Valentine’s Day marks the halfway point through our last real month of winter, making it the “Hump Day” of the month. Almost to spring. For that reason alone, it is worth getting all fluttery over. Â Since this year 2/14 is on a Saturday, you have no excuse at all not to somehow celebrate Mr. Cupid.
We researched three party ideas – complete with food, decor, entertainment – for you to choose from:
1. Invite your kids’ best playdate friends for a Little Loves Valentine’s lunch/early dinner.
Even if your craft skills are average to awful, this holiday has built-in entertainment for little ones. Focus on serving a festive spread – the simplest of food can be instantly dressed-up with a few easy-peasy touches. Like these gorgeous retro paper straws:
We shopped around for the party essentials to take all the work off your hands, and we fell for the products at  SWOOZIES, both online and  with a new shop in Sharon Corners.
*BY THE WAY – if you hurry and get to Swoozies before the end of Monday the 9th,  you can use this coupon and get 20% off:*
Since most children are easily enchanted by muffins and cupcakes, we are fans of these beauties; they enable you to bake without a pesky-to-scrub muffin pan… strong enough to pop right into the oven on a baking sheet. Voila:
Thinking outside the cupcake mold, these baking cups would be incredibly helpful to use for the main entree. We found some yummy Savory Muffin Recipes to make a simple, portable [and mess-free!!] kiddie meal.
Our two favorites:
We defy the pickiest of patooties to turn up their noses at either of those offerings. We also defy you to guard them from being inhaled by any resident teenage boys.
Serve alongside bags of trail mix or popcorn (gotta remember to balance out that impending sugar crash)…
The best part about throwing a little kid Valentine party? It is one of the few things you can do for kids that involves minimal to zero wracking-your-brains-ahead-of-time to come up with the perfect entertaining cutesy craft. The craft/game/entertainment is already settled. Enjoy laid-back involvement by supervising some little tattoo valentines…
The DIYing of a Valentine Garland (don’t worry – it’s a kit!)…
And sundry Valentine kits that are, ok, totally adorable…
Treat your baby with some adorable accessories for the occasion…
Or pick one of several presh plush creatures for your boy…
Then take the rest of the year off as the Perfect-Parent Party-Planning Committee. You have served your time. 😉
And now for the next scenario Valentine’s…
2. Surprise your spouse. Picture this: you find an excuse to get rid of him for the afternoon/early evening on Saturday (or surprise him Friday evening after work, if you can swing it). He thinks you are irritated and disappointed with his (inevitable) lack of Valentine preparation; he tiptoes in testily and finds… candlelight and a decadent spread.
Insisting on being taken out and wined and dined like a royal is important; but there are occasional years where taking the wheel can pay off.
We found this amazing (and simple) recipe for foolproof fried oysters from GOOP…
The best drink by far to pair with the oyster aphrodisiac is champagne. Bubbles create a certain textural magic when complimenting the smooth velvety texture of oysters. Ultra dry champagnes like Laurent Perrier Ultra Brut and Drappier Brut Nature are best; though is there ever a bad occasion for a little Clicquot?Â
If your man prefers a good stout, the bitterness of Guinness contrasts well the saltiness of fried oysters. Plus, that means more champagne for you, so win/win.
Serve with your favorite roasted veggie (asparagus or artichoke would be especially tasty) and a warmed Nova’s Bakery Sourdough Baguette.
For dessert, stick to something citrusy. The Key Lime Pie from Publix is one of those things you simply can’t make as well at home...
But if you can’t get out to Publix, this recipe for how to “Make the perfect pie crust and lemon meringue like a Masterchef” sounds and looks promising…
It used to be that you made a mixed tape to show your true feelings for your Person. Making a playlist on Spotify or iTunes is easier and more portable, so you can start it on the speaker in the dining room and then take it upstairs.
Still think you should get him a little “memento of the evening” gift? You can’t do better than the Chillsner… the only in-bottle beer chiller.
End the evening with a luxurious bubble bath. 😉
For our final V-day idea…
3. Cupid is Stupid. Host a Girls’ Night In for your besties.
Whether y’all find yourselves flying solo due to divorces, break-ups, husbands who don’t “do” V-day, or who are outta town on Saturday the 14th [um, fired], we have a feeling throwing up your hands and instead throwing a party celebrating those other loves of your lives – the gal pals who are there thru thick and thin – will always be a rewarding decision.
We love this perfect Bluesy playlist for such an occasion.
And, again, we were delighted to find that Swoozies can be our one-stop-shop for turning Valentine’s into an easy and entertaining excuse to party, instead of an obligation…
They say one should never mix tattoos with alcohol, but we believe metallic (temporary) tattoos are a safe exception…
Get some laughs/vent some frustration on the Dammit Doll…
And for the meal, we suggest treating yourselves to a crepe station. If you have been intimidated by crepes in the past, take just one shot at this recipe (helpful video included), and you will be a believer.
You can set up a delicious buffet for savory, protein-packed crepes – such as Ham+ Shredded Mozarella + Fresh Sage; Turkey Bacon + Smoked Gouda; or other assorted vegetables, cheeses, and cold-cuts for savory;  jams, Nutella, cream cheese frosting and favorite fruits for sweet…
It would be chic and irresistible to include both cheese and chocolate fondue pots to drizzle over the crepes.
Polish off your appetites with this “boozy sundae” from lifestyle blogger, Waiting on Martha:
And send them home with these…
Whatever your situation this year, whatever your feelings on Valentine’s in general – we at Scoop believe in taking this chance to celebrate love in all its shapes and forms, and to toast the Last Hurrah of Winter. [Please, dear sweet Groundhog be wrong.]
4722 Sharon Road, Suite G, Charlotte, NC 28210
P:Â 980-218-9388Â Â Â Â Â Â Mon-Sat 10-7; Sun 12-6
