As we edge closer towards month three of the COVID-19 pandemic safety measures in place, I think I can safely speak for every couple out there in saying, I’m impatiently waiting a dining experience outside of my home. Waiting for someone to shop, cook, and serve me at the end of a long week. And while I wish I could provide you some hope that we are nearing closer to this being a reality, sadly, at this time, I cannot. With that being said however, I jumped at the opportunity (aka. logged onto my computer) to spruce up my table/serveware and create my own romantic date night for Ben and I. Here’s a glimpse at how I set the stage for a successful dining-in experience:
Add some greenery!
Unintentionally, I have a green thumb. I have many houseplants that have lasted well over 10 years. During the summer months, I usually add one as a centrepiece for my kitchen table. I’m a firm believer that plants breathe life into their surroundings. Therefore adding one as a centrepiece to my table adds a little “something” to meal. Plus this is similar to what you may find at a restaurant. For table bouquets, pick a plant that doesn’t grow too large or it can easily overwhelm your table. My recommendation for a great green centrepiece: succulents (they stay small and require very little maintenance).
To tablecloths – I say YAY
Like me, you may have childhood memories of your grandmother’s kitchen table draped in a pastel pink tablecloth. Then grew up saying to yourself – I will never dress my table this way. When Ben and I bought our tiny home on the beach, we inherited a beautiful farm table that we quickly restored to its original splendour. Unfortunately, the table still didn’t suit the space and I quickly began obsessing over the idea of a brand new kitchen table at a steep price. It wasn’t until Instagram/Pinterest saved me from this unnecessary splurge. Instead I invested further into my existing table with a beach-themed table cloth. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. You can find mine here.
Some of my favourite Instagram accounts for table linen inspiration include:
Bringing the candles to light…
This one may seem cheesy and obvious, but if you’re going to have a date night at home, you need to include some candles. Preferably after the children are in bed as flames ignite curiosity…and house fires. For our date night, I wanted to add a vintage feel to the evening and I absolutely fell in love with these antique brass candle holders. I added some cheap unscented taper candles and it achieved the perfect, subtle elegance and “restaurant” feel that I was looking for. I can’t stress enough how “unscented” candles are really the way to go to truly be able to enjoy your evening meal; sirloin steaks and “spring mist” don’t always mix well.
Charge up your serveware
Chargers are not only for Christmas and Thanksgiving folks! I recently added these flat round chargers to my daily table setting and I am now wondering why I didn’t add these accents sooner. Not only did they give my table setting a facelift during weekdays when I’m not using my best flatware, they added some warmth and texture to the room. Pick a charger that doesn’t easily soak up the spills and can be easily wiped clean before the next meal.
Move over paper towels…
I know it’s a bit unusual to bring out the linen napkins for a weeknight evening meal. BUT for date night, you can spare the additional laundry! These white linen napkins and handwoven seagrass napkin rings contributed to the “natural” theme I was going for in trying to create an indoor picnic with that restaurant-like feel (it’s also way too cold to eat outside right now!). Date night calls for something a bit different and unique, so skip the paper towels and dust off the summer white linen.
Lastly, and most importantly, try your best not to dress up your evening meal with talk of the pandemic. Instead focus on life’s blessings and all things romantic! Breaking bread in the comfort of your home can be just as decadent and relaxing as eating out (minus the dinner prep). And if you’re still not satisfied with your date night table setting….order-in the food or check out Mikaela’s Five Cookbooks Worth Revisiting for recipe ideas!
