Nov
10
Forgo the requisite romantic dinner out and instead throw a Valentine's bash and invite all of your friends. From the music to the food, we've got tips for turning your Valentine's Day party into a fun, memorable, and romantic night for everyone.
Ice Breakers
Introduce all of your Valentine's Day party guests at the beginning and get them to engage in an ice breaker. This can be as simple as getting each couple to introduce and share something about themselves. If most of your guests are unfamiliar with one another, setup an ice breaker where each couple has to learn at least one thing about each other couple and then shares that with the group. By getting everyone involved in the beginning, you'll encourage mingling and the Valentine's Day party with run more smoothly.
Party Games
Plan a few clever Valentine's Day party games to entertain your guests. These can be as innocent and cheesy as 'Pin the Wings on Cupid' or as risqué as a kissing game. You could create a few unique Valentine's Day party games such as coming up with the most romantic proposal, a Valentine's Day trivia quiz, and so on. Whatever games you plan, make sure to have romantic prizes on hand for the winner!
Decorations
Keep the decorations in line with the romance of Valentine's Day. Keep the overall decor light and romantic by turning down the lights, putting candles around the house, and adding fresh flowers, especially roses, in various locations. If you want to add additional decorations, go with the color red (or at least shades of red) and heart shapes.
Valentine's Food
Finger foods tend to work best for casual, fun parties. Try adding a bit of romance to your finger foods by using red food coloring or heart shaped molds. If you want a more intimate atmosphere, go with a dinner party and invite everyone over for a candlelit, gourmet meal. No matter which you choose, go with romantic desserts such as a heart shaped cake or chocolate fondue.
Party Favors
Create little Valentine's Day party gift bags for each couple to take home with them. Fill them with romantic tokens such as a sensual scented candle, a heart shaped cookie cutter, two chocolate dipped strawberries, and fun candy conversation hearts. You could even take photos of each couple as they arrive and put their pictures on the backs of the King and Queen of Hearts playing cards.
Music
Keep the music soft while eating so that you can easily engage in conversation. As the party continues, encourage dancing. Of course you want the requisite romantic slow songs, but try adding a few faster paced songs in the mix as well. End the night with Martina McBride's 'Valentine'.
Dress up
If you want a really unique Valentine's Day party, tell everyone to come dressed up as a famous couple from history, such as Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, or even more recent couple such as Britney and Kevin, or Tom and Katie.
Ice Breakers
Introduce all of your Valentine's Day party guests at the beginning and get them to engage in an ice breaker. This can be as simple as getting each couple to introduce and share something about themselves. If most of your guests are unfamiliar with one another, setup an ice breaker where each couple has to learn at least one thing about each other couple and then shares that with the group. By getting everyone involved in the beginning, you'll encourage mingling and the Valentine's Day party with run more smoothly.
Party Games
Plan a few clever Valentine's Day party games to entertain your guests. These can be as innocent and cheesy as 'Pin the Wings on Cupid' or as risqué as a kissing game. You could create a few unique Valentine's Day party games such as coming up with the most romantic proposal, a Valentine's Day trivia quiz, and so on. Whatever games you plan, make sure to have romantic prizes on hand for the winner!
Decorations
Keep the decorations in line with the romance of Valentine's Day. Keep the overall decor light and romantic by turning down the lights, putting candles around the house, and adding fresh flowers, especially roses, in various locations. If you want to add additional decorations, go with the color red (or at least shades of red) and heart shapes.
Valentine's Food
Finger foods tend to work best for casual, fun parties. Try adding a bit of romance to your finger foods by using red food coloring or heart shaped molds. If you want a more intimate atmosphere, go with a dinner party and invite everyone over for a candlelit, gourmet meal. No matter which you choose, go with romantic desserts such as a heart shaped cake or chocolate fondue.
Party Favors
Create little Valentine's Day party gift bags for each couple to take home with them. Fill them with romantic tokens such as a sensual scented candle, a heart shaped cookie cutter, two chocolate dipped strawberries, and fun candy conversation hearts. You could even take photos of each couple as they arrive and put their pictures on the backs of the King and Queen of Hearts playing cards.
