If you’ve got a busy schedule, and don’t want to deal with crowded restaurants or the expense, why not plan a relaxing evening in for Valentine's Day. Whether it’s just you and your sweetheart, or the whole family, follow these tips and enjoy!
Dinner
- Feel like cooking something quick? Search the web for 30-minute meal recipes. You’ll find delicious pasta recipes, kabobs, soups, risotto, etc. You can also try your hand at a heart shaped pizzas. Or, you may want to try a slow cooker recipe so you can pick up the ingredients the day before and prepare it in the morning.
- Feel like cooking something impressive but easy? Plan to impress with these 10 recipes from Martha Stewart.
- Don’t feel like cooking? Pick up dinner from a restaurant or specialty store on the way home from work. Or have a meal delivered. Many areas have restaurant meal delivery services. Or try a service that offers a “kit” with all the ingredients and instructions. Can’t get easier than that!
Beverages
Use special glasses. Drop some fresh raspberries in a flute of sparkling water or champagne, to cast a subtle pink hue. Check out some fun mocktails for Valentine’s day.
Décor
To set a simple table, use a white table cloth and scatter some heart shaped candies or wrapped chocolates. Add a small flower arrangement and a few tea light candles. For a personal touch, set a Valentine’s card at everyone’s place setting. If you want some elaborate and super creative ideas, go to Pinterest and search Valentine Tablescapes.
Dessert
If you don’t have time to cook, pick up your favorite decadent dessert at a local specialty grocery store or bakery.- If you do have time to cook, try mini raspberry cheesecakes or black forest cupcakes. Individual desserts are easy to serve, store, and look special. A fun dessert for kids is to make is marshmallow treats. They can be cut into heart shapes (with a greased cookie cutter), decorated with chocolate frosting and pink heart sprinkles.
