It’s the month of love again - hearts, kisses, hugs, and love all around!

Valentine’s Day is always an exciting time in the Thurmon household - I love doing a fun activity with Ava as it is such a light-hearted, fun-loving “holiday”! It gives us an excuse to do something enjoyable while I can also instill in her how important it is to love everyone and show your appreciation towards them by doing something special.

Instead of rushing to the shops to buy something, I had a look at what we had around the home to make something pretty for our yearly Valentine’s day tablescape. And that’s when I decided on a fun, easy, DIY table runner.

With only a few items needed and some things I grabbed around the home, we made a pretty table runner and set up a gorgeous table!

valentine’s day diy table runner

I always try to find ways to live more simply and consume less, and rather see what I can reuse or re-purpose around the home. Especially so for holidays as there are so many of them!

Once you scrolled through a few Pinterest boards to get ideas and then fine-comb your home and garden, it is amazing how inspired and creative you can get. There are so many things you can make or do with things you already have.

I had some leftover brown paper from a previous art project, paint (cause who doesn’t have paint with toddlers in the home?!), and cardboard cores from kitchen paper towels ready to go to the recycle bin.

And so I decided to make a fun DIY Valentine’s Table Runner with stamped hearts!

what you need:

A long roll of brown paper or a few shorter pieces taped together. You could also use any white paper or even linen or fabric.
Any color paint that would suit your color scheme. We chose white and pink, 'cause Valentine’s…
2 paper towel or toilet roll cores. The paper towel cores are stiffer, so they do work a bit better. You could get away with just one, but when you have more, everyone can jump in and use them for different colors.

DIRECTIONS:

Lightly press the cardboard cores in the middle to bend in and form a heart-shaped stamp.
Mix your paint colors on a paper plate or any flat surface you don’t mind messing on. We mixed the white and pink to create a fun marble-like effect!
Dip the core into the paint and stamp away on your chosen runner.
So easy!

A simple yet pretty valentine’s tablescape

If the thought of holiday tablescaping stresses you out but you still want to do something special, I totally get that, friend!

In a world where we are constantly rushed and have many things to do, setting a beautiful table is not always at the top of the list (even though you enjoy pretty settings so much!)

There are still many ways to make something pretty without spending much time, effort, and money on it. With only a few elements, you can make something strikingly gorgeous!

Here are a few ideas for your Valentine’s tablescape this year:

Don’t be afraid of bold colors

I loved the combination of soft pink and purple hues, sage green, and orange-yellow for a bright splash of color for Valentine’s Day this year! It gives me a glimmer of spring and warmer days to come! Yeah!

Oranges are inexpensive, and just look how gorgeous they worked as decor! Best of all, you can eat your decor afterward! Simple, beautiful, and practical!

**AVA HAD A LOT OF FUN WITH THE DECOR :-)**

a few flowers go a long way

You don’t need bunches of expensive flowers to make a statement. Less is more, as they say ;-)

A few picked flowers from your garden or neighborhood (get permission first!) or a small bunch from your local florist is all you need. Mix it with eucalyptus leaves or any greenery from outside to fill it up, and you’ve made a homemade bouquet that is simple but authentic!

Simply place the flowers in various pretty glass jars and create a gorgeous setting! And definitely don’t forget to add a few tea-light candles for that magical touch and glow!

inexpensive elements for that special touch

Complete your tablescape by adding a few inexpensive elements to bring it all together and add a special personal touch.

Make a DIY table runner that represents your personality or fits the theme.
Make DIY placemats by cutting circles from fabric scraps or beautifully printed paper. Here is another fun DIY placemat activity for the kids to make for Valentine’s day.
Doilies are inexpensive and add a charming, romantic feel. Use them as a second placemat, as glass coasters, or to place food dishes on them.
Tie beautiful lint around the glass stems or cutlery sets.

I hope I have given you some inspiration and ideas for a simple yet gorgeous Valentine’s Day tablescape! So often, we can find beauty in the simplest of things!

But the most important thing is to remember the day for what it is, spending time with loved ones and showing a little extra appreciation.

Next week I will share a yummy orange-flower and pistachio marmalade recipe and how we made it pretty to gift to loved ones. Stay tuned!

Love Annette xx