Sam Klein, Editor 

This February 14, embrace a day of love by celebrating with the people you love! Below is your guide to any sort of celebration this Valentine’s Day, from party planning to fashion, all the way to gift ideas, creating for a heartfelt, joyous and lovely day! 

Plan to the theme: 

In the same way Christmas has its tree, St. Patrick’s Day has its shamrock and Easter has its bunny, Valentine’s Day is meant to spread love using red and pink hearts! Embrace the décor and (potentially) cheesy imagery of the holiday. Making the day so special is done in part by utilizing the emblems of Valentine’s Day that are only commercialized once a year. Staying on theme is a key to making the day memorable not only for you, but the people you celebrate with. This extends past decorations and onto fashion choices as well. Wear the hot pink sweater or button down that’s been shoved in the back of your closet because it’s “too much,” or wear those heart-shaped earrings you’d “might need someday.” Paint hearts on your nails, wear red lipstick or wear that fancy red tie your mom reserved for “special occasions.” On a day of love, you deserve to also love the way you look! 

Decorations: 

Establishing a warm and loving atmosphere is step number one if you’re hosting any Valentine’s Day celebrations. Explore places like the Target “value” section, the Dollar Store or a Marshall’s/T.J. Maxx for seasonal plates, glasses and/or table placements. Creating the best Valentine’s vibes can be cheap in these stores and cause a massive difference! Setting the table to display snacks and drinks is a good starting point when attempting to “set the mood.” Buy a pink/red/heart printed tablecloth to lay as a foundation, stacking heart-shaped plates for food on top in between pink/red garland. Complement it with a vase of flowers (preferably tulips or roses). Use ambient lighting and heart-shaped candles while also scattering pink and red balloons everywhere and hanging complimentary streamers around the room. You can go as all out or laid back as you want as the host, so do whatever fills your heart with joy!

Food and Drinks: 

While there are limited Valentine’s treats that could be classified as “seasonal,” chocolate is always the safest, most delicious option! Explore different dessert ideas such as chocolate covered strawberries, heart shaped waffles (bonus if used with chocolate syrup) or a charcuterie board with pepperonis cut into hearts. You can never go wrong with simple pizzas, chocolate chip cookies, pretzels, etc. However, adding a little “heart-shaped touch” goes a long way. Any food or drink placed in a heart-shaped container becomes festive in my book! Utilizing the pink and red colors of the holiday can also be an easy way to stay on theme as well. From Starbursts and Twizzlers for snacks to fruit punch and Shirley temples for drinks, the options are limitless! 

Gifts: 

Whether you are celebrating with friends, family or a significant other, little gifts can go a long way! One of the simplest yet most thoughtful ideas is to set personalized Valentine’s on everyone’s placemats, articulating your appreciation and love for them inside. Handwritten letters or notes are also included in this category and are always a beautiful option. Gift cards, candies and photos can all be given with said Valentine’s or placed in a larger gift basket. Gift baskets can also include candles, face masks, fuzzy socks, new cologne/perfume, books/movies/journals, etc. Gentleman, get your ladies flowers. Ladies, perhaps now that massage you promised months ago can be put to use? Especially for Valentine’s Day, it’s not the monetary value that matters, rather the thought. Care and compassion are priceless and last in a way tangible goods do not. The essence of the holiday is to spread love and spend time with the people who mean the most to you, and the gift of presence should be the greatest present.