CUPID’S PLAYBOOK – Creative Ideas for an Unforgettable Valentine’s Day
If I’ve learned anything in my 30s, it’s that the finest things in life really are found in the small moments. And that, my friends, is my excuse for taking full advantage of Valentine’s Day! While the day can be accompanied by eye rolls for those who’d rather not recognize it, I see it as another reason to be intentional in slowing down and expressing both care and appreciation. So, if you’re like me and looking for ways to make the most of this Hallmark holiday, read on for some tips to help you honor Saint Valentine and relish in those finer moments.
Valentine’s Day with Your Sweetheart
While carving out time for a date night can sometimes be a challenge, it’s worth it for some dedicated one-on-one time. If you’re lacking the time or energy to make an itinerary – or you’re simply in the mood for some spontaneity – consider leaving the odds up to fate with a “Tour Around Town” date night. Predetermine options of what you and your significant other might be interested in over the course of the date, then write them out on note cards. I’d suggest coming up with two to three ideas for each category. Then, one person can hold the cards for the other person to blindly select, and vice versa for the next stop. For example, the categories could be:
- Bars with a happy hour menu to kick off the night
- Restaurants with different cuisines for dinner
- A variety of events (going to a movie, heading home to play board games, visiting a brewery or winery, playing an indoor sport, etc.)
- Yummy dessert spots to finish off the evening
Valentine’s Day with Your Gals
Whether you’re single and ready to mingle or happily taken, a galentine’s day celebration with your closest friends always lends a way of feeding the soul. And while charcuterie boards are a no-brainer when it comes to indulging in what social media has deemed as a “girl dinner”, I’ve recently been more drawn to crafting charcuterie cups. You can order a pack online (they’re sometimes referred to as french fry holders) in the classic kraft paper finish, or I recommend opting for a pop of color like pink or red. Then, just fill each cup with miniature versions of all your favorite charcuterie elements. This creates an adorable, fun-sized snack that can be enjoyed as an appetizer if you’re hosting a party, or on the go if your girl gang is headed out for the night. And to level up – don’t skip out on tailoring your charcuterie cup fillings to fit your Valentine’s Day theme. Think:
- Fruit kabobs using festive toothpicks or skewers
- Chocolate covered strawberries
- Heart-shaped cheese (hello, cookie cutters)
- Chocolate and sprinkle covered pretzels
- Salami roses (there are plenty of online tutorials for this!)
*Pro Party Tip: If you want a more engaging and customizable experience, stealing this concept for a build-your-own charcuterie cup station (or dessert cup station, etc.) would also be a hit!
Valentine’s Day with the Family
Setting aside time for a designated Valentine’s Day celebration with your littlest loves is an extra opportunity to capture more of those memory-making moments. And hey, you might even surprise yourself and end up forming a new tradition! Here are a few thoughtful, yet manageable (I see you, fellow busy moms) ideas for involving your kiddos around this holiday…
- Cupid Day: Go easy on yourself by removing the decision-making aspect altogether. Let them strike you with their arrow by proposing ideas of a “perfect day of love” and make plans as a family.
- Pancake Breakfast: Heart-shaped pancakes are guaranteed to get a heart-eyes reaction. Offer a spread of toppings like whipped cream, berries, syrup, powdered sugar glaze, sprinkles, and chocolate chips for the kids to decorate their own short stack. Bonus points for adding Valentine’s Day balloons in the kitchen or dining area to amp up the atmosphere!
- Heart Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt by hiding heart-shaped cutouts around the house with clues leading to a treat. This could be a basket of Valentine’s Day themed goodies, supplies for a special craft, or coupons that can be redeemed for high-demand activities.
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
However your Valentine’s Day unfolds, it undoubtedly should end with chocolate chip cookie dough dip. This no-bake delight is so easy to assemble and even easier to eat, you’ll probably just want to keep the spoon. After all, the saying holds true – the way into someone’s heart is through their stomach!
Ingredients
- 8-ounce block of cream cheese
- 7-ounce jar of marshmallow fluff
- 4 ounces of Cool Whip (half of a tub)
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Cookies or crackers for dipping
- Festive sprinkles for topping (optional)
Directions
Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature or warm in the microwave in 30-second increments until pliable. Stir in the marshmallow fluff, Cool Whip, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and top with festive sprinkles. Serve immediately or refrigerate if preparing ahead. Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, Teddy Grahams, and animal crackers are all sturdy enough for scooping, while nicely complementing the sweetness of the dip. Dig in!
