50 Ideas for Celebrating a Happy Valentines Day at Home
In this post: Are you one of those people who’s very on the fence about Valentines Day? Here are 50 ideas for celebrating a happy Valentines Day at home.⇒
Valentine’s Day is such a curious holiday.
It’s a wonderful concept to celebrate love, but we gave up having dinner out many years ago, for several reasons.
For one thing, it was always so odd to see restaurants remove all their usual tables and replace them with tiny rented tables for two, all crammed in close together. Menus were often limited and prices doubled. The experience felt forced and hardly romantic.
At the same time, I feel Valentine’s Day is best celebrated with family. Yes, I realize it’s designed to be about romance, but the reality is from the time they were young, our kids were trained to treat Valentine’s Day as a more encompassing holiday. From valentines given to their entire childhood classes, to the elaborate sweets we would send when they were away at college, I simply equate Valentine’s Day more broadly with love.
Which is why long ago I got accustomed to setting a pretty table to celebrate Valentine’s Day with family.
(Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a list of 50 ideas to add a touch of indulgence to your at-home celebration.)
Happy Valentines Day Table
In fact setting a pretty table is #1 on my list of 5 ways to celebrate a happy Valentine’s Day at home.
Let’s look at the list…
- 1. Set a beautiful table thematically decorated. (See the rest of the post for the details.)
- 2. Order in (or cook) a luxury meal. I love to get cooked lobsters from our local market. Caviar is also often part of our special menu. The key is to serve a meal that’s truly out of the ordinary.
- 3. Serve the best wine you can reasonably afford. (This is obviously not going to the underage kids.) We’re not talking about taking out a second mortgage on your house to acquire this bottle, but look for something a little finer than your usual price point. But don’t just spend to spend. Do a little research and get something that is a genuine luxury.
- 4. Get the dessert. Make it as decadent as possible. It’s one day. Skip the weigh-in the next day. Enjoy and move on!
- 5. Leave a little gift on each chair. This is not the holiday for big gifts, at least not in our house, but charming little gifts along whimsical lines are perfect for this day. A lovely book of poetry or stunning photography, a beautiful floral print in a gilded frame, an aromatic candle or tube of fine French lotion. For children a special picture book can be a wonderful tradition, or a heart box filled with Valentines candy. There are endless possibilities, but it should be enchanting, luxe and a subtle pleasure.
For this year’s table I wanted to mix rustic with refined. I always enjoy an unusual juxtaposition of rugged elements with fine china and silver, as well as a pairing of patterns that more blend than match.
While January is all about clean clear whites, by February I welcome adding pinks into the mix.
I began with a chunky charger in a light wood, topped by a lacy dinner plate and a glass salad dish in lustrous pink. The stack is capped with a vintage cup and saucer in two Limoges patterns that lend a feminine air. They serve as a distinct counterpoint to the rough charger at the bottom of the stack.
The centerpieces on this table offer another interesting blend. Helping to anchor the soft color palette with blush and rose pinks, at one end a silver pitcher is brimming with gracious tulips.
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At the table’s center sits an antique silver bread plate serving the signature dish of the day, a medley of velvet hearts with a delightful sheen. They are plump and enchanting, punctuated by little golden crowns.
Placed prominently between the florals they are a charming reminder of what this gathering is all about.
The second floral at the other end of the table sits on a hand blown glass cake stand, atop a stack of china dessert plates. They will be conveniently at the ready when the decadent dessert is served.
The supporting characters that round out this tablescape emphasize the blushing pinks that are so lovely this time of year. There are pink linen napkins with pretty edging, rolled neatly and tucked into antique sterling napkin rings.
The rings play off the silver flatware that is adorned with orchids.
The pink champagne flutes were also chosen for their color, which was intentionally played off a white linen tablecloth to underscore their warm hue.
You don’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day to set a beautiful table and serve a luxurious meal to the people you love.
But I can’t think of a better thing to do on this very day!
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with little luxuries and small pleasures can make the day feel extra special. As promised, here’s a list of 50 ideas to add a touch of indulgence to your at-home celebration:
- Breakfast in Bed:
- Start the day with a cozy breakfast served in bed.
