Expert Tips On How To Dine In Style And Celebrate At Home This Valentine’s Day
We sit down Cora Mina Floral Boutique, The Daily Butlery, The Forewoman, and Metro Home host Anton Barretto to get some professional design tips
Many of us may be celebrating Valentine’s Day differently this year—away from the crowded restaurants and malls, and safe within the comforts of our home.
But celebrating at home doesn’t have to be any less special. In fact, here is where you can unleash your creativity and passion to create a celebration that’s more personal and meaningful to you and your loved ones. The love month is more than just the gifts and flowers and expensive dinner dates. It’s all about spending time with those who matter most to you, and putting in that extra effort to make them feel loved.
To give us creative ideas on how to spend Valentine’s Day at home and help us design our homes and tables, we talk to design experts Zayra Bulawan of Cora Mina Floral Boutique, Sanj Licaros of The Daily Butlery, Metro Home host Anton Barretto, and “The Forewoman” Jet Acuzar.
Zayra Bulawan
Zayra is the owner of Cora Mina Floral Boutique based in Quezon City, a flower shop that does not only supply fresh and dried blooms, but also offers event styling services.
How do you usually celebrate your own Valentine’s Day and how differently are you doing it this year?
Usually, it is just a simple lunch or dinner celebration with my parents, sisters, and my beautiful niece. These days, I make quality time for them in the midst of the season’s rush at Cora Mina, while giving our best to make all the beautiful arrangements for our clients.
This year, aside from family time, I’ll continue what I’ve started last year: creating something which speaks more to myself. I want to create a different kind of poetry and try to live unlived stories. Below is a photo for the piece I created in February 2020 entitled “What is Left.” It was part of an exhibit, “LoveNotLove” at Kondwi.
Valentine’s Day is a time for celebrating love—with your partner, your family, and your friends. How important do you think is celebrating these small moments in the midst of a global pandemic?
It is a life reminder and a much-needed affirmation that we are all loved and capable of loving, and we should let the people around us feel that. Considering what we are all going through, radiating all the love and positive energy from one another is a gift we have to share, be it through a simple or grand gesture.
When you hear the word “love” or “Valentine’s day,” what are some of the design elements you quickly associate with it?
I usually associate love with beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the sound of the rain, the smell of flowers—even in its decomposing state—and basically anything that breathes nature. Not a specific physical decor or color, but intangible elements which remind me of what it feels like to love and be loved.
I take inspiration from these memories and intertwine all of these with our clients' own stories and concepts. After all, it is their love and life events that we are celebrating through our work. It is always a juxtaposition, making the right edits and sealing the work with its own magic.
How is your business doing nowadays, taking into account the pandemic challenges and the opportunities presented by Valentine’s Day?
Business is now thriving and we are blessed to be continuing all our services, but with careful observance of health and safety protocols. We did launch three series for our Valentine's Day catalogue, to give our clients a wide array of choices for this month's celebration. It is our simple contribution for the season, to share love and positivity.
Visit Cora Mina on Instagram at @coraminamanila. For orders, event
styling, and inquiries, e-mail coraminamanila@gmail.com.
Sanj Licaros
Sanj is the owner of The Daily Butlery, a service that provides butler style training and consultancy for private homes and businesses locally.
How do you usually celebrate your own Valentine’s Day and how differently are you doing it this year?
I usually have dinner out with my husband, but this year, we will have dinner at home with our children. My husband will prepare a tapas-style dinner for the family, which I will serve in the living room instead of the dining room.
Valentine’s Day is a time for celebrating love—with your partner, your family, and your friends. How important do you think is celebrating these small moments in the midst of a global pandemic?
It is very important to celebrate these occasions. It assures not only our children, but my husband and I as well that life goes on and that there is always something to be thankful for.
Even though much has been taken away from all of us in the past year like traveling, hosting gatherings, and the freedom to go where you please with your family, I realized that these experiences can be recreated at home. For Valentine’s Day dinner in the time of pandemic, the saying “Home is where the heart is” literally holds true.
When you hear the word “love” or “Valentine’s day,” what are some of the design elements you quickly associate with it?
Valentine’s Day will always be associated with flowers, candlelight dinners, chocolates and heart-shaped items. When I work, I usually have elements of the theme, whether it be the pantones, food, music, or the ambiance that I want to create.
For dinner this Valentine’s Day, ditch the dining table and set up a beautiful picnic blanket or a grazing table in your living room. Add a small electric grill on the side for some easy-to-reheat dishes and finish it with a fun, interactive dessert. Instead of a box of chocolates, do a fondue station.