Music
Keep the music soft while eating so that you can easily engage in conversation. As the party continues, encourage dancing. Of course you want the requisite romantic slow songs, but try adding a few faster paced songs in the mix as well. End the night with Martina McBride's 'Valentine'.
Dress up
If you want a really unique Valentine's Day party, tell everyone to come dressed up as a famous couple from history, such as Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, or even more recent couple such as Britney and Kevin, or Tom and Katie.
Nov
10
Proposing on the ultimate romance day of the year? Turn February 14th into a day she'll never forget with a one-of-a-kind marriage proposal...
Get your proposal story featured on our site!
Download 101 of the most creative and romantic marriage proposals ever!
Have her serenaded on Valentine's Day. You can hire a singer to surprise her with a Valentine's song, such as 'My Funny Valentine' or Martina McBride's 'Valentine'. Or, serenade her yourself and end with the proposal!
Give her a heart shaped box of chocolates, with one chocolate missing and an engagement ring in it's place. When she opens the box, get down on one knee and pop the question.
Get a box of children's Valentine cards. Put a different message in each one, such as "I want to spend the rest of my life with you". Have the last one that she opens say "Will you marry me?".
On Valentine's Day, use the little heart candies and spell out the words 'Marry Me' with them. For extra romance, only use the hearts that say 'Marry Me' on them.
Give her a beautiful heart trinket box with the ring nestled inside. Engrave your proposal or your names with the date on the top of the box. This personalized proposal will be a Valentine's surprise that she'll never forget!
Buy a card that says "To my fiance on Valentine's Day". As she opens the card, she will be surprised and then you get down on your knee and propose.
Take her out to a 5-star restaurant for dinner and have the waiter bring the ring with dessert. When the ring arrives, ask for her hand in marriage.
Give her a heart pendant necklace for Valentine's Day and then surprise her with a Valentine's Day proposal as you get down on one knee with a ring. She'll think the necklace was the only gift and then be surprised with the proposal.
Get a dozen (or even 2!) of roses and tie the ring to one of the stems. When she notices it, ask her to be your Valentine for a lifetime.
Bring her a single Valentine rose and try putting the ring inside the petals. Hand it to her carefully and as she smells the rose, she'll see the ring. Take the ring from her flowers, place it on her finger, and get down on one knee and propose.
Place roses and rose petals around the room and light candles everywhere. Create a cd of romantic Valentine music and have it playing when she comes home. Invite her to dance with you and spend the cd whispering sweet nothings in her ear as you dance. Have the last song be Martina McBride's 'Valentine' and as it ends, get down on one knee and propose.
Tell her that she's stolen your heart and ask her to keep it forever. Give her the ring -- a heart shaped diamond -- and get down on one knee and propose.
Buy several bags of candy conversation hearts and take out all of the hearts that say "marry me". Put them together in a special heart shaped candy dish and give it to her. As she starts reading the conversation hearts, get down on one knee with the ring.
Get your proposal story featured on our site!
Download 101 of the most creative and romantic marriage proposals ever!
Have her serenaded on Valentine's Day. You can hire a singer to surprise her with a Valentine's song, such as 'My Funny Valentine' or Martina McBride's 'Valentine'. Or, serenade her yourself and end with the proposal!
Give her a heart shaped box of chocolates, with one chocolate missing and an engagement ring in it's place. When she opens the box, get down on one knee and pop the question.
Get a box of children's Valentine cards. Put a different message in each one, such as "I want to spend the rest of my life with you". Have the last one that she opens say "Will you marry me?".
On Valentine's Day, use the little heart candies and spell out the words 'Marry Me' with them. For extra romance, only use the hearts that say 'Marry Me' on them.
Give her a beautiful heart trinket box with the ring nestled inside. Engrave your proposal or your names with the date on the top of the box. This personalized proposal will be a Valentine's surprise that she'll never forget!
