by Lisa Potter

Created on: February 06, 2007   Last Updated: March 08, 2007

Valentine's Day decorating can be fun and romantic. Start first with items found around at home and match them up with a few special items your guests will surely love. Adding Valentine's Day treats to the mix will strike them as hard as Cupid's arrow. Below, is a short list of Valentine's Day tips and ideas to help make a love-filled day extra special.

1. Don't stress about decorating. Spend money on important re-usable items that can be used all year round. For an example, instead of buying a red heart shaped bowl, buy a inexpensive white ceramic bowl. Fill it with colorful cinnamon hearts or candy hearts and leave it out near the sitting area for guests to enjoy during conversations.

2. Create a mood with candles. Go for cheap, non-scented candles placed on a secure holder so they are safe. Or take one large candle and create a centre piece on a plate. Add red glitter from a craft store and foam hearts also found at a craft store, then wrap gift wire around the candle, preferably a heart or V-day inspired design, and presto you've got a sparkling table toper.

3. For guests or that special someone, Valentine's Day cupcakes are always a hit. A cherry chip cake recipe is quick and easy to make. Instead of pouring the mix into a cake pan, separate the batter into a muffin tin. When cooked and cooled, remove the cupcakes and top with pink icing and add a conversation heart to tell your guests what they want to hear.

4. Instead of table coasters, cut-out several heart designs out of construction paper and glue a heart to the centre of the round doily. Add Valentine's Day messages to the hearts in silver pen, such as Valentine we belong together. They're cute, fun and people will be interested in them.

5. Heart shaped ice trays are a great way to make a special red drink sizzle with love. Add red food coloring to the cubes if serving a clear drink such as a white wine spritzer. Also adding grenadine to any drink is sure to please.

6. Make sure to have a red table cloth on hand. This will really help add colour to your home and can be used throughout the year, and is especially useful at Christmas time. Light a beautiful scented oil in jasmine or lavender, and play soft music, this is sure to help set the tone for a beautiful Valentine's Day.

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