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!
Oct
22
They do not love that do not show their love.
The course of true love never did run smooth.
Love is a familiar. Love is a devil. There is no evil angel but Love.
-- William Shakespeare
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings,
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
-- William Shakespeare
I'll follow you and make a heaven out of hell, and I'll die by your hand which I love so well.
-- William Shakespeare
In thy face I see honor, truth and loyalty.
-- William Shakespeare
Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts.
-- William Shakespeare
Love goes toward love.
-- William Shakespeare
...Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or Bends with the remover to remove.
O, no! It is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken.
It is the star to every wandering bark,
whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
-- William Shakespeare
Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better.
-- William Shakespeare
Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs,
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes,
Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears.
What is it else? A madness most discreet,
A choking gall and a preserving sweet.
-- William Shakespeare
Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts.
-- William Shakespeare
Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.
-- William Shakespeare
They do not love that do not show their love.
-- William Shakespeare
The courses of true love never did run smooth.
-- William Shakespeare
A woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart.
-- William Shakespeare
It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.
-- William Shakespeare
Love is a spirit of all compact of fire.
-- William Shakespeare
Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;
And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.
-- William Shakespeare
My bounty is as deep as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.
-- William Shakespeare
My heart is ever at your service.
-- William Shakespeare
The course of true love never did run smooth.
Love is a familiar. Love is a devil. There is no evil angel but Love.
-- William Shakespeare
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings,
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
-- William Shakespeare
I'll follow you and make a heaven out of hell, and I'll die by your hand which I love so well.
-- William Shakespeare
In thy face I see honor, truth and loyalty.
-- William Shakespeare
Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts.
-- William Shakespeare
Love goes toward love.
-- William Shakespeare
...Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or Bends with the remover to remove.
O, no! It is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken.
It is the star to every wandering bark,
whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
-- William Shakespeare
Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better.
-- William Shakespeare
Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs,
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes,
Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears.
What is it else? A madness most discreet,
A choking gall and a preserving sweet.
-- William Shakespeare
Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts.
-- William Shakespeare
Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.
-- William Shakespeare
They do not love that do not show their love.
-- William Shakespeare
The courses of true love never did run smooth.
-- William Shakespeare
A woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart.
-- William Shakespeare
It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.
-- William Shakespeare
Love is a spirit of all compact of fire.
-- William Shakespeare
Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;
And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.
-- William Shakespeare
My bounty is as deep as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.
-- William Shakespeare
My heart is ever at your service.
-- William Shakespeare
Oct
22
One look at your smile and I could see the light shining everywhere.
-- Aladdin - The King of Thieves
Where the dream takes you
Where your heart longs to be
When you finally found that place
You'll find all you need.
-- Atlantis
Love is a song that never ends.
-- Bambi
Like the voice of a heavenly choir, love's sweet music flows on.
-- Bambi
There may be something there that wasn't there before.
-- Beauty and the Beast
But then she's never looked at me that way before.
-- Beauty and the Best
Much deeper than snow...
The strongest love we'll know we'll ever know.
-- Beauty and the Best, Enchanted Christmas
Hope is the greatest of the gifts we'll receive.
-- Beauty and the Best, Enchanted Christmas
Everyone needs someone
He must need someone, too.
-- Beauty and the Best, Enchanted Christmas
If you must love someone, may I suggest you love yourself!
-- Beauty and the Best, Enchanted Christmas
I made a wish upon a star
I turned around and there you were
-- Bolt
A dream is a wish your heart makes.
-- Cinderella
So this is love,
So this is what makes life divine.
-- Cinderella
In dreams you lose your heartaches.
-- Cinderella
If you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true.
-- Cinderella
To spend a life of endless bliss, just find who you love through true love's kiss.
-- Enchanted
I knew at once that you were meant for me.
Deep in my soul I know that I'm your destiny.
-- Mulan
True to your heart
You must be true to your heart
That's when the heaven's will part.
-- Mulan
Open your eyes, your heart can tell you no lies.
-- Mulan
...and they lived happily ever after.
-- Numerous Fairytales
I'll be your candle on the water,
My love for you will always burn.
-- Pete's Dragon
My soul is there beside you,
Let this candle guide you.
-- Pete's Dragon
I'll be your candle on the water
This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on you'll make it
Here's my hand so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow
I'll never let you go.
-- Pete's Dragon
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.
-- Pinnochio
When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.
-- Pinocchio
Listen with your heart, you will understand.
-- Pocahontas
-- Aladdin - The King of Thieves
Where the dream takes you
Where your heart longs to be
When you finally found that place
You'll find all you need.
-- Atlantis
Love is a song that never ends.
-- Bambi
Like the voice of a heavenly choir, love's sweet music flows on.
-- Bambi
There may be something there that wasn't there before.
-- Beauty and the Beast
But then she's never looked at me that way before.
-- Beauty and the Best
Much deeper than snow...
The strongest love we'll know we'll ever know.
-- Beauty and the Best, Enchanted Christmas
Hope is the greatest of the gifts we'll receive.
-- Beauty and the Best, Enchanted Christmas
Everyone needs someone
He must need someone, too.
-- Beauty and the Best, Enchanted Christmas
If you must love someone, may I suggest you love yourself!
-- Beauty and the Best, Enchanted Christmas
I made a wish upon a star
I turned around and there you were
-- Bolt
A dream is a wish your heart makes.
-- Cinderella
So this is love,
So this is what makes life divine.
-- Cinderella
In dreams you lose your heartaches.
-- Cinderella
If you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true.
-- Cinderella
To spend a life of endless bliss, just find who you love through true love's kiss.
-- Enchanted
I knew at once that you were meant for me.
Deep in my soul I know that I'm your destiny.
-- Mulan
True to your heart
You must be true to your heart
That's when the heaven's will part.
-- Mulan
Open your eyes, your heart can tell you no lies.
-- Mulan
...and they lived happily ever after.
-- Numerous Fairytales
I'll be your candle on the water,
My love for you will always burn.
-- Pete's Dragon
My soul is there beside you,
Let this candle guide you.
-- Pete's Dragon
I'll be your candle on the water
This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on you'll make it
Here's my hand so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow
I'll never let you go.
-- Pete's Dragon
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.
-- Pinnochio
When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.
-- Pinocchio
Listen with your heart, you will understand.
-- Pocahontas
