“Share the Love” this Valentines Day in Right in Your Own Living Spaces

Valentines day is a wonderfully romantic holiday that reminds us to take time and appreciate those we love and hold dear. This Valentines Day, I encourage you to think outside the chocolate candy box! Skip the roses and fighting the crowds for dinner reservations why not try to romance your sweetheart and have a date night in? It can also be a wonderful idea to include the kiddos and creatively show some love or treat your close friends to a special unexpected holiday treat! After some brainstorming, here are a few ideas you can do from home that may inspire you this Valentines Day and will put ol' cupid to shame in the process!

For your honey weather they are male or female, romance is so important and hopefully you are showing the love year round but if you are lacking in this department one ultra romantic gesture is a sensual aromatherapy bubble bath with an abundance of candles, a glass of their favorite wine, soft music and some decadent chocolate covered strawberries. Make sure to go above and beyond to finish off the bath with a luxurious body lotion and do not forget the fresh soft robe and towel right from the dryer or towel warmer! You could take this Valentines day experience further and create a home “day spa” for your mate and offer them a pedicure, manicure and massage, I am sure they will remember why they fell in love in the first place! Another idea is to surprise your significant other with a romantic bed makeover, keep it simple with all white bedding and a velvet boudoir
pillow because there is nothing better than climbing into a bed with soft but crisp new sheets sprayed with an aromatic linen spray! Don't forget the scented soy candles and a lovely orchid (they are elegant and last longer than roses) on the bedside table to show how much you care.

For those sentimental types, you could put together a collection of framed photographs of the two of you from special times through out the years. My advice it to have all the frames be different but the same color so the grouping looks cohesive; like all antique silver frames with black and white photos. To romance the foodies in your life, how about a sexy picnic in front of the fire place? Create a super romantic setting with soft fur rug throw blanket and a selection of favorite cheeses, meats, crackers, caviar, fruits and spreads. Also, include a extra special bottle of wine, give yourself permission to splurge!

Parents don't forget the little sweeties! Be sure to include the kids in the Valentine fun with some family friendly activities that show how much you care. Our kids enjoy making homemade spaghetti and meat balls, you could have the little ones dress up as waiters and serve a romantic dinner for the parents. Kids also enjoy specialty baking, desert tasting, hot cocoa bar, or making belgian waffles with all the toppings for a sweetheart breakfast! Another fun idea is a Valentines heart scavenger hunt around the house or a taking time to be crafty and set up a card making station, write haiku poems and enjoying cherry 7up floats as you get creative. You could also tell them your love story and have them create a play to reenact when you first met or your wedding day! Another great way to celebrate with those you love dearly is a simple family movie night with personalized popcorn buckets. The possibilities are endless and you can do it all right from the comfort of your own home.

​You could also consider trying something different this year and invite some friends over for some specialty cocktails and Valentines inspired appetizers! Have each couple bring their favorite dessert to share and play couple inspired board games, cards, or create your own version of the not-so-newlywed game. Another fun idea we have done in years past is to organize a progressive dinner around the neighborhood. It is remarkably easy for everyone when you break up the work and share in the Valentine's Day fun!

So this year if you are set for romance, enjoying some exciting time with friends or including the kids: Valentines day is a very special holiday for showing others how much you care and appreciate them! When planning this year remember it can be done in creative ways right inside the comfort of your very own living spaces! Personally, I can't wait for one of my favorite holidays to arrive! As always, I will be sharing the love!