Valentine’s Day Entertaining Ideas
Whether you’re entertaining a large group, or just trying to make this holiday a little extra special for your family, here is a list of ideas that are simple, fun and inventive! Let us know if you try any of them by tagging us on Instagram!
Image via LaurenConrad.com
Cookie Decorating Party
The morning of your party (or the day before) bake sugar cookies using heart shaped cookie cutters of varying sizes. Before your guests arrive, lay out the cookies, toppings such as edible glitter and pearls, as well as pink and red sprinkles. Create an ombre effect with the cookie icing by playing around with different amounts of red food coloring to create varying shades of pink. Separate each shade of pink icing in its own bowl (with plastic knives for spreading) or DIY some piping bags by cutting the tips off of the corners of Ziploc bags. Finally, provide take home bags for your guests to take home their creations (draw hearts on sandwich bags or decorate brown paper lunch bags for an adorable touch!)
Image via Simple Beautiful Eating
Valentine Brunch
A few years ago, I purchased an inexpensive, heart shaped waffle maker. I have been dreaming of hosting a little Vday brunch ever since, to put that baby to good use! Red velvet heart shaped waffles could be the star of the show, along with fruit parfait cups, and how adorable is the heart shaped bacon below? Click here for the recipe.
Image via Brit + Co
Image via We’re Calling Shenanigans
Get Creative With Crafts
If you have kids, or adults who have a creative streak, this is a great and easy way to celebrate the holiday and spend quality time together. You’d be surprised how easy it is to catch up with friends, and how quickly time flies when you’re being creative!
Image via Super Make It
Concoct A Signature Drink
This is a fun idea whether you are hosting or staying in and it’s so versatile, too! Stick to some shade of red or pink and garnish with fresh berries, candy pieces, or a decorative drink stirrer or straw! Make it a cocktail or a mocktail the whole family can enjoy and use what you have on hand to keep things simple and economical. (I will probably be making a simple shirley temple for my kids, garnished with some heart candies for an extra special touch!)
Image via Green Wedding Shoes
Date Night In
Many couples choose to celebrate by going out on Valentine’s Day and enjoying a nice dinner at a restaurant. But it’s possible to have just as lovely a time at home, too! First, create the perfect ambience by playing music in the background and dimming the lights, the way a restaurant would. Light a few candles and share a drink together while you wait for your favorite food to arrive (you can always cook together if you would enjoy that, but in my opinion, who wants to deal with the aftermath of cleaning up the kitchen). Remember to get ready and dressed for this kind of date night, too! It’s part of the fun and will set it apart from any other night at home.
Set The Table
Another fabulous idea that would accommodate the whole family would be to set a beautiful table and enjoy a family meal together. Weekdays can be so busy for the average family, with after school activities, homework and hectic schedules. Take the opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day together by eating dinner as a family, whether its home cooked or you decide on takeout from your favorite restaurant. Takeout feels extra special when you set out your best plates and a beautiful centerpiece, wouldn’t you agree?
Image via Darling Darleen
Galentine’s Slumber Party
Sure, you’ve heard of the Galentine’s Party, but what about making it a slumber party instead? This sounds like such fun, especially because most of us haven’t had a slumber party with girlfriends since we were teenagers. What a perfect excuse to wear cute pajamas (bonus points for matching and creating the perfect photo op!) eat yummy food, enjoy a little too much wine and chat with your besties until sunrise. It’s brilliant and would probably make memories to last a lifetime.
Image via Michelle Infusino
Lovely Extras
Even if you’re not in the mood to entertain or go all out this Valentine’s Day, consider these simple little extras to bring a whimsical touch of love to an otherwise ordinary day!
Bake a cake! Image via Curly Girl Kitchen
Make mini heart pizzas at home! Image via Playdates To Parties
Bring home some balloons! Image via Poppies for Grace
Put together your own Valentine flower arrangement! Image via Lauren Conrad