Even more than red for me, chocolate is the most associate word to Valentine’s Day. That is how I got the idea to set up a brown tablescape. And I forced myself to find beautiful brown dinnerware.
Traditional look
I want to find something that is stylish and will make a statement. The traditional hand-painted Ludovica dinnerware is an exclusivity of Horchow. The style testifies the Italian charms. The beauty of the set is enhanced by the Italian pewter chargers.
The Bavaria model from the Italian brand MEPRA is a classic flatware with just the right amount of decorative elements. If you prefer something a little bit more ornate, the Medici Flatware displayed on the Ludovica saucer looks amazing. The cylindrical, beautifully detailed pewter handles make a statement.
Contemporary look
Since I selected recipes by David Rocca, a more hip dinnerware set seems right. The Cocoa Blossom by Mikasa has all the qualities I was looking for. The color scheme appeals to men. The lush blooms feel young yet refined. And I like the variations in the patterns between the various plates, bowls and serve ware.
The unique handles shaped like freshly cut stems of Frond by Nambé complements the concept behind Cocoa Blossom.
Slide a place card into the grooves on top of these Indian style napkin holders for a clever stylish flair. Waterford kept the ornamentation simple enough so you can dress up any modern, casual dinnerware set with these napkin holders / placecard holders.
Chocolate recipes for Valentine’s Day
It is fashionable to cook an entire meal with chocolate. Although, I think it would be a chocolate overload. So what I suggest is to serve chocolate at the start and the end of the meal. And swing other flavors for the entrée.
I suggested two recipes from the adorable David Rocca because his recipes are easy to prepare and delicious. If you never try meat with chocolate before, serve Spezzatino Di Manzo Al Cioccolato as a warm appetizer. The Chocolate Eggplant is supposed to be a classic snack in Italy. Kids go nuts about it. If you want to be less adventurous, simply make homemade crepes topped with Nutella.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Ludovica Dinnerware at Horchow – price: $629.90 USD for 16-piece service
Buy online: Arte Italica Pewter Chargers at Horchow – price: $220 USD
Buy online: Bavaria flatware by MEPRA
Buy online: Medici Flatware at Horchow – price: $150 USD for 5-piece place setting
Buy online: Mikasa Cocoa Blossom Dinnerware Collection at Macy’ s – on sale: $42.95 USD for 5-piece place setting
Buy online: Nambé Frond flatware at Macy’ s – price: $55 USD for 5-piece place setting
Buy online: Michael Aram for Waterford Jaipur Napkin Rings/Place Holders at Macy’ s – price: $80 USD for a set of 5