How is your business doing nowadays, taking into account the pandemic challenges and the opportunities presented by Valentine’s Day?
Business slowed down for me, but God is continuing to show me that He is in charge and He is listening. Many people now have the time and are taking extra care of the details at home. People want to learn and do all sorts of things to improve themselves and their home life. That is where The Daily Butlery comes in. I feel very fortunate to teach people ways to improve themselves through everyday etiquette and make their dining and daily moments in their homes special.
The Daily Butlery is on Instagram at @thedailybutlery. For
inquiries, you may email welcome@thedailybutlery.com.
Anton Barretto
Anton has been an authority on style and design for last 20 years, having been the editor-in-chief of the home and lifestyle magazine Metro Home, and host of Metro Channel TV show of the same name, Metro Home.
How do you usually celebrate your own Valentine’s Day and how differently are you doing it this year?
For years now I’ve been celebrating Valentine’s Day with my single and married friends. We normally enjoy a homecooked meal or when no one offers to cook, then a caterer comes to feed us.
I guess this year will be different. Covid-19 dictates how we celebrate these days but with all the necessary safety protocols and my on-call home service testing team. I’ve mapped out my Valentine’s day dinner celebration.
I’ll be in a garden, a big table with socially distanced chairs, no buffet, and I’ve ordered face masks and monogrammed pouches to keep the masks in while eating. So far I have 4 close friends who have agreed to go. I’ll limit to a maximum of 6 so whoever the lucky 2 are, then we all get to enjoy a 4-course meal prepared by my good friend Joy Lim of the famed Yogi Brunch. She will also curate a special mix of her bottled products as my giveaway.
Valentine’s Day is a time for celebrating love—with your partner, your family, and your friends. How important do you think is celebrating these small moments in the midst of a global pandemic?
I think it’s a good idea to celebrate Valentine’s Day, after all, it is a day dedicated to show our love and affection to each other.
Since we really should be staying home, celebrate with your family (or who ever you live with) and spread the love! Cook a special meal or order food from your fave restaurant or home chef.
If you’re single and ready to mingle, keep in mind that you need to be safe, as well as considerate, to the person or people you will invite. If privately, ensure everyone will be safe. If in a public place then choose wisely; there are many establishments that have outdoor seating, so you should call for reservations in advance and ask them about their safety protocol practice.
If you can’t (or don’t want to) celebrate with people, there are many ways to send a greeting of love! If you have time on your hands (literally) try making a homemade card, bake a cake, or look up a quick DIY gift for valentine. Something handmade and personal is always appreciated. If you are busy, then the usual flower arrangement from your florist of choice will delight the recipient. Another gift that will surely (I hope) be appreciated, drum roll...a potted plant, in keeping with this whole new plant fixation.
The choices for gift giving have blossomed because of the pandemic. We have witnessed and tasted a lot of products from home cooks and creative people—and they are all just a text away so order in advance.
When you hear the word “love” or “Valentine’s day,” what are some of the design elements you quickly associate with it?
Valentine’s Day to me equals flowers and chocolates, hearts, and the color red.
Flowers in general are a perfect way to say I love you on Valentine’s Day. I must say, I have many friends young and old who expect to receive flowers on Valentine’s Day.
I’ve been asked to style Valentine events—big and intimate. I just follow what the client wants and if asked to suggest, then I’ll give my creative input.
Jet Acuzar
Jet Acuzar is also known as “The Forewoman.” She launched her website and social media page to chronicle how anyone can practice a little creativity within their home. The website is about decorating and leisurely ways spend time in the comfort of one’s abode.
How do you usually celebrate your own Valentine’s Day and how differently are you doing it this year?
Usually, we celebrate by going to a restaurant. I insist on braving the traffic despite my husband’s protests.
This year, we are celebrating Valentine’s Day at home and the first thing my husband and I will do to prepare is an antigen swab because my husband works and goes out and we socially distance at home. The swab is usually done by Dr. Maxine or Dr. JP Lin. That’s probably the most different thing about this year.
My husband will likely cook, steak I'd imagine. And my kids will probably be running around super noisily.
Valentine’s Day is a time for celebrating love—with your partner, your family, and your friends. How important do you think is celebrating these small moments in the midst of a global pandemic?
Oh it’s so much more necessary these days! It’s tricky because I understand people who want to go all out and celebrate life (of course with all the necessary tests, quarantine, and precautions). I can see how that is wonderfully inspiring and a strong “life must go on” message, but I also understand how some people can find posting so publicly about enjoying ourselves too much at a time like this, in poor taste.
