6 Spring Break Ideas for the Whole Family from FTD.com

The holidays are long gone, but summer seems so far away, doesn’t it?

Take heart; it’s almost time for spring break. If you’re planning a trip for you and your family, we can help. Below are six spring break ideas for a fun and inspirational time with the family (all prices are approximate and for a family of four):

1. North and South Carolina Flower Festivals (Varies)

North and South Carolina are one big stretch of beautiful flora come end of March and into April.

Spring Break Ideas Flower Festivals

Visit Biltmore Estate (Asheville, North Carolina) during Biltmore Blooms (March 20-May 25). You’ll see daffodils, hyacinths and every shade of tulip you’ve ever imagined. The event isn’t just flowers though—enjoy wine tasting, top-tier restaurant dining and delectable desserts, as well as a tour of the beautiful grounds at this family-friendly venue. Admission is $49 for adults, $24.50 for youth.

Visit the Flowertown Festival in Summerville, South Carolina, for the long weekend of March 27-29. This event, hosted by the YMCA, features beautiful azaleas and wisteria in bright pink and purple. You’ll find food, kid’s activities, a farmers market. And the best part is admission and parking are free.

The Azalea Garden Tour (Wilmington, North Carolina) is a long-running, 13-garden tour. Though it’s only open for three days (April 10-12), it ranges from traditional gardens to modern landscapes to downright whimsical designs. Tickets are $25 and valid for all three days.

Spring Break branching into May? Check out the Orangeburg Festival of Roses (Orangeburg, South Carolina; May 1-3) or the Iris Festival (Sumter, South Carolina; May 22-24). Both festivals won’t disappoint.

2. Savannah, Georgia (2 nights, $1,600)

For the perfect mix of beach beauty and Southern charm, visit Savannah, Georgia. The average March temperature ranges from the mid-60s to mid-70s, and the beach on Tybee Island is just 20 minutes away. For lodging, book a vacation rental on a site like Airbnb.

 
During the day, tour the city’s historic district with Old Town Trolley Tours, visit stately mansions, walk on cobblestone streets and marvel at the moss-draped oaks overhead. Water enthusiasts can rent kayaks, relax on a riverboat cruise or watch for dolphins. Finish the day with a fresh fish dinner and live music.

3. Coast Starlight, Los Angeles to Seattle (1 night, $600-$1,600)

Consider a train trip on the Coast Starlight. This Amtrak route runs daily between Los Angeles and Seattle through some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in North America. From the comfortable Sightseer Lounge Car, you and the family view miles of unadulterated forests, mountains and sparkling blue coastline.

The route also features wireless Internet and Amtrak’s classic dining car, where everybody can meet and talk with other travelers over a hot breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sleeper car passengers can choose to eat or lounge in the plush Parlour Car (meals included), or watch a movie in the theater below. For a less expensive option, sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard and pay for your roomette with bonus points.

4. Denver, Colorado (3 nights, $3,000)

For an active family, a late-season ski trip in the Rocky Mountains might be just the right fit. Keystone Resort is an easy drive from Denver and offers many activities for the whole family including scenic sleigh rides, ice skating, hockey and tubing.


And when you tire of hitting the slopes, indulge in a facial or Swedish massage. Other renowned ski resorts nearby include Vail and Winter Park. Ask about discounts for children under 12 and bundled lift tickets for skiing at multiple resorts.

5. Valencia, Spain (5 nights, $6,000)

Craving something a little more international? Fly the whole family to Valencia, Spain, for the Fallas Festival (literally “The Fires”), a week-long celebration filled with fireworks, parades and gunpowder. All year, artisans labor to craft colorful, cartoon-like monuments made of plaster, wood, cardboard and paper-maché. After five days of festivities, the monuments (some many stories high) are burned to the ground on the streets of downtown Valencia.

If crowds and fire aren’t your thing, immerse yourself in Spanish history and culture during your stay by visiting Valencia Cathedral, Central Market or the historic Torres de Serranos. Wake up to a glass of fresh-squeezed Valencian orange juice, a flaky chocolate pastry and café con crema. Rent bicycles and ride along the beach. Enjoy mild evenings, Spanish-style, by shopping late and enjoying a light supper of tapas and, for Mom and Dad, sangria.

6. Home Sweet Home ($100)

Sometimes being a tourist in your hometown is all you need. Take a tour of your state capitol building or county courthouse. Browse coupon sites for deals on local amusement parks or music venues. Visit your local office of tourism for more ideas on where to go; think zoos, art museums, historic buildings and community theaters.

