Valentine's Day Decorations

Hearts aflutter

Valentine's Day decorations provide a rare opportunity to experiment with romantic and whimsical visual elements. On the day designated to celebrate all things romantic, hearts, flowers, and angels proliferate, inspiring lovey-dovey visions of fairy tale endings. With small, personalized touches, the home can be imbued with this idyllic ambiance.

Chocoholics anonymous

Considered de rigueur in matters of courtship, more chocolate is sold in the United States around Valentine's Day than any other time of year. While samplers in heart-shaped boxes never disappoint, any romantic display has a better chance of success when it is customized and shows attention to detail. Consider then selecting an assortment of sweets or artisan chocolates based on the tastes of the loved one, or make some of your own. Making chocolates can be as simple as melting store-bought chocolate and pouring it into a mold or as intricate as making hand-rolled truffles from scratch.

Flower power

Valentines Day is synonymous with romance, and romance means giving flowers. While roses are most popular, a variety of options exist. Let the flowers themselves be the central focus; many striking creations look best in the humblest vessels. In addition to the classic bouquet of red roses and baby's breath, try hybrid tea roses, cymbidium orchids, calla lilies, anemones, or anthurium.

Putting love on the menu

Part of setting a romantic mood is serving the right food. Heart-shaped hors d'oeuvres and luxurious seafood, such as caviar and oysters, balance out the high intake of sweets and baked goods on the holiday. Caviar is best when kept simple. Serve it atop heart-shaped toast points with the classic garnishes: boiled egg, chopped onion, and creme fraiche. Keep the caviar and all of its accompaniments over ice until they're ready to be served, and remember never to use metal utensils with caviar; they can impart an unpleasant taste. Serve oysters on the half-shell plain also, using just lemon wedges, black pepper, cocktail sauce, or mignonette.

Card sharks

As the holiday draws close every year, stores everywhere offer an endless selection of cards, especially for kids who exchange them with their classmates. Personalize these cards with rubber stamps and handmade stencils of hearts, angels, or flowers. These stencils can be reused to decorate tablecloths, napkins, and bunting. Consider making memorable handmade cards; the lucky recipient will want to keep it long after the holiday's end.

Love is in the air

Use lavender, vanilla, and rose petals all around the house to create the right atmosphere. These ingredients can also be used to perfume cards or letters that release an unmistakable and pleasant scent when opened.

Looking for Valentine's Day gift ideas? Then sure to visit MusicBoxes.com and check out their great selection of Valentine's Day-themed music boxes.

More information on Valentines Day decorations