It’s a tricky one because I love posting about fun things myself. And I am always scared of where to draw the line. But I think as long as you keep health and safety a priority, that’s the most important thing.
When you hear the word “love” or “Valentine’s day,” what are some of the design elements you quickly associate with it?
I think love is such a personal abstract concept. I don’t think anything in particular comes to mind. My family perhaps? But really, in terms of decorating, I associate love with sentimentality. In the table setting, for example, I did a chef's table kitchen countertop scheme.
This is because my husband loves to cook and we often crowd around the kitchen island as he prepares anyway, so I thought I would dress up the kitchen countertop. I don’t think I’ve seen a tablescape in a countertop or kitchen island before so this was super fun considering the vantage point of the seats is only towards the chef!
When will we see your products and services?
I’m launching my very first collection sometime this year because we’re still prototyping. We’re making sure that we test every product we sell so when I come out with the homeware line, I know that I believe in what I sell and I can answer all of my clients’ questions. The goal really is to make it affordable and have really good quality.
Check out The Forewoman on Instagram at @theforewoman or visit her website at www.theforewoman.com.
Check out the gallery below for our comprehensive compilation of tips on how to style your home, dine in style, and celebrate Valentine’s Day from Cora Mina, The Daily Butlery, Anton Barretto, and The Forewoman.
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
When decorating the home, it is best to follow your personal choice of colors and textures, things you and your family are familiar with, and just add a little bit of surprise.
Photo Credit: Cora Mina
Go for no-frills, all white table styling.
Photo Credit: Cora Mina
White is so romantic and yet very calming and natural, not staged nor stiff. It gives the right flair for a candlelit dinner in your lanai or rooftop.
Photo Credit: Cora Mina
You can upcycle your empty wine bottles, mason jars, or used glass bottles to create a rustic but romantic vibe.
Photo Credit: Cora Mina
Try looking in your garden for some foliage cuttings. For sustainable décor, look for cuttings of plants that thrive in water. They can be styled in vases for several weeks or months.
Photo Credit: Cora Mina
Hydroponic plants can be transformed into instant table centerpieces. Plants with creeping vines and sprouting growths adds a natural and fresh touch on your tablescapes.
Photo Credit: Cora Mina
You can also preserve your fresh flowers to make it last longer! The knot loop is designed to hang the bouquet upside down to naturally dry the roses. Naturally preserving flowers is a sentimental experience we personally enjoy at Cora Mina, and you can do it with your own flowers at home, too.
Photo Credit: Cora Mina
Styling with fresh flower table centerpieces is classic and timeless, but dried flowers make breathtaking designs, too.
Photo Credit: Cora Mina
Lighting is key. Create a warm ambiance by combining lit candles and lamps all over the house.
Photo Credit: The Daily Butlery
The weather has been wonderful recently so you can open all the windows or doors and invite that cool air to come. You can also set up an al fresco dining in the garden or veranda.
Photo Credit: Natural Goods Berlin/Unsplash
Decide on a concept and prepare the menu, table setting, and music, based on what you come up with to create an easy yet elegant dinner. We did a recent celebration with just one setup on our coffee table, using a large silver serving tray as the focal point of the table and small plates for a three-course dinner. We started off the evening with a raclette party, followed by a grilled meat platter as the main course. We ended it with a chocolate fondue fountain. It was fun and interactive with a European flair.
Photo Credit: The Daily Butlery
Let the music take you to another place with your loved ones. Create a playlist for the event and share it on Spotify for everyone to enjoy. Here is The Daily Butlery Playlist on Spotify entitled “Lounging Around.” Just scan the QR Code on Spotify and play.
Photo Credit: The Daily Butlery
This year, the theme I’d like to do is Handcrafted with Love, using items that show meticulous work of craftsmanship and things that you already have at home. This table setting was put together using the following: handwoven table cloth from Easter Weaving Room, placemat by Etniko Filipino, crockery by Pablo Capati, bread plate and compressed tissue dish by Cornerstone Potter, handblown wine glass by Whitbread Wilkinson from Lanai Manila, cutlery by Sabre Paris from Manila House, place card holder from Pilak, floral candle by Belliya’s Candles, and embroidered linen napkin by Cabana Workshop.
Photo Credit: The Daily Butlery
I once read somewhere that “Love isn’t love until you give it away”. The receiver will truly feel how special they are when they receive that they can display in their home like this beautiful bouquet from Fig & Vine Floral Studio.
