Fete Files: Cupid, Candy & Cocktails

Valentine's Day originated during the Middle Ages, and no one really knows the mystery behind the holiday or the Saint. Today, people across the world send love notes, candy, flowers and gifts on the 14th day of February. This year put your own spin on the holiday by throwing a hip v-day soiree for your closest friends, or a romantic rendezvous just for your beau. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to host themed events such as a Lock & Key party, a Chocolate Tasting, a Bachelor & Bachelorette Auction, or a Couples Costume Party (Britney & K-Fed anyone?). Keep guests entertained and stir up old memories by including old-school games such as Spin-the-Bottle and 7-Minutes in Heaven.

The Invite

Get inspired by the days when handmade valentines were exchanged among classmates and secret crushes, and distribute kitschy cards in lieu of formal invites. Cut colorful hearts out of cardstock, embellish with bits of ribbon and sequins, insert into a pretty envelope, and voila! To help you in your quest for the perfect card, Target offers an adorable kit that contains enough paper and embellishments to create two unique cards for just $1! If DIY isn't your style, stay chic by scoring vintage valentine postcards from online retailers, or by scouring local vintage shops. Add a special touch by tossing a sprinkle of red heart-shaped glitter into each envelope before mailing.

(photo courtesy of marthastewart.com)

Resources:

www.target.com (inexpensive valentine’s card kits)
www.marthastewart.com (DIY crafts and ideas)

Sip

Valentine's Day wouldn't be complete without a little Love Potion #9! Keep love in the air by serving this sweet drink:

Love Potion #9 (serves several)

* 20 ounces cherry-flavored Kool-Aid
* 8 ounces vodka
* 3 ounces white rum
* 1 pouch cherry-flavored Kool-Aid powder

Pour Kool-Aid into a punch bowl; then add vodka and rum. Add 1 additional pouch of cherry Kool-Aid mix and stir.

Mocktail Version: Create a mix of equal parts sparkling pear and apple cider.

(recipe courtesy of evite.com)

*Hip Tip: Give your drinks a twist (and stay with your v-day theme) by sprinkling in a few candy hearts, or by adding a red swizzler in place of a stirrer.

Resources:
www.evite.com (drink recipes and party ideas)

Nosh

For a Valentine's Day party, appetizers, finger foods, and sweet treats are the perfect menu choice. One-bite items such as shrimp cocktail, berries, mini-crepes, and oysters lend a steamy vibe to any event. If you're hosting a sit-down dinner, splurge on sexy items such as lobster, caviar, and artichoke hearts. Those of you working with a budget can dramatically cut food costs by instructing each guest to bring a dish based around the theme of your soiree (whether it be a dessert, side, or main dish). You'll be pleasantly surprised with what your guests come up with! Dessert is a must, and guests will love to indulge on single-serving size strawberry shortcake, cupcakes, heart shaped cookies and gourmet chocolates. Another idea is to order a red-velvet cake from your local bakery (or simply make your own out of a box!), or simply setting out a platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries or chocolate fondue. Beverages can include Love Potion #9 (above), champagne, and red and white wine.

*Hip Tip: Skip the party and treat your sweetie to breakfast in bed by serving up yummy heart shaped pancakes, waffles, and muffins. Simply use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to achieve perfect results!

Resources:
www.bettycrocker.com (red-velvet cake recipe)
www.cooking.com/recipes (valentine’s day menu and recipes)

Embellish

When decorating for the event, think red and pink, or red and black (the traditional valentine's day colors) as your color theme. Bowls of freshly cut flowers, candles sprinkled throughout, and strategically placed trays of "x" and "o" cookies give the room a sweet vibe. Spend the evening before creating paper valentines out of colorful paper and stringing them around the room with ribbon and lace. Light the candles and put out crystal bowls or glasses full of conversation hearts and twizzlers just before your guests arrive.

Resources:
www.bhg.com (easy DIY decorations)

Swag

Present guests with romance-inspired gifts such as heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, aromatherapy candles, sweet-smelling bubble bath, and mini bottles of pink champagne. Save money and time by picking up gift-bag items from your local drugstore.

Resources:
www.pommery.com (ultra chic Pink POP mini-champagne bottles)
www.cvs.com (a Valentine’s Day superstore)
www.godiva.com (divine boxes of Belgium chocolates)