Valentine's Day is almost here!

February 11, 2010

If the heart-shaped decorations, pink confections and endless jewelry commercials that are sure to have penetrated your daily life in recent weeks haven't been enough of a hint, then let us be the first to tell you that it's Valentine's Day!

The time for chocolate, flowers and heart-shaped candies is upon us. If you haven't picked up a gift for your significant other as of yet, it's officially time to panic. Then order some flowers and pick out a nice card.

However you spin it, though, Valentine's Day is an exclusive holiday.

But, if you fall firmly into the single category on this couples-only day, don't despair! Why not throw a Valentine's Day party for all of your single friends? Who knows - you might even be an unwitting match maker!

Plan a fantastic Valentine's Day party

Before the big day, send out Valentine's Day invitations to all of your single friends, and let them know that a date is not necessary to attend your festive shindig.

Then, get cracking on the party planning!

The secret to planning a great V-day party is to remember to include three key things: pink champagne, chocolate and plenty of Valentine's Day decorations.

This is a holiday where it's totally acceptable, and perhaps even expected, for party planners to be a little bit cheesy. Stock up on Valentine's Day decorations like balloons, streamers, printed tablecloths and Valentine's Day paper goods, like cocktail napkins, printed plates and paper decorations.

When getting ready for the bash, be sure to put together a fun playlist full of upbeat party music. (Trust us, a Valentine's Day party for single people is not the right environment for sentimental love songs.)

Heart-shaped food will delight your guests

When it comes to party fare for this sweet holiday, make sure that even the savory items on your menu offer a few cute surprises. For example, if you're serving pizza, order a plain cheese pizza and pick up a package of pepperoni at the grocery store.

Then, using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, turn the round slices of pepperoni into heart-shaped pizza toppings.

You can even use the edges, because they will have a heart-shaped hole in the center.

For other festive foods, fill your table with delicious red items like stuffed red peppers, spaghetti Bolognese or roasted red russet potatoes.

Of course, sweet treats are one of the best parts of Valentine's Day, so make sure that your dessert table is laden with chocolate truffles, sugar cookies decorated with light pink frosting and red velvet cake. And don't forget the chocolate-covered strawberries!

Before your guests start flooding in, have personalized Valentines, like the ones that you handed out in grade school, waiting for them by the door. They'll be sure to enjoy the sweet gesture and will love the nostalgic cards.

After all your hard work is done, pop open a bottle of pink bubbly and wait for your guests to arrive!