Buy a card that says "To my fiance on Valentine's Day". As she opens the card, she will be surprised and then you get down on your knee and propose.
Take her out to a 5-star restaurant for dinner and have the waiter bring the ring with dessert. When the ring arrives, ask for her hand in marriage.
Give her a heart pendant necklace for Valentine's Day and then surprise her with a Valentine's Day proposal as you get down on one knee with a ring. She'll think the necklace was the only gift and then be surprised with the proposal.
Get a dozen (or even 2!) of roses and tie the ring to one of the stems. When she notices it, ask her to be your Valentine for a lifetime.
Bring her a single Valentine rose and try putting the ring inside the petals. Hand it to her carefully and as she smells the rose, she'll see the ring. Take the ring from her flowers, place it on her finger, and get down on one knee and propose.
Place roses and rose petals around the room and light candles everywhere. Create a cd of romantic Valentine music and have it playing when she comes home. Invite her to dance with you and spend the cd whispering sweet nothings in her ear as you dance. Have the last song be Martina McBride's 'Valentine' and as it ends, get down on one knee and propose.
Tell her that she's stolen your heart and ask her to keep it forever. Give her the ring -- a heart shaped diamond -- and get down on one knee and propose.
Buy several bags of candy conversation hearts and take out all of the hearts that say "marry me". Put them together in a special heart shaped candy dish and give it to her. As she starts reading the conversation hearts, get down on one knee with the ring.
Nov
10
Valentine candles can really set off the sparks of romance in your home. If you want to "set the mood," lighting a candle or two will most certainly do the trick. While pretty much any candle is romantic in nature, a valentine candle is special in regards to its shape, color and aroma. When you are trying to create a romantic mood using candles, keep these things in mind.
Size and Shape
Valentine candles can be small, but often are medium to large. They are also usually crafted into interesting, romance themed shapes. Hearts, cherubs and flowers are some of the shapes that you may find. Round candles with real flowers or rose petals captured in the wax are also very popular for Valentine's Day fare. It all depends on what you like.
If you prefer fun, novelty candles, then a pretty heart or cute cherub would probably suit you fine. However, if you are more classic and reserved, a sleek, column candle with rose petals in the wax would probably be more your style. The best thing you can do is visit a candle shop and see what appeals to you.
Color
Of course, the colors of Valentine's day are red, pink and white. That being said, it does not necessarily mean that your Valentine candles must be those exact colors. However, if you are going with a very definite Valentine's Day theme, then you probably want to stick with those colors, or at least have candles that have those colors as accents.
You can do a lot with a pretty red candle or a red heart candle with white lace. These are very strong Valentine's Day themes. Solid colors are very nice too because you can really dress them up with a nice, romantic presentation. Taper candles are very nice as well.
Aroma
We associate many different things with the aromas around us. Therefore, it stands to reason that certain scents would be associated with romance. Light scents like roses, ylang ylang and other floral scents are traditionally romantic and the basis of many Valentine candles.
Other scents like baking cookies are also popular. Sometimes cinnamon or candy scents are used for Valentine candles. It is really up to you and what the different scents trigger in your own mind. A candle that has an earthy scent like fresh cut grass or fresh fruit can also be very romantic. Find a scent that you like and fill your room with it.
Floating Candles
Floating candles are very popular, especially for Valentine's Day. They are usually in the shape of flowers and you float them in a bowl of water as a centerpiece for a table. When you have several lit floating candles in a bowl it can have a very romantic effect.
There is something about the flame of the candle, against the lulling of the water that is very sensual. As the water moves, the candles move, causing the flame to flicker. Find a floating Valentine candle or several that have nice colors and a nice aroma then use them to create your romantic atmosphere.
