These tips are simple and easy, requiring almost no time, and items you may already have around your house. Don't worry about red and pink not matching the rest of your home's décor. This holiday is more fleeting than Christmas, so it won't affect your overall decorating scheme.
• Instead of dining where you always do, choose a new spot. Move a small table in front of the fireplace or into the center of your living room. If the weather permits where you live, go out onto a porch, patio or deck. A beautiful view, whether mountains, city lights, or the stars will add an ambiance that no amount of decorating can top.
• Create a romantic atmosphere with music wafting through the room. Dim the lights or turn them off, use the glow of candles to not only enhance the romance factor, but to add that attractive glow to your own face.
• When setting your Valentine table, use your good linens, dishes, silverware and glasses. A small vase of flowers and candles on top of a mirror placed in the center of your table will reflect the candlelight as well as the flowers.
• No fireplace, no problem. Get the "Ambient Fire: Ultimate Video Fireplace" for 10.99 at Amazon.com, with 9 different fireplace scenes to fit your mood.
• Scatter rose petals or heart-shaped confetti over the table's surface to add to the décor and romance of your meal.
• Drape clear, white, or pink bead garlands in your chandelier. The clear beads will reflect the light adding that starlight quality to your surroundings.
• Visit Omahasteak.com, or visit your local stores, for prepared meals that only need heating up in the oven. Or arrange for a take-out meal for two from your favorite restaurant. Not having to spend hours on preparation will allow you to have a more relaxed evening.
With everyone strapped for time these days, you can offer your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or significant other a romantic, enjoyable, and relaxing evening. What other way to show someone you love them then to take the time to make an otherwise standard dinner a romantic affair!
Kathy Passarette, and Creative Home Expressions, is located on Long Island, New York, and offers interior decorating, home staging, interior redesign and color consultations. For more information about our services please visit our website at http://www.creativehomeexpressions.com/.
Kathy,
Great ideas and thanks for the reminder.... Valentine's Day is just around the corner! ACK!!! Guess I should start thinking abou it.
Martin ~ Thank you! Two weeks this Thursday, so no excuses!
Julianna ~ I think you can do it Julianna!
Great ideas! My partner and I just staged a vacant home and put some chocolate hearts in a bowl on a tray on the master bed.....I am now wondering if they are still there or if they have been eaten! Might need to go check! LOL
This also reminds me to do something nice for my husband as he has been putting up with my 80 hours (I feel) work weeks and my late night typing away on the computer.
Kathy...you have inspired me! Some times in our line of work we forget to do such thoughtful and fun things in our own homes. I often refer to the story of the cobbler's children who had no shoes. Thanks for the timely reminder...off to go find some of those candy hearts and a do not disturb sign....