Valentine’s Day Inspo
Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap. Yes, it’s cheesy; yes, it sets high expectations that leave you feeling underwhelmed. But— it’s cute, fun, and pink, so in my mind, what’s not to love? Whether you’re a Valentine’s lover or hater (or you’re just indifferent), I’ve put together some tips for you to make your special someone feel the love.
Dinner Ideas:
Caprese Chicken — you could make this one even easier and just make the crispy chicken, then use Rao’s pasta sauce and mozzarella on top to make chicken parmesan.
Chopped Salad — this would be great with steak, grilled chicken, or shrimp on top if you’re keeping Valentine’s Day leaner this year, or as a side with a steak or fish.
Dessert Ideas:
Mini Raspberry Pound Cake Trifles
Mixed Berry Crisp — could easily sub strawberries and raspberries to make it Valentine’s
Decor:
My decor philosophy is “cute” and “extra,” but I love incorporating things that I already have, or thrifted finds. I found these crystal goblets and candle holders at Goodwill for 99 cents each, I think? You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make things look and feel special. Snack boards are so in right now, I threw together some iced cookies, cupcakes, and Valentine’s candy to make for a special centerpiece. I did the same with some cute pink dessert boxes my mom gave me, along with some Valentine’s Day cocktail napkins I found at HomeGoods for $2.99.
I found these red lace doilies at Dollar Tree. They’re made of paper but look so nice underneath my gold rimmed china.
These cupcakes use my regular vanilla cake recipe, but I tinted the icing different colors and topped with conversation hearts. I think I’m going to bring these to my book club “Galentine’s” party.
I get sucked into long Facebook posts sometimes— y’all know, the ones that are really long, sob stories that make you cry at the end. I read one of a few years ago that really got me. It was based on a quote from Brene Brown, and it talked about how we can make the littlest changes in our lives by simply acting excited to see our people when we get home at the end of the day. That post changed my perspective: something so simple, yet so powerful. Flowers, gifts, chocolates, expensive cars, trips abroad— all of these things are nice, but I really think love is in the mundane, everyday gestures. I’m not perfect, but I try to leave my baggage at the door at the end of the day and treat William and dog Kate like they’re the most important part of my life— because they are.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
xoxo,
Bess