Entertaining your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day does not mean you have to spend a lot of money. Try these ideas for entertaining and budget-friendly tips whether you have one valentine or several “little” valentines.
Tokens of Love:
1. Purchase one or two mini-boxes of 4 decadent Godiva brand signature truffles at www.Godiva.com for $8.50 each. Most people are still trying to recover from the holidays by cutting calories. Rather than purchasing a whole pound of chocolates, this size is just right for a luxurious little treat of world-class chocolate.
2. Purchase a small heart-shaped box (2-4 per box) of chocolates or a small box of conversation hearts from a drug or grocery for your “little” valentines. Hold it behind your back and ask your mini-sweetie if he will be your valentine. Give a hug and kiss with his special treat from mommy or daddy.
Greetings of Love:
3. Send an e-card to your sweetheart’s email or mobile phone. AmericanGreetings.com offers free e-cards on their site. Some talk and play music or you can customize your own. They even have printable cards and Valentine’s printable coupons.
4. Take a trip to your local craft store and make a homemade Valentine card. You don’t have to be crafty; just use a little construction paper, lace paper doilies and a glitter pen. Homemade gifts and cards are always so much more special than expensive purchased cards. Try your hand at writing a heartfelt poem in the card or recall a funny or silly moment together.
Acts of love:
1. Some of these are absolutely free and you personalize them for your sweetie because after all, you know him/her best.
• Share an interest. If your darling loves football or fishing, watch a game or go for an afternoon fishing trip together. If your sweetie complains that you rarely see movies that interest her, catch a chick-flick or romantic comedy together. Showing interest in each other’s activities promotes love and intimacy.
• Take care of one thing your beloved has been asking you to do. Whether organizing the garage, having your in-laws over for dinner or _______(fill in the blank) you will give the unmistakable message that your sweetheart’s concerns are important to you.
• Surprise your Valentine with a day-trip somewhere he/she has been longing to visit such as a special museum, national park, theme park or local festival. If you belong to a union, a credit union or AAA, check their websites for discounts for members to many local attractions.
2. For an easy entertaining dinner, refer to the Romantic Dinner for Two in Chapter 2 of Easy Entertaining for Beginners for an easy dinner party menu.
- Set the table with a white, beige, red or pink cloth tablecloth or placemats. Using a tablecloth can give your table a very different look from the everyday.
- Use several inexpensive clear glass votive candles and sprinkle some conversation or creme hearts in each one. Top with a tea light.
- Serve a chilled sparkling wine in stemmed glasses.
- Using cloth napkins always gives the impression of a special occasion.
- Place a box of the Godiva dessert truffles at each setting.
- Decorate with a single favorite flower at each place setting. Small glass votives or clear glass salt and pepper shakers with the tops taken off will stand in for the vases for each place setting. (Remove the salt and pepper and fill with water).
Keep it simple and have fun. It is in quiet moments like these that you and your Valentine can unwind, connect and recharge. Happy Entertaining!
