Three steps to a great Valentine's Day party

January 11, 2010

Valentine's Day is traditionally a romantic holiday, but it also serves as the perfect opportunity to show all of your friends and loved ones exactly how much you care. Why not throw a giant Valentine's Day bash at your place so that everyone can get in on the happy holiday?

Decorate your party space

The key to a great Valentine's Day party is plenty of cheerful Valentine's Day decorations. Because this is a holiday when it's totally acceptable to be a little bit cheesy, incorporate as many Valentine's Day party supplies as possibe. Think paper hearts, pink party balloons and red streamers. Go all out and you friends will love it!

To make the event seem glamorous, put a disco ball in the center of the room, cover tables with pink linens and throw up as many red, pink and white party lights as your space can hold.

The holiday can even be a little bit ironic. If you think that your crowd would enjoy a tongue-in cheek holiday fete, pick up as many Valentine's Day paper goods as you can and surprise them with your enthusiasm for the day.

Provide partygoers with sweet treats

Everyone knows that Valentine's Day is one of the few times a year when it's perfectly reasonable for adults of all ages to indulge their sweet tooth to their heart's content. Make sure to provide your guests with plenty of delectable desserts to honor the occasion.

Cup cakes are a great option for a Valentine's Day party. Pick some up at your local bakery or supermarket, or make some yourself.

If you choose to bake your own, have plenty of pink, red and white frosting on hand, as well as colorful sprinkles.

A cupcake-decorating station even makes for a great party activity – have the ingredients laid out on a side table, and let guests create their own pink and red masterpieces.

Fizzy drinks

To complete the Valentine's Day decadence, offer merrymakers some festive beverages. Obvious choices are rose champagne and blush wine, because they're already pink, but there are a variety of fun and simple cocktails to choose from.

Consider making cosmopolitans the drink of the night - the delicate pink libation will be a hit with everyone.

To make the perfect cosmo, fill a martini shaker halfway with ice. Then add half an ounce of lime juice, half an ounce of cranberry juice and half an ounce of triple sec with one ounce of vodka, mix, strain and pour into a cold glass.

Send guests off in style

Personalized valentines make the perfect party favor for your shindig. Choose cute and cartoony valentines and pair them with some chocolates in a pink bag filled with confetti, or hand out heartfelt cards. You could also choose to make miniature floral arrangements for all of your guests, to give out at the door.

Your guests are sure to appreciate the sweet gesture and will love taking home a memento from the fun night.

Come to Windy City Novelties for all of your Valentine's Day party supplies, Valentine's Day decorations and Valentine's Day paper goods.