Presentation
They say that presentation is everything and your Valentine candle does not escape this rule. Try these decorating ideas to give your candles a romantic presentation:
Set your candle on a bed of rose petals
Place your candle on a pretty lace doily
Display your taper candles in pretty Valentine themed candle holders
When you have taper candles in a candelabra, alternate the colors (red, white, red, white)
Color the water for your floating candles
Float rose petals in the water with your floating candles
Flameless Candles
If you love the flicker of candlelight and the romantic aromas that surround you, but worry about the dangers of actual candles, try the new Febreeze Flameless Luminaries! I recently purchased the cranberry pear and while you may not immediately associate these with romance, they definitely help set the mood!
Another option is a candle warmer, which is a small warming base that plugs in and warms the candle, filling the room with a wonderful aroma. The only thing missing with this is the flickering flames.
Save 20% on candles now when you use coupon code CB2020 at CandleBay!
Size and Shape
Valentine candles can be small, but often are medium to large. They are also usually crafted into interesting, romance themed shapes. Hearts, cherubs and flowers are some of the shapes that you may find. Round candles with real flowers or rose petals captured in the wax are also very popular for Valentine's Day fare. It all depends on what you like.
If you prefer fun, novelty candles, then a pretty heart or cute cherub would probably suit you fine. However, if you are more classic and reserved, a sleek, column candle with rose petals in the wax would probably be more your style. The best thing you can do is visit a candle shop and see what appeals to you.
Color
Of course, the colors of Valentine's day are red, pink and white. That being said, it does not necessarily mean that your Valentine candles must be those exact colors. However, if you are going with a very definite Valentine's Day theme, then you probably want to stick with those colors, or at least have candles that have those colors as accents.
You can do a lot with a pretty red candle or a red heart candle with white lace. These are very strong Valentine's Day themes. Solid colors are very nice too because you can really dress them up with a nice, romantic presentation. Taper candles are very nice as well.
Aroma
We associate many different things with the aromas around us. Therefore, it stands to reason that certain scents would be associated with romance. Light scents like roses, ylang ylang and other floral scents are traditionally romantic and the basis of many Valentine candles.
Other scents like baking cookies are also popular. Sometimes cinnamon or candy scents are used for Valentine candles. It is really up to you and what the different scents trigger in your own mind. A candle that has an earthy scent like fresh cut grass or fresh fruit can also be very romantic. Find a scent that you like and fill your room with it.
Floating Candles
Floating candles are very popular, especially for Valentine's Day. They are usually in the shape of flowers and you float them in a bowl of water as a centerpiece for a table. When you have several lit floating candles in a bowl it can have a very romantic effect.
There is something about the flame of the candle, against the lulling of the water that is very sensual. As the water moves, the candles move, causing the flame to flicker. Find a floating Valentine candle or several that have nice colors and a nice aroma then use them to create your romantic atmosphere.
Presentation
They say that presentation is everything and your Valentine candle does not escape this rule. Try these decorating ideas to give your candles a romantic presentation:
Set your candle on a bed of rose petals
Place your candle on a pretty lace doily
Display your taper candles in pretty Valentine themed candle holders
When you have taper candles in a candelabra, alternate the colors (red, white, red, white)
Color the water for your floating candles
Float rose petals in the water with your floating candles
Flameless Candles
If you love the flicker of candlelight and the romantic aromas that surround you, but worry about the dangers of actual candles, try the new Febreeze Flameless Luminaries! I recently purchased the cranberry pear and while you may not immediately associate these with romance, they definitely help set the mood!
Another option is a candle warmer, which is a small warming base that plugs in and warms the candle, filling the room with a wonderful aroma. The only thing missing with this is the flickering flames.
Save 20% on candles now when you use coupon code CB2020 at CandleBay!
Aug
28
As I was sitting in traffic listening to the radio this morning, I happened to catch the end of a little Valentine's Day chat.
As one lady began talking about her favorite Valentine's Day gift from her husband and I could practically see her smile through the airwaves. A couple of years ago, her husband surprised her with a standard Valentine's Day gift (flowers, candy, or what not - she couldn't actually recall) and a Strawberry Shortcake sleeping bag. The standard gift was thoughtful and romantic she said, but Strawberry Shortcake had been a childhood favorite of hers. Years later, it's the sleeping bag that she recalls with fondness and love rather than the flowers.