- Silk Pajamas:
- Treat yourself to luxurious silk pajamas for a day of comfort.
- Aromatic Bath Salts:
- Enjoy a relaxing bath with aromatic bath salts.
- Personalized Playlist:
- Create a playlist with your favorite romantic songs.
- Gourmet Coffee or Tea:
- Savor a cup of gourmet coffee or your favorite tea.
- Fresh Flowers:
- Brighten your space with a small bouquet of fresh flowers.
- Homemade Treats:
- Bake or buy indulgent treats like chocolates or pastries.
- Cozy Blanket Fort:
- Build a cozy blanket fort for a playful and intimate setting.
- Reading Nook:
- Create a comfortable reading nook with soft pillows and good books.
- DIY Face Masks:
- Pamper yourself with a DIY spa day and facial masks.
- Luxury Scented Candles:
- Light luxury scented candles for a fragrant atmosphere.
- Silk Eye Mask:
- Relax with a silk eye mask for an indulgent nap.
- Wine Tasting Flight:
- Explore different wines with a mini wine tasting at home.
- Artistic Sketching:
- Try your hand at sketching or drawing for a creative outlet.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board:
- Create a small, indulgent cheese and charcuterie board.
- Mini Dessert Sampler:
- Enjoy a variety of mini desserts for a sweet indulgence.
- In-Home Spa Night:
- Set up a spa night with scented oils, masks, and pampering.
- Love Letter Exchange:
- Write and exchange heartfelt love letters.
- Stargazing from Balcony or Window:
- Spend a moment stargazing from your balcony or window.
- Soft Fleece Blanket:
- Wrap yourself in a soft fleece blanket for warmth and comfort.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries:
- Indulge in the classic delight of chocolate-dipped strawberries.
- Warm Beverage Bar:
- Set up a warm beverage bar with hot cocoa, tea, and coffee.
- Silky Robe:
- Lounge in a silky robe for a touch of luxury.
- Memory Lane:
- Look through old photos and reminisce about favorite memories.
- Virtual Cooking Class:
- Take a virtual cooking class together for a fun and unique experience.
- Candlelit Dinner:
- Enjoy a candlelit dinner with your favorite homemade or takeout meal.
- Mini Flower Arrangement Workshop:
- Try your hand at a small flower arranging workshop.
- Gourmet Popcorn Bar:
- Set up a popcorn bar with gourmet toppings.
- Film Festival at Home:
- Have a movie marathon with your favorite films.
- Satin Pillowcases:
- Sleep on satin pillowcases for a touch of luxury.
- Coffee Table Book Dive:
- Explore beautiful coffee table books for visual inspiration.
- Indulgent Face Masks:
- Treat yourself to luxurious face masks.
- Homemade Cocktails:
- Craft your own cocktails with premium ingredients.
- Personalized Poetry Exchange:
- Write and share personalized poems with each other.
- Soft Jazz Background Music:
- Play soft jazz music in the background for a relaxed vibe.
- Fondue Dessert Bar:
- Set up a fondue dessert bar with various dippables.
- DIY Flower Crowns:
- Get creative with DIY flower crowns for a playful touch.
- Indoor Picnic:
- Have a cozy indoor picnic with your favorite snacks.
- Virtual Art Class:
- Join a virtual art class and create something together.
- Lavender Sachets:
- Place lavender sachets in your pillowcase for a soothing sleep.
- Aromatherapy Diffuser:
- Use an aromatherapy diffuser with calming scents.
- Chocolate Tasting Flight:
- Sample a variety of gourmet chocolates.
- Soft Plush Slippers:
- Wear soft plush slippers for ultimate comfort.
- Sunset Watching:
- Catch the sunset from a scenic spot or your window.
- Whipped Cream Topped Drinks:
- Top your drinks with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Mini Photo Shoot:
- Have a mini photo shoot to capture special moments.
- Soothing Nature Sounds:
- Listen to soothing nature sounds for relaxation.
- Glowing Fairy Jars:
- Create glowing fairy jars for a magical atmosphere.
- Crystal Clear Ice Cubes:
- Make crystal clear ice cubes for a stylish touch to your drinks.