Photo Credit: The Daily Butlery
It’s always nice to bring green and warmth into the room with plants. @wonderplants.ph on Instagram has carefully curated plants that will stand out as a living sculpture in any home.
Photo Credit: The Daily Butlery
To create a special table setting for Valentine’s Day, you can put flowers on the table. You can use what you have around the house, perhaps precious containers like crystal or vintage porcelain vases, bottles, and tea cups. Not all of us are pros when it comes to arranging flowers so keep it simple—stick a bunch of the same flower in a container and it will look magical. If you don’t want to buy flowers, pick from your garden. Leaves are also a nice touch when bunched up in containers. Herbs or potted plants also look great on a table.
Photo Credit: Anton Barretto
Mix and match your china. Break up sets. Coordinate colors and patterns. Experiment with layering. You can also mix cutlery and glassware. If you have plate chargers use them, they are a great accessory to frame your creativity if you mix plates up; or if you choose to be a purist and keep to the set, a charger always elevates the setting.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Borba/Unsplash
Using different plates make the setting more unexpected. Here, the red patterned plates were sourced from Casa Juan, white plates from Alessi, the mosaic charger from Gourdo’s, and the crystal stemware are Ralph Lauren, bought at Rustan’s.
Photo Credit: Anton Barretto
Add texture and interest to your centerpiece. Incorporate other things like candles, and figurines. Again, look around your house and give new purpose to what you may have lying around or hiding in your cupboards. Here, silver birds and faux candles in mercury glass were added and anchored in a bold-colored table runner to frame the tableaux. These silver birds add a nice whimsical touch to this romantic table setting.
Photo Credit: Anton Barretto
Do something creative for your napkins, google creative ways to fold them or add elements to make them stand out. For example: inserting fresh blooms and leaves into your napkin to look like a bouquet.
Photo Credit: Anton Barretto
Here is a creative and easy way to flood a napkin into the shape of a rose: Twirl the fabric and knot lightly. You may adjust and open to a desired shape. Add a leaf to complete the look.
Photo Credit: Anton Barretto
If you have a rectangular table, use a table runner to anchor your table centerpiece - if your table is round perhaps try using a nice round silver tray to put your arrangement on.
Photo Credit: Ibrahim Boran/Unsplash
You can also layer elements of different styles and textures. Here, I used a woven charger and napkin from Crate and Barrel, hammered cutlery in different patterns from True Value, and a quartz coaster from Oliver and Maude.
Photo Credit: Anton Barretto
Here are my go-to places and people that I call when I want to entertain: Floriade flower shop for flowers; @pgdbotanique on Instagram for plants; @kassabykarensantos, @oliverandmaude, and @casajuanmnl for table décor; Joy Lim (09175902011), Cibo, Wildflour, and @realgirltoykitchen for food; and ABMTC (09667511201 or 09209185788) for home service antigen testing.
Photo Credit: Annie Spratt
When celebrating Valentine’s Day at home, the first thing that we have to consider is the people that we’re celebrating it with. Take into consideration what they like and what you like, and find a middle ground, something that pleases all parties.
Photo Credit: The Forewoman
Don’t take design too seriously. Go with what you feel and what makes you happy. For me, I don’t have a favorite color scheme or particular go-to shops when sourcing items because I have the most random adventures. I love Lanai in Manila and Harrod’s in London, and I also buy things from Shopee. It doesn’t matter where they’re from—especially now that there’s a pandemic—as long as they’re beautiful and have good quality.
Photo Credit: The Forewoman
In this tablescape, I wanted to use stuff that were super affordable but they still look so nice. Just mix it up! The plates and some of the glasses were from Luminarc. The chargers, placemats, and coasters are all from BNK Marvgold, a local supplier with really great stuff. The wine glasses are from Rustan’s. The crocheted coasters are from Lanai. The cutlery were from Jean Dubost, which were handmade in France. The decanter is from Lalique. Lalique and Shopee couldn’t be farther from each other, but I’m happy to put them all on the same plate because I believe Filipino craftsmanship like BNK Marvgold can truly compete on the world stage.
Photo Credit: The Forewoman
It’s easy to get something off the shelf, but customized items can make your set-up extra special. These table napkins are customized from Amber & Anne.
Photo Credit: The forewoman
White is a nice palate cleanser. But you can mix it up with a few pops of color.
Photo Credit: The Forewoman
As cliched as it is, at the end of the day, reds and pinks are the color of love and it makes me happy when I see pops of red and pink when designing for something romantic.
Photo Credit: The Forewoman
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