is more)
Forget minimalism—layering pattern on pattern is having a moment. The trick is to mix different designs (florals, plaids, and stripes) within the same colour palette. Start with a patterned tablecloth, add mismatched napkins, and finish with printed plates.
Oh, and lamps on the table are a game-changer for mood lighting.
Shop the look:
Floral edge plates (set of 4), William Morris at Marks and Spencer, £76
Rechargeable table lamps, Amazon, £19.89
Pink leaf tablecloth, Lesser Spotted, £55
Floral pattern ccalloped napkins (pack of 4), West Elm, £23.95
Embellish like you mean it
2025 is all about the extras—bows on candles, tassels on menus, heart-shaped napkin rings. These little details add personality to your table and make guests feel special. You can even print personalised place cards (I’ve made some for you—just download and print!).
Shop the look:
Daisy-shaped placemat, Matalan, £5
Love heart rattan napkin rings (set of 4), Marks and Spencer, £8
Twisted candles, Nick Jones, £10
Heart cocktail picks (set of 6), Anthropologie, £40.00
Heart spoons (set of 2), Anthropologie, £25.00
If you’d like to elevate your embellishments, why not get creative and download or print my premade digital placesetting here? All you have to do is add your name—et voilà!
The subtle sea-inspired aesthetic
Mermaidcore isn’t just for fashion—shell motifs are making their way into interiors. Think scallop-edged dinnerware, pearlescent accents, and little shell photo holders for an effortlessly chic coastal touch. Bonus: they double as adorable home decor once dinner’s over.
Shop the look:
Scallop dinner set (12 piece), Marks and Spencer, £60
Gold shell photo holder, Oliver Bonas, £8
Seagrass serving bowl, Marks and Spencer, £20
Shell salt & pepper shaker, Yvonne Ellen at Freemans, £25
And there you have it—five easy ways to style a swoon-worthy Valentine’s tablescape. If you try any of these, tag me @mariaelizabethdesigns so I can admire your handiwork! Happy styling (and shopping).