You could also hold an at-home movie marathon—catch up on all the previous “Star Wars” episodes, maybe?—or invite some friends over to play board games. Take the whole family to play laser tag or go camping in your own backyard (if weather permits, of course).

Don’t forget about Mom time, either. Just as spring break is drawing to a close, treat yourself to an at-home spa package, complete with lotion, bath salts and a massage roller.

Find discount Anniversary Flowers at FTD! Go through this coupon and save up to 50% OFF!  Click Ftd flowers coupon 50 off March 2015

Source: https://ftd.com

3 Romantic, Couples-Only Date Night Ideas

Valentine’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. What're romantic valentines day ideas for this holiday? What’s better than chocolate, flowers and love notes? While all of those things are total bliss to me, I also like the idea of mixing it up and putting a new spin on the holiday. Here are a few of my favorite outside-the-(chocolate)-box ideas to help you avoid the routine dinner-and-a-movie date night:

Themed Meal and Tablescape

Cook a meal together or surprise your love with a special home-cooked meal and corresponding tablescape. I love the idea of creating a themed meal that goes beyond the traditional red, white and pink color palette. Try choosing a locale that is special to both of you (it could be the first place you traveled together, somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit together or you could let the dinner serve as clues to a surprise trip you’ve planned). My husband and I are both Francophiles — we’ve done road trips through Provence and Haute Normandie, flea-marketed our way through the Champagne region and visited Paris so many times I’ve lost count. So I decided to center our Valentine’s dinner around a country we truly love. I used a vintage map of France in place of a tablecloth and placed a framed photo of us (taken at the Louvre) on the table.

I also used some of our favorite French wine corks inside a vintage red-and-white French ashtray to serve as decor. Some of the corks had hearts on them which definitely helped bring home the Valentine’s theme. I also placed a few locks and keys on the table to bring back memories of attaching our own love lock to the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris.

To keep within the color palette, I poured some rosé wine into crystal wine glasses and topped them off with cranberries. As for the meal, make sure you plan it out in advance and have all the ingredients on hand. It could be fun to include some heart-shaped or x-and-o-shaped foods on the menu.

Even though these ideas are specific to France, you can easily alter them to your preferred location. Just think about your favorite vacation and some of the special things you did there. Did you pick up any souvenirs? Maybe some shells from the beach or special bowls or glasses? Get out those souvenirs to help re-awaken those treasured memories. To take it a little overboard (but in an amazing way!), you could stash a pair of airline tickets to your favorite destination under your love’s plate and tell him to look after you’ve finished dessert! Très romantic! While jetsetting is swoon-worthy, you could do something just as romantic on a smaller scale — think about a staycation or a weekend country escape to a charming B&B. You could book the reservation and tuck that under your love’s plate, too!

Get Active

Do something active together. Valentine’s doesn’t just have to be about a romantic evening. Plan a fun activity together during the day; run a 5k, go on a local hike or take a day trip to explore a nearby town. Try something new and celebrate afterward by popping a bottle of bubbly or enjoying chocolate and caramel dipped strawberries (like the ones shown in the pictures). Yum! Get FREE Chocolate with purchase of Select Bouquets at FTD.com. Buy Now!

Give from the Heart

Make each other a gift. It’s true: things that come from the heart usually mean more than what you can buy at the store. While not all of us are crafty enough to build or make an entire gift, everyone is capable of making and writing in a card. Buy some scrapbooking or construction paper, whip out your markers and glitter and get to work on a masterpiece for your love. I promise it will be a keepsake. Of all the cards I’ve received in my life, I’ve never once tossed a homemade one. They’re just too special!

You could also take a simpler route with a handwritten love note. Roll the letter up and place it inside a bottle to create the perfect presentation. I played with this message-in-a-bottle theme with the Valentine’s dinner I planned and used the bottles as the central decor atop the plates. I bought both of the antique bottles at a French flea market and the vendor told me they were found during an excavation at the Battle of Verdun site! But, honestly, any bottles you have on hand will convey the same sparkle of romance!

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope these ideas help you plan an unforgettable holiday.

Flowers for the Modern Gentleman

Need some help gentleman – we’ve got what you need.

Read More:

Flowers for the modern gentleman:

1 in 7 guys think it’s okay to send an emoji on Valentine’s Day. The ladies don’t agree

Women want flowers:

Flowers make 1 in 2 women happy. Fifty percent of women are delighted for their friend or co-worker when they receive flowers.