Giving gifts with a personal touch shows that you truly know your partner. It shows a deep understanding of the one person who is your best friend and lover wrapped into one. A Strawberry Shortcake sleeping bag may not be the first thing you think of when you think of a romantic Valentine's Day gift, but even the most seemingly unromantic gifts can be incredibly romantic in the right context.
When you select a romantic gift for your partner, take a moment to ask yourself how personal the gift really is compared to other possibilities. Ten years down the road, will this be the gift, the day, the moment that stands out in his or her mind?
Giving a personal Valentine's Day gift doesn't mean you have to forgo the traditional romantic gifts like jewelry, flowers, etc. The key is to relate these gifts to your sweetie and your relationship.
In talking to a friend the other day about the upcoming holiday, she told me the story of her most memorable Valentine's Day gift. Her husband gave her a three stone diamond ring; the same one that you see advertised frequently in commercials. While the ring was stunning, it was his presentation that made her fall head over heels again.
When he got down on one knee (yes, again!) and proceeded to tell her that Valentine's Day was all about love and this ring represented all of the love that he had for her. The first stone was about their past, their history together, the memories they've made, and the love that has grown thus far. The middle stone represented their present, the love he felt for her right at this minute, this second, and the memories they were creating right now. The third stone represented their future and the love that would continue to grow through the years.
This Valentine's Day, give a gift that's personal and from the heart. These are the gifts that memories are made from.
As one lady began talking about her favorite Valentine's Day gift from her husband and I could practically see her smile through the airwaves. A couple of years ago, her husband surprised her with a standard Valentine's Day gift (flowers, candy, or what not - she couldn't actually recall) and a Strawberry Shortcake sleeping bag. The standard gift was thoughtful and romantic she said, but Strawberry Shortcake had been a childhood favorite of hers. Years later, it's the sleeping bag that she recalls with fondness and love rather than the flowers.
Giving gifts with a personal touch shows that you truly know your partner. It shows a deep understanding of the one person who is your best friend and lover wrapped into one. A Strawberry Shortcake sleeping bag may not be the first thing you think of when you think of a romantic Valentine's Day gift, but even the most seemingly unromantic gifts can be incredibly romantic in the right context.
When you select a romantic gift for your partner, take a moment to ask yourself how personal the gift really is compared to other possibilities. Ten years down the road, will this be the gift, the day, the moment that stands out in his or her mind?
Giving a personal Valentine's Day gift doesn't mean you have to forgo the traditional romantic gifts like jewelry, flowers, etc. The key is to relate these gifts to your sweetie and your relationship.
In talking to a friend the other day about the upcoming holiday, she told me the story of her most memorable Valentine's Day gift. Her husband gave her a three stone diamond ring; the same one that you see advertised frequently in commercials. While the ring was stunning, it was his presentation that made her fall head over heels again.
When he got down on one knee (yes, again!) and proceeded to tell her that Valentine's Day was all about love and this ring represented all of the love that he had for her. The first stone was about their past, their history together, the memories they've made, and the love that has grown thus far. The middle stone represented their present, the love he felt for her right at this minute, this second, and the memories they were creating right now. The third stone represented their future and the love that would continue to grow through the years.
This Valentine's Day, give a gift that's personal and from the heart. These are the gifts that memories are made from.
Aug
28
Forgo the requisite romantic dinner out and instead throw a Valentine's bash and invite all of your friends. From the music to the food, we've got tips for turning your Valentine's Day party into a fun, memorable, and romantic night for everyone.
Ice Breakers
Introduce all of your Valentine's Day party guests at the beginning and get them to engage in an ice breaker. This can be as simple as getting each couple to introduce and share something about themselves. If most of your guests are unfamiliar with one another, setup an ice breaker where each couple has to learn at least one thing about each other couple and then shares that with the group. By getting everyone involved in the beginning, you'll encourage mingling and the Valentine's Day party with run more smoothly.