- Comfortable Lounge Set:
- Invest in a comfortable lounge set for a day of relaxation.
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I never thought to make Valentines Day about family! We’ve always given the kids little gifts, but we, the adults, have stopped going out, for the same reasons you did. I think I will change things up and make it a special family dinner, because, in reality, aren’t we all in love with our families? Thanks for a beautiful post, as always 🙂
That sounds perfect! I’m so glad you were inspired!!
St. Valentine was a Roman priest who ministered to persecuted Christians during the 3rd Century. He was martyred on February 14. There are lots of theories as to why this day is associated with courtly love, but the idea of sharing it with family and friends, and those in need is closer to what St. Valentine did. Have a blessed day.
Fascinating info. Thanks!
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Such a beautiful table Lory – and I’m in LOVE with that lacy dinner plate (might have to get those! ;))
Happy Valentine’s Day my friend!
Sheila
xo
Thanks so much my friend!! Thanks for including me!!
Lovely table, as always! I love your pastel pink plates!
Like you, we stopped dining out for Valentine’s Day many years ago due to the crowds and overpriced food. It has always been about home and family because our children had so many people for whom we were so grateful they were an integral part of their lives and wanted to show them honor and love on this day. Our children wrote out personal Valentines to family and friends and had a blast handmaking it all.
Since it’s just been the 2 of us for several years now, we make an especially nice meal with good wine and dessert.
A few years ago I came upon Fresh Market’s Valentine’s Day deal: steak and lobster, chocolates, and flowers. All delicious and lovely!
This year, as always, I’ll be sending our young grandchildren sweet little Valentine’s gifts they can enjoy. It’s just another way Nana and PaPa can be a part of their lives.
Thank you for the constant reminder that it’s all about family. Like you, I have loved serving my family by creating and maintaining a lovely home. It is a gift to those we love.
What a lovely way to celebrate life and family! ❤️
It’s a gorgeous table, Lory. And to add to that history, while Valentine was imprisoned, he would write messages of loving one another, on whatever scraps of paper he could find and throw them out of his window for random strangers to find. It was never meant to be a romantic occasion, so you got it right! It’s about family and friends and love.
There you go!!
My hubs and I did the St. Valentine’s Day thing years ago – but no waaaaaaay do we do it now. You hit the nail on the head – it’s crowded in restaurants, the help is irritable, everyone is stressed and unhappy – doesn’t equal love and romance to me, either.
Now we don’t do the family thing either but I have hosted a St. Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea for years – to invite some gal pals who have lost their spouses or are single. I love a beautiful feminine lovely tablescape and have an entire lifetime collection of gorgeous china patterns and all the frills that go with it. Of course not this year – but I look forward to hosting parties again.
Well done on that gorgeous table, Lory!
Glad it resonated with you and your tradition sounds wonderful. Hopefully next year!
What a wonderful gift you give to those who have lost their spouses on a day that would be so sad for them! So often, when women lose their husbands, those groups with whom they had been so close fall away. I saw this happen with my own mother after my father passed away. She would have loved the way you have reached out to these hurting ladies! What a blessing you are to them!
Love the table
Love this!
Thanks so much!
What a gorgeous table. I love all your beautiful touches. Those velvet hearts are so adorable! Your table is perfect for an amazing Valentine’s dinner with the family!
Thanks so much, Janine!!
Lory, I really like all your posts. Can you recommend such a beautiful table setting for a birthday in February?
Thank you for the kind words, Eva! Yes, I would absolutely use the table as is for a February birthday, after all it is the month of love. But you could also just remove the hearts and put colorful cupcakes or more flowers in instead… 🙂
Love love love the dishes…gosh, I love dishes! I need more storage space before I commit to more though!
We haven’t gone out in years and we usually babysit for our daughter so that they can go out…I’m waiting for them to realize it’s a hassle and not very special. They’ve already realized that about New Year’s Eve…Valentines Day might take a few more years!
Spectacular table setting! You are so thoughtful with small touches such as gifts in each chair!
Thank you, Cecelia!!
Love the table setting
Thanks so much!
Beautiful table and so many great ideas! Found heart shaped ravioli at Costco and that’s what we’re having for dinner.
Oh wow, that’s awesome!!