1/3 women want to “return the favor.”  One in three women* would do a little somethin’ special for their man after they receive flowers.  (The other two must not have read this guide)

1/8 feel green with envy. There’s always one—13% of women report feeling envious after they see a friend receive a bouquet.

A dissection of flowers:

The Orchid (Orchidaceae) Fig. 2.1

The Daisy (Bellis perennis) Fig. 2.2

The Tulip (Tulipa) Fig. 2.3

The Rose (Rosa) Fig. 2.4

The Stem Fig. 2.5

The Bud Fig. 2.6

Color choices Fig. 2.7

 The art of choosing the finest arrangement for your lady:

Your dame isn’t like the rest, so choose a flower that’s right for her.  An orchid is as exotic as she is (fig. 2.1).

Daisies represent “loyal love,” so tell your lady she’s the only one for you (fig. 2.2).

Just started going steady? Tulips are cheery and fresh, just like your relationship (fig 2.3).

Roses are a timeless classic that say “I love you,” no matter how many years you’ve been together (fig 2.4).

A longer stem tells her your feelings run deep (fig 2.5).

Size matters: the bigger the bud, the more impressive the flower (fig 2.6).

Don’t forget color is important, too: Purple says you care. White means purity. Yellow if you’re in the friendzone, and red for love (fig 2.7).

How your bouquet measures up:

WEST: Good Guys

>$49: 51.5%

$50-$149: 34.6%

$150: $299: 8.7%

$300+: 5.2%

SOUTH: Hopeless Romantics

>$49: 51%

$50-$149: 41%

$150: $299: 5.3%

$300+: 2.7%

NORTHEAST: Doing a lot with a little

>$49: 46.9%

$50-$149: 42.2%

$150: $299: 8.2%

$300+: 2.7%

MIDWEST: Big Spenders

>$49: 67.1%

$50-$149: 23.8%

$150: $299: 5.3%

$300+: 3.8%

A Final Synopsis:

A little emotion goes a long way, fellas­­—and trust us, nothing says “the real deal” like fresh flowers.  So have a chat with someone who speaks the language of Flora romanticiscea—someone who’s been speaking that language for over 100 years; your great grandfather, or FTD. Your choice.

All statistics taken from 2015 FTD national survey of 1,000 respondents, aged between 25 and 44 years old.

 *Statistic applies to southern millennial women.

ACTIVE FTD FLORIST COUPON & PROMO CODE

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Lawyer Learns Flowers: First Edition

It took nearly nine months of working at FTD for me to realize just how little I knew about the beautiful bouquets that I stared at online, talked about, advised on and thought about every day.  Since I had been busy learning the ropes of my new job, as Assistant General Counsel at FTD (which is a fancy way of saying lawyer), I hadn’t taken the time to step back and consider what went into creating and making up this lovely product that brought so much joy to our customers. 

Instead, I had been selfishly concerned about teaching others all the things that were relevant to me.   This all changed the week after Thanksgiving last year.  My office neighbor and friend, Michael Skaff, Vice President of Floral Design at FTD, reminded me of what I was missing.

I had just wrapped up a “Lunch N’ Learn” meeting with our marketing team where our legal team had offered a refresher course on the basics of trademark law – exciting stuff!  If you’ve never attended a Lunch N’ Learn – it’s basically feeding people in an effort to make them come to a meeting to discuss a particular topic.  I looked to Michael for approval after the session and with Michael’s natural quick-wittedness, he responded with how much he would like to have a “Lunch N’ Learn” to teach others at FTD about floral design.

And that started me thinking.

I had spent my entire time since I arrived at FTD proudly telling my friends and family that I worked at FTD, where we created flowers and gifts that delighted our customers, which is a direct reference to our company mission.  In my defense, it was so much more fun to tell people I worked at a flower company than at a law firm.  Yet, my own knowledge of the flowers we were selling and that I was bragging about didn’t go far beyond the general rose, lily, orchid, daisy and a few select others.

After a week or so of thinking about this, I commented to Michael how nice it would be if he did teach me some of what he knew.  I wouldn’t nor couldn’t profess to ever understand it with the depth, breadth, care and detail of Michael, but I was up for trying.

The next day Michael showed up at my office door with three bud vases, each containing a different flower or filler.  He said there would be a quiz about each of the flowers in the vases at the end of the week – and if I passed the quiz, the following week there would be three more.  I readily agreed and started taking notes as he talked in depth about each one.

