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Valentines Day -Love & Romance by Bonnie P Carrier
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, loving someone deeply gives you courage ~ Lao Tzu ~
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.
But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery.
But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. If you’d like to read more on this holiday and it’s origins The History Channel has some very informative articles, trivia and fun games.
Setting A Romantic Table
Whether your hosting a dinner for many or just something special for the two of you, set the mood starting with your table. Below are several examples of centerpieces that would certainly fill the bill. Ideas are courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens.
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Rose Bowl
Present traditional Valentine's Day blooms in a new way. Cut rose stems to 6 inches and remove leaves. Pack them tightly in a straight-sided glass hurricane or bowl accented with ribbon.
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Tulip Time
Tulips are gorgeous flowers and available in a wide variety of colors. Avoid bending and drooping stems by cutting stems shorter, then arranged tightly to hold themselves upright.
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A Rose Is a Rose
This rose heart is sure to be a hit. A shaped block of wet floral foam is covered with rosebuds. Green leaves are pinned to the sides to cover the remaining foam.
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Valentine China
Mix and match china patterns combine into a romantic look for a sweet Valentine dinner. A red tablecloth and pink napkin round out the look with pure Valentine color.
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Spring Bouquet
A fresh mix of spring flowers can say "Happy Valentine's Day" better than the standard dozen roses. Look for the freshest blooms and have them arranged simply in a clear square vase.
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Sentimental Favorite
A collection of treasured vases, pitchers, or bowls, will make even a simple rose bouquet a sentimental favorite.
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Planning A Romantic Dinner
 Plan something special and different from the normal fair for Valentine’s Day. If your stuck for an idea there a numerous web-sites that have terrific recipes. I’ve chosen two from Better Homes & Gardens, one entree and one dessert.
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Garlicky Steak and Asparagus
Makes: 2 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Grill: 3 to 4 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 12- to 14-oz. boneless beef top loin (strip) steak, cut about 3/4 inch thick
- 1 or 2 large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. cracked or coarsely ground black pepper
- 8 to 10 thin asparagus spears, trimmed (6 oz.)
- 2 tsp. garlic-flavored olive oil or olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. Dijon-style mustard
Directions
1. Rub the steak on both sides with a mixture of the garlic, pepper, and salt, pressing in the mixture with your fingers. Place the asparagus in a shallow dish and drizzle with the oil. For sauce, in a medium skillet stir together the broth and wine. Cook over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 1/4 cup. Whisk in mustard; keep warm.
2. Preheat an indoor electric grill on high setting, if available. Place steak on the grill rack. If using a covered grill, close lid. Grill until steak is desired doneness. (For a covered grill, allow 3 to 4 minutes for medium rare or 5 to 7 minutes for medium. For an uncovered grill, allow 6 to 8 minutes for medium rare or 8 to 10 minutes for medium, turning steak once.) If space allows, add asparagus to covered grill for the last 2 to 3 minutes or for uncovered grill the last 4 to 5 minutes of grilling. Cook asparagus until crisp-tender.*
3. Spoon sauce on serving plate. Cut steak in half crosswise. Serve steak halves atop sauce with asparagus on top. Makes 2 servings.
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Honey of a Fruit Salad
8 side-dish servings Prep: 35 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- Honey and Spice Dressing (see recipe below)
- 1 10-ounce package fresh spinach, stems removed and torn (8 cups)
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup pineapple or banana chunks
- 1 cup sliced, peeled peaches, pears, nectarines, orange sections, and/or cubed cantaloupe or honeydew melon
- 1 cup seedless green and/or red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts
1. Prepare the Honey and Spice Dressing. Cover; chill in the refrigerator while preparing the salad.
2. To serve, in a very large bowl, place spinach, strawberries, pineapple, peaches, grapes, blueberries, and pecans. Toss to combine. Drizzle with some of the dressing (about 1/2 cup). Toss to coat evenly. Pass remaining dressing. Store any remaining dressing, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Dressing could be served with fresh fruit. Makes 8 side-dish servings.
Honey and Spice Dressing: Peel 1 ripe medium papaya; cut in half lengthwise. Remove seeds; coarsely chop papaya; measure 1-1/4 cups. In a food processor bowl or blender container, combine the 1-1/4 cups chopped papaya, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon finely shredded lime peel, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons salad oil, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cover; blend or process until smooth. Cover; chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days. Makes about 1-1/4 cups.
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Be sure to visit Better Homes & Gardens for more yummy recipes and ideas to help make this Valentine’s Day special and one to remember. There is also a really cute slideshow entitles “Sweet Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids”.
Fun Facts:
- 188 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion.
- Over 50 percent of all Valentine's Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine's Day a procrastinator's delight.
- Research reveals that more than half of the U.S. population celebrates Valentine's Day by purchasing a greeting card.
Creative Ideas for Valentine's Day
Gift a gift of a special treat planned for your favorite sweetheart on Valentine's Day courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens.
- Frame an antique love letter or poem.
- Make heart-shape pancakes, waffles, or biscuits for breakfast served in bed. How about serving these at a family breakfast. Use heart shaped placemats, sturdy red paper plates and decorative napkins. Get the kids involved and help make it a family tradition.
- Host a chocolate and champagne party -- for a group of close friends, or just for the two of you. Another option would be to have a special dinner for family and close friends, just to show how much these special people mean to us.
- Scatter a trail of rose petals - some petals may stain fabrics or carpeting.
- Sit in front of a cozy fire in the fireplace and watch romantic movies. If you don’t happen to have a fireplace try using pillar candles grouped around the room. Choose colors and scents to match the mood.
- Cuddle up on the sofa and look through vacation photos or your wedding album.
- Hide love poems or notes for your sweetheart to find throughout the day.
No matter what your plans turn out to be or how many people you share them with, just remember to enjoy the time and most important the company.
Happy Valentine’s Day From Savvy Home Decorating
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