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 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. This year you might want to throw it on the weekend prior to Valentine's Day since it will fall on a Wednesday in 2007.
• 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 & 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.

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  that look like candy hearts.	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 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 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.

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

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 & 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!

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.

Masquerade Masks	Wigs  and Boas	Valentine's Costumes	Karaoke	Valentine's Heart Bead Necklaces

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
Heart Take Out Box	Rose Gift Bag	Classic Valentine Gift Bag	Clear Favor Box	Sequin Box

Gift Bag Fillers
Champagne Split	Heart Favor Candle	Gourmet Hot Chocolate	Heart Frame	Heart Wine Stopper

Food & Drinks

Below you'll find a series of recommendations for planning a meal for your mixer. 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 entrées. Valentine's Day is also the perfect excuse for a dessert party! For more helpful tips on preparing a Valentine's Day meal, you might want to see:

• Food Network -- Hundreds of tried and true recipes from the people who do food best.
• Martha Stewart -- Baking and cooking tips for Valentine's Day plus crafts and more.
• About.com -- An aphrodisiac menu to spark the senses for you and your guests.
• iVillage -- An indulgent menu for a luxurious dinner party.
• Recipes -- Five days of Valentine's Day menus from which to choose.
• Home and Garden TV -- Cupid salad, devil fooled cake, and heart shaped spinach pie.

Appetizers
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
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.

Desserts
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 �la mode or with whipped cream.

Below are a few suggestions on drinks for a Valentine's Day party. For more tips on how to stock a bar you might want to see the Glassware and Barware  guide and perhaps the article on How to Stock a Bar for a Wedding.

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.

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.