In December, I was asked to create a “do it yourself” Valentine’s Day tablescape for the January/February issue of  “Chromatic” magazine.

Needless, to say, I was ecstatic with the opportunity and took a few days to contemplate what I could do that would utilize items that couples’ may already have in their homes, could be purchased locally and most importantly, could be re-used for other purposes.

This year, Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2010) also happens to be Chinese New Year’s.  With that in mind, I wanted to incorporate Asian elements into the design of the table, while at the same time,  keeping costs down by limiting the use of traditional Valentine’s Day flowers such as red roses.

Using items that I already had on hand, along with a shopping trip to Pier 1 (absolutely one of my FAVORITE places to shop) the design started to evolve.  I found a rich burgundy table runner with beautiful embroidery that would be more versatile than bright red, gold trimmed votive candle holders, heart bookends, bubble vases with candle holder, a rich red picture frame, red and ivory essentials plates and amber crackle stemware.

To keep costs down, I used beautiful red mokara orchids with bear grass at the bottom of the bubble vases with Island Orchard votive candles.   The bubble vases can easily be changed into completely different theme such as a sea theme with beach sand, shells and a blue candle.    The red frame featured a “Valentine’s Day Gift” poem for the evening, and may be re-used for a picture of the couple at one of their favorite places.

A few red roses were used along with the river rocks (which always lends itself to an Asian feel) along with the decorative chopsticks, wooden flatware and a Valentine’s Day menu printed on parchment paper which was custom designed to fit inside the plate and and printed on a basic HP Officejet printer.

Our non-pro picture is posted here, with professional images from Kris Labang are featured on pages 30-33 in the magazine alongside Elite Catering which is now featured on-line at http://www.chromaticmagazine.com/

“Chromatic” magazine which is a quarterly publication providing the people of Hawaii information on the latest fashion, beauty, hot spots, entertainment and lifestyle.