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Seasonal décor can be uplifting and help set a mood, but it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money or clutter your basement in order to make a design statement.

Creating an elegant, understated and tasteful Valentine’s Day display is easy with just a few simple pieces and a bit of imagination.

Invest in quality tableware and some glass hurricanes and you can create eye-catching displays that can be changed around for years to come. Glass hurricanes are among my favorite pieces due to their versatility. Hurricanes can serve as candle holders, vases or decorative accents in a room. By simply filling a hurricane with seasonal items, you can set a mood. For Valentine’s Day, I fill hurricanes with foil wrapped heart-shaped candies and add a candle to create a fun statement.

Food that is properly displayed can be more than just a tasty treat. Whether you are a baker or just a lover of baked goods, invest in beautiful dishware and serving pieces and make your holiday confections your centerpiece. Fabulously decorated cupcakes can make any table look special, so I arrange them in a multi-tiered glass bowl I found while antiquing. The display is perfect for adding a punch of color and seasonal flavor to any console or counter top.

Another way to make Valentine’s Day memorable is to create a romantic table setting. Layers of color can be used without looking fussy, and it certainly isn’t necessary to have hearts appearing on everything from the napkins to the china to set the tone. For a Valentine’s Day theme, I selected black and white damask accented with red dishware. Black napkins tied with a crisp grosgrain ribbon and a touch of red complete the look.

Children’s creative masterpieces are actually some of my most treasured keepsakes and make wonderful displays. Since so much patience and care went into creating those glue and doily creations, I frame them. Displaying these one-of-a-kind pieces allows me to witness the creative process over time and is so much more fun than stuffing the precious pieces into a box or drawer. A countertop easel in my kitchen serves as the perfect spot for framed cards.

Finally, I suggest that those beautiful flowers that most of us don’t get every day be enjoyed to the fullest. If you’re so lucky as to receive a large bouquet, consider creating several smaller, more stylized arrangements. A gorgeous large centerpiece is always a welcome addition to any dining table, but most of us do not use our dining room as much as we would like. Dividing larger arrangements into smaller ones allows you to spread flowers throughout your home, where you will enjoy them more.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington. Visit her Web site at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com. Have questions for Jessica? E-mail her at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.