The office was abuzz that first week since rumors swirled that the office lawyer had demanded fresh flowers in her office.  I had to laugh at that rumor and quickly corrected it with this explanation.

At the same time, I learned about the blog FTD had recently launched.  Michael and I decided that we would write this series about the flowers he was teaching me about.  An online “Lunch N Learn” except that you provide the food.

So, with that, here are the first three flowers in our on-going series.

Lisianthus:

On the far left side is a flower called a “Liasanthus”.  To me, this looks like a littler rose.

Colors:  Purple, white/cream, pink and blue

Locations:  Grown in the United States, Mexico, Caribbean and South America

Duration:  Lasts about 5 days.

Other Information: It can come in a single-flowered or double-flowered, which looks like it means one layer of petals or two.

Bupleurum: 

Michael advised me that, to learn about flowers and floral design, was to know about the filler flowers as well.  The Bluepleurm is just that.

Colors:  Green

Locations:  Grown in the Netherlands.

Duration:  Lasts about 5 days.

Other Information:  Some information indicates that the plant is used in herbal medicine.

Hypericum Berries:

Colors:  Green, Red, Peach, Pink

Locations:  Grown in South America and the Netherlands.

Duration:  Lasts about 1-2 weeks.

Other Information:   All members of the genus may be referred to as St. John’s wort.

Using FTD coupons, Ftd Flowers coupon 50 off, you can save on bouquets of roses, tulips, lilies, orchids, daisies, and even silk flowers. Check out Ftd Flowers Coupon 50% OFF 2015 for your favorite products now!

Source: Ftd.com blog

Blast from the Past: Origin of Valentine’s Day with FTD

Valentine’s Day is observed each year on February 14, but do you know why we celebrate it or what the origin of Valentine’s Day is?It is believed that many years ago February 14 was celebrated to honor the death of the Christian martyr, Saint Valentine. Over the years, Valentine’s Day has evolved into a holiday that is based on love and romance. Today, it is celebrated around the world by exchanging candy, flowers, and gifts with family, friends, and loved ones.

Get love coupons for Valentine's day at here

Here at FTD, we live and breathe Valentine’s Day to make sure that this day is a special day between you and your loved one. You might hear us talk a lot about our mission statement and how hard we work towards accomplishing it.  This goes all the way back to our roots.  Our founder’s name was even Valentine – John A. Valentine to be exact!

 Image Source: Romantic valentines day ideas

However, Valentine’s Day became a holiday before FTD was around.  The first valentines were made and sold around 1840.  Flowers, specifically red roses, became associated to the holiday because of their meaning, love and romance. FTD delivers countless red roses to all of your loved ones over the Valentine’s Day season.

Vintage Valentine’s Day Ad from the 1950s.

FTD has been around for the last 105 Valentine’s Day to make sure the day has been perfect for you and your loved ones. Check out FTD.com for ideas to send your love this Valentine’s Day.

Checkout Valentine’s Day Flowers and Gifts and save up to 50% OFF with FTD Flowers Coupon 50 OFF 2015! Valid now through Feb 14. 2015!

Flowers for my Valentine and coupons for Valentines day

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• Save up to 25% OFF on Sympathy & Funeral Flowers with Ftd flowers coupon 25 off 2015. Save Now! 
  

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3 Quick & Easy DIY Valentine’s Gifts

Want to show someone you care with a handmade present but don’t have hours to spend creating it? Here are three from-the-heart DIY Valentine’s Day gift ideas for everyone on your list — without spending too much quality time with your trusty glue gun.

Love is… Golden.

Gold is a hot trend right now, and this golden DIY could not be simpler. Take a white mug (this one came from IKEA) and a gold Sharpie marker.

Then, write a message to your loved one in your handwriting or a fancy script. Embellish with hearts, polka dots, stripes, swirls, doodles… whatever strikes your fancy. This is especially perfect for writing terms of endearment or inside jokes, and can be personalized to whomever receives it. Be sure to keep the ink away from the rim of the mug, and hand wash to preserve your sweet message!

Love is… Bold.

Washi tape is a current go-to supply for quick and modern crafts, and it pairs perfectly with glass. Use it to embellish a plain, glass vase and create something punchy, bold and personalized!

It’s a great way to dress up a clear, square vase, perhaps a spare from a past FTD arrangement. Pull off the desired amount, wrap around the square vase and flatten to eliminate air bubbles. Play with overlapping and angles.

