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Just around the corner is the holiday that truly makes you fall in love.  From flowers, candy and dinner, everyone will be express feelings to their special ones in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.  This year Colleen Mullaney, entertaining maven and author of crafting and décor books, is encouraging all to share the love with family and friends with easy-to-do treats that will make heats flutter.  Mullaney touts that Valentine’s Day is a great time to celebrate all types of relationships and what better way to do that than with an intimate gathering at home!  Below are a few ideas we know you’ll love.

Heart-shaped invites
Start with an invite, the old fashioned greeting that comes in the mailbox is much more revered than the electronic version these days, so if you have a few minutes, its worth it.

1. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, trace the shape onto heavy cardstock in a valentine tone.
2. Cut out heart shape. Write the information on the back side.
3. Put a hole punch in top center and tie a small ribbon or string through it.

**Be sure to get the right sized envelopes!

Table setting ideas for Valentine's Day

If you will be having your special Valentine over for dinner or dessert, you’re probably thinking of ways to make your space a bit more romantic and special for the occasion. Transform the everyday dining space with homemade accents and other elegant and romantic touches.  A simple vase filled with red pebbles makes a perfect base.  Or, set a heart inspired tablescape.  Paper stores carry pre-cut heart shapes in a variety of sizes, perfect for place mats and drink coasters. Sprinkle the table with confetti or small candies and finish off with candles and flowers.  No need for a dozen long stemmed roses, try a few bunches of red tulips cut short and arranged in small glass cubes for a modern look without the expense.

Here are a few tips table setting ideas for Valentine's Day:

• To start dress the table in layers, like a good fashionable outfit. Keep in mind the size and shape of the table, if it is round, build from the center, and if it is rectangular or square, work down the table from end to end. Start with a table cloth.  Colleen recommends solids for a clean backdrop. Then add layers such as placemats.  A great buy are the scalloped edged paper mats that can be purchased in the scrapbooking section of craft stores. They come in a variety of colors and add a really nice backdrop.
  
• Keep top of mind your theme when arranging a tablescape.  Since you will be setting your table for Valentine’s Day play up the romance with beautiful and textural elements such as feather, small vessels with overflowing flower, deep rich colors and patterns are fun as well. You don’t have to stick with the tradition of using red and white.  Its always equally as enchanting if other colors or elements are used not centered around the holiday but more around the personality of the person hosting or attending. 
  
• Napkins can add lots of color and texture. They add personality to the table and can often be found in the sale sections of stores.  Remember to use napkin rings some creative ones.
  
• Colored glassware adds another layer of color and shape.  A great color amongst many others to have in your collection is forest green goblets.  Again, stick with rich tones and colors.  Don’t be afraid to try different type of shaped stem ware.  
  
• Candles---medium sized pillars in glass globes, floating candles, and votives scattered about will make any table complete. Be sure to use unscented so the fragrance doesn’t overpower the meals aromas.
  
• Cut flowers short and keep them low so that you can see each other over the table. Use several vessels brimming with blossoms ( tulips, carnations, roses, sweet peas), or a few gorgeous blooms in single glass vases( hydrangeas, gerberas, dahlias, hyacinths).
  
• Lastly, mix and match or mix it up!  Don’t worry about having a complete dinning set or matching pieces for every element as it can add a touch of uniqueness and flare to your overall tablescape.  The look is always a bit more engaging when unique, odd or different pieces are combined to create a surprisingly beautiful look. 

**Remember to use what you have. It makes it more personal.  Table settings are really a great opportunity for you to take guests into a fantasy that you have created, to have fun, be daring and whimsical.

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