Valentine's Celebration

Photo caption: Using a solid white dinnerware like Chef’s Table and understated flatware (also, Chef's Table) gives you endless possibilities.  Add punch to your palette with colorful glassware (Iris Ruby Margarita) colorful napkins, centerpieces, candles and edible garnishes. Decadent Chocolate Mousse with Fresh Raspberries. Recipe below.

Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day draws near. This holiday is meant to be spent with loved ones, close friends and family. So whether you’re hosting an elaborate party or an intimate dinner for two, you’ll want to set the mood right with these great table setting tips and menu suggestions…

In the Mood Foods
Looking to spice things up? Try incorporating some of these popular foods (known to have aphrodisiac qualities) into your menu.

Entertaining  Ideas

• Stimulate the senses with beautiful sights, sounds, and smells. Decorating is a must. Think pink, red, and white…the colors of love.
• Suspend balloons from the ceiling or tie to chairs with hidden messages of love or appreciation tucked inside on tiny pieces of paper. Give one to each guest.
• Scatter rose petals or candy conversation hearts on your dining table and bar.
• Create a romantic table runner with soft shades of tulle fabric or tie bows onto your stemware.
• Fold cocktail napkins in half, cut out an ice cream cone shape to form a heart. Place under stemware and fan on bar.
• Write famous quotes about love and romance on cocktail napkins (or a paper table runner).  Make a game of it by asking guests to guess who wrote each one.
• Create a striking centerpiece by placing a smaller vase filled with flowers inside a larger, wider clear one. Fill the outer vase with rose petals or red and white candies.(as shown in photo)
• Don’t forget scented candles and romantic music. Ambiance is everything.

Small gifts for your dinner guest...

Of course chocolates are the traditional option, but it is always nice to do something a little different and unexpected.

• Scented Candles
• Miniature books
• Holiday themed lottery tickets
• Get crafty and fill a heart shaped cookie cutter with candies or almonds and wrap in tulle.
• Place a miniature rose plant between place settings. It works double duty as a table decoration and take-home party favor.

Gifts for the one’s you love…

Think outside the” box of chocolates” this year. Be creative and thoughtful when selecting a present. It doesn’t always have to cost a lot to be appreciated. Would your other half enjoy a massage or being served breakfast in bed? Maybe his or her favorite author has a new book coming out. Other tokens of love include a handwritten letter or poem, perfume/cologne, music, tickets to a concert or show, a cozy blanket for two. Or, consider adopting a pet in need from an animal shelter. Remember, it is the thought that counts. And don’t forget to send all your loved ones a Valentine!

Famous Quotes…

• Love is the greatest refreshment in life. Picasso
• Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination. Voltaire
• A man falls in love through his eyes, a woman through her ears. Woodrow Wyatt
• All I really need is love but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt. Lucy Van Pelt, Peanuts, Charles Schulz