This Valentine’s day, we hope you get inspired to host a meal that brings people together to create fond memories, share in friendship, celebrate love – and to set a table to match!

Comfortable and casual: Who really wants to sit elbow to elbow with other couples and spend a fortune on a set menu when you can be in the casual comfort of your own home? Hosting a Valentine’s dinner party is a way to escape the over -the-top fanfare of the holiday.  We gave our table an informal ambiance by setting each place with our Lexie flatware set, our Ripple red dinnerware set, our black modern tray, and the wooden cutting board to complete the arrangement. Place a pillow like our black elegance cushion on your bench to add even more coziness to the evening!

Romance is the right vibe:  Even though you might bedecorating a table for a group of friends or family, this is a Valentine’s Day celebration. To us, keeping the romance alive is the right way to go! We all deserve lots of love in our lives, and it can be just so much fun! We added the Love Frames as decorative accents and heart shaped tableware is a repetitive theme for this tablescape with our heart shaped fondue set at each end of the table and the red heart shaped bowl at each place setting. Hugs and kisses are brought to our table by our xoxo mini platter and for beverages we used our Riedel champagne flutes to add a celebratory flare. Why not make a toast to love and friendship at your get-together?

Lovely linens: We love using our linens in new and creative ways. A tablecloth doesn’t have to be just a tablecloth, especially if your table deserves to shine through like our classic wooden one. We took three of our Nature Tablecloths in red and folded them lengthwise to position them across the table under each place setting to create red table runners! It brings unity and uniformity to the table. You could even just fold one and have it going down the middle of your table lengthwise. Who knew a tablecloth could be brimming with so much versatility?

Floral flare: Timeless, festive, and classic. Flowers and any nature effects are an essential decorative touch to your table!  Add an easy centerpiece; you don’t need to over think a bouquet! Talk about versatile products – we used our white waffle pasta tin as a vase for our bouquet! Go neutral with the floral color pallet, or have it draw out an accent from your tableware. Flowers on any table, for any holiday are a do.

Something simply sweet: Candy, chocolate, and fruit directly on the table is a simple way to add some novelty to the event. Fondue is fun and interactive, and you can have it for both your main meal and for dessert! We used the Remy Olivier Cast Iron fondue set for a hot broth fondue and for dessert, the heart shaped fondue set with chocolate and fruit.  Kids love to celebrate every holiday and we think they’ll appreciate this tip especially! Keep in mind that fondue includes flame and high heat, so make sure to keep the fun safe!

Here to help you with all your holiday table décor and more,

October has come and gone and we all know what that means – the season of giving is here! Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be a daunting task. This year Stokes wants to help you get a head start on your gift giving – and there just might be something in it for you too!

Check out our gift giving guide below for every person on your list !

For the Tablescape Artist

Getting the details right for every occasion, while creating a welcoming and festive table, is what this gift beneficiary is all about. The Christmas Juniper Dinnerware Set helps add joyful cheer to any table and will help your Tablescape Artist set the perfect table.

For the Holiday Host 

A Holiday Host wants to make sure their spread has something for everyone. What better way to give them a gift by buying them something to help them make sure of that. The Heart Revolving Condiment set gives a party planner the ability to set out all their guests’ favorites!

For the ones who love making festive foods and seasonal sweets

For the cooks and bakers in your life, their happiness comes from other people’s enjoyment. Lend them a hand this holiday season by making sure their spice collection is on point with the Mason 16-Jar Spice Rack.

For the one who always brings the Holiday Spirits

Do you know someone who never lets a party guest go without a drink in their hand? For this lucky person on your list, it’s all about helping people enjoy the moment in a relaxed atmosphere. The 3 bottle dispensing system on our Bar Butler will them make sure everyone’s joining in on the merrymaking.

For the one who loves to brew the perfect cup

This person on your list believes a hot drink can cure all.  Whether it’s to get their day started, hearing out a friend, or with a good book in hand, something brewed should always be within reach. The Mousse Milk Frother will take their brewed experience to the next level.

For the specialty chef

The specialty chef is someone who likes to experiment. Finding the right appliance to help them make exactly what they want, how they want,  is what makes them tick. The Triple Swiss Raclette will let this person on your list grill anything to perfection.

For the one who devoted to decking the halls 

This gift recipient is easy to please, all they need is something that can add some holiday cheer to their home! Avoid clashing with decorations they already have by going with a classic and elegant look like our Rudolf’s Sleigh.

For the one who loves to snuggle up

We all know one person who would stay inside all winter if they could! This homebody knows that cold days are for cozying up with something to read or for starting a Netflix marathon. Make sure they stay warm all winter long with this Red Checkered Throw.

For the playful one

This one is for the person on your list who loves a good game and some healthy competition. Getting the whole group involved, while making the energy in the room go up a notch is what this person loves. The Drinking Roulette Game would make a perfect gift!

Here to help you get every aspect of your holiday season just right,