Party Games
Plan a few clever Valentine's Day party games to entertain your guests. These can be as innocent and cheesy as 'Pin the Wings on Cupid' or as risqué as a kissing game. You could create a few unique Valentine's Day party games such as coming up with the most romantic proposal, a Valentine's Day trivia quiz, and so on. Whatever games you plan, make sure to have romantic prizes on hand for the winner!
Decorations
Keep the decorations in line with the romance of Valentine's Day. Keep the overall decor light and romantic by turning down the lights, putting candles around the house, and adding fresh flowers, especially roses, in various locations. If you want to add additional decorations, go with the color red (or at least shades of red) and heart shapes.
Valentine's Food
Finger foods tend to work best for casual, fun parties. Try adding a bit of romance to your finger foods by using red food coloring or heart shaped molds. If you want a more intimate atmosphere, go with a dinner party and invite everyone over for a candlelit, gourmet meal. No matter which you choose, go with romantic desserts such as a heart shaped cake or chocolate fondue.
Party Favors
Create little Valentine's Day party gift bags for each couple to take home with them. Fill them with romantic tokens such as a sensual scented candle, a heart shaped cookie cutter, two chocolate dipped strawberries, and fun candy conversation hearts. You could even take photos of each couple as they arrive and put their pictures on the backs of the King and Queen of Hearts playing cards.
Music
Keep the music soft while eating so that you can easily engage in conversation. As the party continues, encourage dancing. Of course you want the requisite romantic slow songs, but try adding a few faster paced songs in the mix as well. End the night with Martina McBride's 'Valentine'.
Dress up
If you want a really unique Valentine's Day party, tell everyone to come dressed up as a famous couple from history, such as Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, or even more recent couple such as Britney and Kevin, or Tom and Katie.
Ice Breakers
Introduce all of your Valentine's Day party guests at the beginning and get them to engage in an ice breaker. This can be as simple as getting each couple to introduce and share something about themselves. If most of your guests are unfamiliar with one another, setup an ice breaker where each couple has to learn at least one thing about each other couple and then shares that with the group. By getting everyone involved in the beginning, you'll encourage mingling and the Valentine's Day party with run more smoothly.
Party Games
Plan a few clever Valentine's Day party games to entertain your guests. These can be as innocent and cheesy as 'Pin the Wings on Cupid' or as risqué as a kissing game. You could create a few unique Valentine's Day party games such as coming up with the most romantic proposal, a Valentine's Day trivia quiz, and so on. Whatever games you plan, make sure to have romantic prizes on hand for the winner!
Decorations
Keep the decorations in line with the romance of Valentine's Day. Keep the overall decor light and romantic by turning down the lights, putting candles around the house, and adding fresh flowers, especially roses, in various locations. If you want to add additional decorations, go with the color red (or at least shades of red) and heart shapes.
Valentine's Food
Finger foods tend to work best for casual, fun parties. Try adding a bit of romance to your finger foods by using red food coloring or heart shaped molds. If you want a more intimate atmosphere, go with a dinner party and invite everyone over for a candlelit, gourmet meal. No matter which you choose, go with romantic desserts such as a heart shaped cake or chocolate fondue.
Party Favors
Create little Valentine's Day party gift bags for each couple to take home with them. Fill them with romantic tokens such as a sensual scented candle, a heart shaped cookie cutter, two chocolate dipped strawberries, and fun candy conversation hearts. You could even take photos of each couple as they arrive and put their pictures on the backs of the King and Queen of Hearts playing cards.
Music
Keep the music soft while eating so that you can easily engage in conversation. As the party continues, encourage dancing. Of course you want the requisite romantic slow songs, but try adding a few faster paced songs in the mix as well. End the night with Martina McBride's 'Valentine'.
Dress up
If you want a really unique Valentine's Day party, tell everyone to come dressed up as a famous couple from history, such as Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, or even more recent couple such as Britney and Kevin, or Tom and Katie.