Choose Valentine’s Day-themed tape or go for favorite colors. Though FTD arrangements are ready to give as-is, you can put a personal touch on an arrangement if you desire. It’s a fantastic gift idea for parents, siblings, teachers, administrative professionals, and anyone who deserves a little extra love.

Love is… Sweet.

Who doesn’t love a mason jar? These 4-ounce-sized jars are perfect for filling with treats like chocolates or even a homemade sugar scrub. Embellish the top with an embroidered note using these simple steps.

Cut a circle of burlap large enough to overlap the metal disk of the mason jar. Use embroidery thread to sew simple words or motifs. (Be sure to keep within the space that will show when assembled). Ideas include arrows, hearts, words, conversation hearts or names. I made sure to backstitch a few areas to make it stand out. For example, if you sew a dashed running stitch, double back and go over the parts that were dashed to create a straight line. The large holes of the burlap make it a cinch to embroider.

Then, fill the jar with goodies. Place the burlap over the metal disk and then screw the open circle on top, and voilà.

In the end, you have a fun DIY treat jar that’s perfect for giving to someone you adore! Since you can personalize both the top and what’s inside, the possibilities for gifting are endless. It’s a gift that will be appreciated by your sweetie, kids, teachers, friends and more.

Create handmade gifts to show you care. It doesn’t have to take much time or break the bank. All of these ideas pair perfectly with an FTD bouquet. Show that special someone in your life that love is golden, bold and sweet!

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6 Steps for Valentine’s Day Success

Click your way to love and follow these six steps for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day with your special someone.

Warning! The sweetest day of the year is just around the corner, and the countdown to picking the perfect Valentine’s Day gift is on. The good news is you can skip the mad dash to the mall and click your way to thoughtful tokens of your love. Capture your sweetie’s heart with these six steps for Valentine’s Day success.

Step 1: Send Love Notes

1. 

Surprise the apple of your eye with a love note delivered to his or her phone or email throughout the day, starting in the A.M. Love Quotes by Skol Games is an Android app that gives you quick access to thousands of images with fun and flirty quotes. You can share the images in a quick “thinking of you” heartfelt message to ensure your sweetie feels special every moment of the day. Make your love note even more personal by browsing the LoveLetterBox.com quotes and poems. Once you land on one that encapsulates your feelings, you can also write it down on paper and pin it to the refrigerator so she sees it when she gets home or post it on your hubby’s Facebook page while you’re both apart at work.

Step 2: Surprise with Fresh Blooms

A bouquet of long-stemmed red roses is the ultimate declaration of love, especially when you unexpectedly surprise her with a beautiful bouquet in front of her co-workers at work. Admittedly, showing off romantic gestures from a gal’s endearing prince charming is all part of the enviable adoration on Valentine’s Day. If you’re a non-traditionalist, you can veer from the norm with a pretty mix of pink, lavender and red roses or boil her over with an arrangement of red and pink tulips in a heart-shaped, ruby-colored glass vase. You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers and FTD’s easy shopping options, including same-day flower delivery available in most areas, all just a click away.

Get the latest Ftd flowers coupon 50 off and shop Valentine’s Day Flowers and Gifts at FTD.com! Valid now through Feb 15. 2015!

Step 3: Regale at Home

After showering your loved one all day with sweet love notes and heartwarming flowers, it’s finally time to unite over a delicious candlelit dinner. Make it a quiet, intimate affair and cook a special meal right at home using the Epicurious cooking app from your smartphone or tablet. Search more than 30,000 food recipes and create a grocery list for quick post-work shopping.

Gourmet Grocery Online and Gourmet Station also deliver fine dining right to your doorstep ― no cooking (or grocery shopping) required. Order a succulent Surf & Turf Dinner (including two sweet Maine lobster tails and Filet Mignon Steaks) or sink your teeth into a Cajun four-course meal complete with lobster bisque and a gourmet entree like New Orleans Bourbon Pecan Salmon or Thai Duck Quarter. Don’t forget to order wine or champagne to top off the romantically lavish dinner at home.

Step 4: Get Cozy & Comfy in Snuggle Wear

For the ladies, to get the evening festivities started, surprise your sweetheart with a seductive chemise.  If lacy lingerie is not your style, cuddle with them in a snugly sleepwear set. For the gentleman, feel free to slip into something cozy too!

