Throwing a Valentine's Day Party
Throwing parties does take some planning and preparation, but with a little help from an expert party planner, you can have an amazing and festive party with minimal effort. The first steps to throwing any party, whether it's for Valentine's Day or another holiday or event, is to determine your budget and guest list.
- Budget and guest list go hand in hand.
- If you want a big party but don't have the cash, you'll have to be very economical when shopping.
- If you want something that is all class and luxury but are strapped for cash you'll have to limit the number of guests on your invitation list.
- Make sure to send Valentine party invitations
in advance. You can buy them, make them, or even try using Evite, a free online invitation service for informing all of your tech-savvy friends about your fiesta. It's crucial that people know you're having a party and what it will entail. Make sure to include:
- The date, time, and location of the event. Valentine's Day will fall on a Sunday in 2010.
- The type of party; if it includes dinner, snacks or drinks only, a movie, dancing, etc.
- What attire is expected; maybe it's casual, dressy, or even a costume party.
- If you expect an RSVP and by what date.
- Get the necessary supplies. Don't wait until the day before the event unless you are just having a small, very informal get together.
- Shop for decorations up to a week in advance. This includes any paper plates ,napkins ,plastic cutlery , or cups that you might want to use.
- Shop for food two to three days before hand so that the day before the party you can prep any food that you'll be serving. This saves time on the day of the event so that you can decorate and enjoy yourself once guests arrive.
- The week before the party you should arrange any entertainment that you plan to have. If you are hiring a band or DJ, make sure to book well in advance. Otherwise, create your own party music by cuing up you iPod and iTunes or making a few mix CDs. Also be certain that your speakers are set up properly.
For Singles
There's no reason why you should be alone on Valentine's Day . One of the best solutions for the outgoing and motivated individual is to organize and throw a singles mixer at your place. The trick to making it work is simple.
- Invite all the single people you know and request that they bring along another single with them. Try and balance your guest list so that you get an equal number of males and females in attendance.
- If you want to invite couples, be sure to tell them that bringing a single friend as a requirement for entry to the party (the more singles get to mingle and meet, the better.)
- Play games! Sure it sounds silly, but it is a great way for people to meet each other. The games that get people closer are better!
Decorations and Table Dressings
One thing is for sure--a Valentine's Day party needs a little pizazz. There are a number of decorations to choose from, whether they be small and discreet or big and bold. The trick is to pick decorations that you feel will compliment the style of the party and your budget. Don't go all out on decorations for something that you think will only be used once and get thrown away, unless of course, you have the money to do so.
Remember, the suggestions below are just that. You don't have to choose just one thing or use all of them at once. Be picky about which items you think will work together and create the right vibe for your party. For example, an intimate dinner party should highlight the table and have classy touches, such as pretty plates, glasses, and table cloth. However, for a less formal party where you will have a lot of people, decorations don't have to match and can be spread out all over the house. You can even have different themes for different rooms if you want.
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Remember those boxes of candy hearts that you gave to your Valentine in school? Here's your chance to revive that flirtatious feel by pouring these into candy dishes around the room or scattering them across the dining table . Make candy hearts a theme by sending invitations in candy heart shapes. |
Heart confetti , whether in gold, silver, red, pink, or white, is the perfect way to dress up a table without much effort, mess, or cost. Basic red or pink confetti will also work if you can't find any that is heart shaped. |
Decorate a table centerpiece or chair backs with balloons . They can be red ,white ,pink , or heart shaped . You might also try just letting helium balloons go on the ceiling to add a bit of color to the room. |
A fiery red table cloth is a great way to give the dinner table a boost. Make sure to use white plates and white napkins to tone it down a bit. On the contrary, use a white table cloth with all red glasses, plates, and candles to create contrast. |
Try out funky red martini glasses or other red stemware . One suggestion though is to stick to plastic or acrylic . This is not only cheaper, but you will be thankful for the durability time and time again no matter what party you use these for. |
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Candy dishes are key for V-Day. Fill them with candy hearts ,chocolate hearts , pink and red M&Ms , or caramels . |
Candles are a must-have. They can be heart shaped or simple votives ,pink ,red ,white , or a combination of all of the above. |
Bouquets of fresh flowers are always nice to decorate with as they impart a fresh scent and look pretty. They are expensive though |
For a formal feel, make or buy place cards in red, pink, or white. This helps mix up guests at the table and inspire conversation. |
To increase the formality of the event, buy menu cards for the table. Make sure to write snappy Valentine-inspired names for the dishes you are serving |
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Chocolate roses make a great centerpiece in place of flowers, and they can double as party favors. |
Red crepe paper is easy to hang, wrap, and stream around the room, plus it's cheap. |
Rose petals are pretty, romantic, and very elegant. Toss them around the tables. |
Simple, quick, and easy, a Valentine tree will dress up the table or any other location. |
Cupid cut outs are classic, simple, and instantly add the feeling that Valentine's Day is upon us. |
Fun and Games
Games
What's a party without a way to get to know one another? Open conversation is great but having a series of games and activities set up is a good way to keep the party moving and to help people get comfortable with each other. It can also help build new relationships. For a great resource on party games, check out Party411, which offers different party ideas and suggestions for food, drink, music, games, and more! Otherwise, here are some quick picks for games that are sure to break the ice!
