A Valentine’s Day party is a sweet, warm way to gather friends and loved ones around you during this chilly season. There are a few elements of a great party: delicious drinks, fantastic food, and scintillating conversation.
Create your own take on a classic Valentine’s Day party with these fabulous, lovely ideas!
Bird’s Party Blog
Create a Signature Cocktail
Like I’ve suggested in the past, create a signature cocktail. The key for gracious entertaining is to make one that’s easy to mix up in a batch before guests arrive. No one wants to play bartender while trying to welcome guests at the same time! Prep your cocktail before the party starts and let guests pour theirs as they arrive.
Gimme Some Oven created a cranberry mulled wine recipe that’s red-hot and ready to spice up the party!
Or, make a non-alcoholic version with just cranberry juice. Top with ginger beer when serving for a bit of fizz and to add something special to the drink!
Dazzle with Fantastic Food
Luscious food and sweets may be cliches for a Valentine’s Day party, but I say, “Give the people what they want!”
What’s Gaby Cooking put together the perfect winter dinner party menu (complete with recipes for all—what a time-saver!). It’s full of hearty, earthy dishes that are perfect for a chilly, wintery evening like Valentine’s Day to warm you up (even if you have other things keeping you warm).
Her suggestion of a cheese board appetizer is genius! You can customize it to your and your guests’ tastes. You can also make it ahead, like your cocktail, so you it’s one less thing to worry about when you’re graciously welcoming your friends and loved ones into your home.
The dinner party menu has a pumpkin chocolate chip cake for dessert, but I’d serve something decadent, like these Dark Chocolate Snowballs from Minimalist Baker or the Best Chocolate Cake (complete with chocolate frosting) from Brown Eyed Baker.
I love making berry desserts for Valentine’s Day entertaining, too. A few years ago, I made these Raspberry Cups and they were just the right amount of tart and sweet! (Isn’t it true that all the best things are tart and sweet?)
You may also like: 6 Decadent Desserts + Red Hot Kitchens for Valentine’s Day
Decorate Like The Queen Isn’t Coming
Usually, I believe in the idea that less is more when it comes to decorating. But decorating for a Valentine’s Day party? You have to go over-the-top with your richest, deepest colors and textures!
Create a stunning centerpiece with lots of red candles. Break out the candy hearts and display them in clear vases around your space. Add pops of red and pink (quintessential Valentine’s Day colors) to your artwork by finding printables and dressing them up in your frames for the night. Flowers are a must!
Martha Stewart
You may also like: The Perfect Romantic Valentine’s Day Table Setting
Arrange Furniture for Conversation
What’s the point of a party if you can’t mingle and have fabulous conversations? Make sure to arrange your furniture in small groups to encourage folks to gather and talk.
Bonus: encourage coziness! Bring in your favorite throws and pillows. Layers feel cozy and inviting. So does anything with a tactile element, like fuzzy, sumptuous blankets. And, of course, candles scream cozy, so bring on the ambiance and light plenty of candles. (Just be sure to avoid mishaps by making sure that cocktail isn’t too strong!)
Tell me: what are you looking forward to this Valentine’s Day?
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