Step 5: Swoon Over a Mini Movie

Show you care with a digital expression of your devotion. A personalized video is a visual reminder of your most endearing memories together. Gather your favorite digital photos and video clips, then hop on a website like Magisto or Animoto to bring your memories to life. Both sites offer pre-made themes and backdrops to create your personal mini movie. Polish off your production with a familiar or sentimental tune. Watch the film of your favorite moments as a pair snuggled up in bed or on the couch together. Afterward, share your creation on social media or in an email signed with a warm sentiment.

Step 6: Indulge in Sweet Treats

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the obvious. A box of heavenly chocolates caters to your loved one’s sweet tooth and serves as an aphrodisiac to set the mood. As an after-movie special treat, spoil her with a box of exquisite dark chocolates from Godiva. Or cater to his sweet tooth with a surprise delivery of chocolate-covered Twinkies or box of Mrs. Fields cookies. All online orders include a personalized gift message to send along with your sweet treat. Read aloud the sexy messages in bed as you both indulge in dessert and see where the night leads.

In addition, you also can check out coupons, promo codes for Valentine's day 2015 at http://coupon4share.com/coupon-category/valentine-039-s-day 

Date Night with the Family from Ftd flowers coupon 50 off Blog

Date Night with the Family Feature

Love is… family! So why not celebrate those special bonds on this upcoming Romantic Valentines Day and Romantic Valentines Day Ideas 2015 ? Here are a few ideas to get the whole family together to celebrate a family date night all about love and happiness.



Host a Craft Night

Go old school and host a craft night where family can create homemade Valentine’s cards for each other. Stock up on construction paper, glitter, markers, scissors and glue. Ask family members to bring old Valentine cards they’ve received. These can be recycled by cutting out images from the old cards to make new homemade cards (as long as they don’t hold too much sentimental value and the family members don’t mind recycling them). You could also use antique skeleton keys and locks to decorate the cards to illustrate the “key to my heart” idea.

To take it a step further, ask family members to write personal notes on each card they make thanking the person it’s intended for or telling them why they’re important or how much they’re appreciated. Show a little love beyond the ubiquitous “be mine” or “xoxo” phrases commonly seen around Valentine’s day. It’s okay to get mushy with family sometimes! We all like knowing we’re loved and appreciated!


You could have the crafting night prior to Valentine’s or on the night of V-Day. To bring home the festive feel, have a floral centerpiece on hand. Since this is to celebrate family, you’ll probably want to avoid the ooey-gooey romantic feel of roses. Instead, opt for some pink and red tulips (the ones shown are FTD Season of Love Bouquet). They’re incredibly cheerful and offer a family-friendly vibe. Get Ftd flowers coupon 50 off 2015, Ftd flowers coupon 25 off february 2015 and Save up to 25% OFF on Sympathy & Funeral Flowers now!


Family Game Night

If you host the craft night prior to Valentine’s, invite the family back over on Valentine’s afternoon/evening to exchange the cards and bond with a fun game night! Alternatively, you could have the card-making session during the afternoon of Valentine’s Day and then pull out the games later! Make sure you include games that are appropriate for all ages — Catchphrase, Monopoly, Jenga and playing cards are classics that everyone likes. Mix up teams so in-laws, parents and grandparents can play together rather than against each other. It’s all about togetherness! If you know there will be little ones joining the party, don’t leave them out! Ask the parents to bring a few of the kids’ favorite board games and play a round or two with them so they feel included!

Themed Potluck Dinner

Another fun idea to celebrate Valentine’s with the family is a themed potluck dinner. You can easily combine this with game night or the craft session. To bring home the festive feel, make sure guests know that it’s a Valentine’s-themed dinner. Ask them bring foods themed accordingly — red, white or heart-shaped foods. Here are a few examples: caprese salad with heart-shaped mozzarella slices, heart cookies, heart-shaped pepperoni on a homemade pizza, heart-shaped pancakes, a veggie platter with only red vegetables (radishes, tomatoes, bell peppers) and ranch dressing.

And I love the idea of ordering special chocolates for dessert like the chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate-dipped raspberries and blueberries shown in the photos. Fondue and s’mores could also be fun! Last but not least, don’t forget to take photos of all the fun you’re creating! You could even create a homemade photo booth. Just decorate a plain wall with heart garlands and buy (or make!) a few fun props (lip-shaped sunglasses, cupid’s arrows, feather boas, etc.). Designate a family member to be the photographer and let the fun start!


However you end up celebrating Valentine’s this year, don’t forget to include your family in some special way. It’s easy to get wrapped up in romance but nurturing the love of your family is important! That includes your pets, too. Give them a special treat so they know how much they are loved, as well!

Happy Valentine’s!

Source: ftd.com