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Sex Smarts Game Question and answer trivia game about the world's oldest pastime. If your guests haven't gotten to know each other yet, this game will certainly help. Try after passing drinks. Also see Chocolate Smarts Game for a milder variety. For more great party game, see the Board Games Guide. |
Oranges and Apples Line up guests in two lines (girl, boy, girl boy). When you say go each team races to pass an apple (or orange) to the end of their line first. The trick is that you can't use your hands! You must place the fruit between your chin and chest. This game also works using a toothpick that you pass from mouth to mouth. |
Truth or Dare Come on, we've all played this game before. It can be as nice or as nasty as you and your guests make it. Because it doesn't require any hardware, it is relatively easy to play. The same goes for 'Never Have I Ever' and 'Spin the Bottle'. Those high school classics never get old. |
Poker Depending on the size of your crowd, poker could provide great hours of fun. Invest in a set of poker chips and a deck of cards and you'll have a game that is versatile and fun all year round. If you want to liven things up, add a twist. |
Piñata Nothing helps get out aggression like a like fun with the piñata. Make sure that everyone is well blindfolded and gets spun around plenty to disorient them. Just watch the stick if you've been drinking. To get revenge on the exes, place old photos on the piñata to enhance the entertainment value. |
Fun
There are many things you can do to spice up a Valentine's Day party. One favorite is getting dressed up and acting silly. Here are some items that will help you do just that.
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Masquerade Masks Masquerade balls originated in Venice, Italy, in the thirteenth century. |
Wigs and Boas You cannot get much sillier than wearing wigs and boas.
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Valentine's Costumes Whether you are dressing up for your significant other or going to some odd Valentine's Day costume party, make sure you are dressed appropriately. |
Karaoke Some people people love to sing and dance to karaoke, I'm not one of them. But karaoke machines can really liven up a party if your in to that. |
Valentine's Heart Bead Necklaces You can use these to adorn yourself for the holiday, or cut them up into garlands to decorate your living room. |
Favors
Don't let your guests leave empty handed. Give them something to help remember the night. It's easy. All you need are little gift bag , some Valentine candies or chocolates , and a little token that represents the tone for the evening.
| Gift Bag Ideas |
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Heart Take-Out Box Give this to a special girl and say, "You can take-out my heart and keep it forever in your refrigerator of love." |
Red Wine Gift Bag Party guests will surely appreciate some delicious red wine. Some wine gift bags are just around $10, but they are a classy gesture. |
Classic Valentine Gift Bag Get one prepacked or empty and fill it with your own party favors. |
Clear Favor Box If your favors are unique and colorful, show them off with a clear party favor box. |
Sequin Box These are super cute boxes your guests will surely appreciate. |
| Gift Bag Fillers |
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Brut Champagne Liven up the party with some bubbly spirits.
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Heart Favor Candle These candles add a romantic ambiance to any situation. |
Gourmet Hot Chocolate Nothing warms up a chilly evening like some hot cocoa, a warm blanket, and a DVD with your sweetheart. |
Heart Frame Goes great in a dorm room or work space. |
Heart Wine Stopper Pop open the red wine with a Valentine's Day themed wine stopper. |
Food and Drinks
If you are having a dinner party feel free to prepare a three course meal. Otherwise, just make a bunch of appetizers or scaled down versions of the entrees. Valentine's Day is also the perfect excuse for a dessert party!
Appetizers
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Raw oysters , while expensive, are delicious and easy to share. Not only that, but they are also know for being a natural aphrodisiac. |
Caviar , even just a touch, adds to the luxury factor of any party. If you can afford a bit you might as well include it on the menu--it's another aphrodisiac. |
Opt for a vegetable plate of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose red things, such as radishes ,peppers , apples, watermelon, and berries. The berries go great with champagne. |
Stuffed mushrooms are great because they are warm, bite sized and easy to eat. Plus the hearty smell of mushrooms is reminiscent of truffles . |
Main Course
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Besides being healthy for you and delicious tasting, salmon is pink and succulent, perfect for a V-Day dinner. Pair it with asparagus and serve over penne if you'd rather not make side dishes. |
Elaborating on a pink color scheme, the best meat for V-Day is pork . As for sides, try carrots, sweet potatoes, or a feta, walnut and arugula salad. |
For meat eaters, nothing tops a great cut of beef , whether it be filet mignon or a T-bone . Whip up this dish with a great mustard sauce or keep it simple like a steak au poivre paired with fries. |
Lobster is decadent, rich, and perfect for serving a small group of close friends. Pair it with a light side of pasta with pesto sauce and a salad. |
Dessert
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Bake a chocolate heart cake with raspberry filling and a rich chocolate ganache coating. You'll need a heart shaped cake pan . |
Hearts, hearts, and more hearts for a large batch of cookies in your desired flavor. All you need are heart cookie cutters . |
Try an ice cream bar with all the toppings and a few ice cream flavors. Don't forget bananas for a banana split. |
Pies made with fresh red fruits are perfect for Valentine's Day. Make sure to serve them a la mode or with whipped cream . |
Drinks
Below are a few suggestions on drinks for a Valentine's Day party.
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Alcoholic Beverages - Champagne is a sure-fire winner when it comes to drinks, but red, rosé, or white wine work too.
- Try out some fun new cocktails! There is a wealth of information on the Internet about how to make fun martinis, such as the Pink Pillow, Red Devil, The Vibrator, or The Valentine. Besides The Webtender, a great bartending guide online, other good sites for finding drink recipes include: LenPal's Site, DrinkNation.com, and DrinksMixer.com. You might also try a Google search for Valentine's Drinks.
- Basic beer might be more your style for something casual and informal. Consider what you and your friends are most likely to drink and then buy a few different types that might suit any guests who you don't know.
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Non-Alcoholic Beverages - If alcohol is something you want to limit, try sparkling cider or a cider plus juice for a festive looking punch.
- Pink lemonade adds a nice colorful touch to any Valentine's Day get-together.
- Also try Shirley Temples, known for their reddish pink hue. All you need is grenadine and lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. Don't forget the maraschino cherries !
- Milkshakes and smoothies are great with fresh red fruits and berries and are great if you aren't serving any dinner.
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