Easy and Memorable Valentine's Day Table

Still trying to come up with a plan for Valentine’s Day?  Are you past the need to head out for that romantic restaurant with all the other couples?  Well, why not set a pretty table for dinner in! Kids/no kids, paired up with friends/just the two of you, take-out/homemade -- it’ll make for a nice change from the typical Sunday night routine.

Start by repurposing holiday items.  Break out a red table runner or tablecloth from the recent holidays.  For a focal point, take a clear glass or crystal vase and fill it with conversation hearts.  Finish by adding your favorite white, pink or red flowers.  Remember, don’t fill the vase with water or your hearts will become mush! 

Next scatter candles across the center of the table.  You can also fill small ramekins or glass bowls with chocolate covered almonds, cashews, raisins, or blueberries.  Arrange these amid the candles. 

Finally, a quick and easy way to dress up place settings is to replace napkin holders with red or pink satin ribbon tied in a big, beautiful bow.  With just a few minutes’ work, you’re set for a memorable dinnertime in the comfort of your own home!

Oh, some quick dessert ideas:  make a pan of brownies and cut them out with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.  Serve with your favorite ice cream and garnish a side of strawberries or raspberries.  If your selection of cookie cutters is non-existent, make a quick heart-shaped stencil out of paper.  Place it over cupcakes (square-cut brownies, slices of Bundt cake, larger round cakes will all do the trick too) and shake confectioner’s sugar or cocoa onto the stencil.  Gently remove the stencil, and voila! A beautiful presentation for easy, everyday desserts!

Contributed by Heather Martinez