A Valentine's Dinner Party

With Valentine's Day less than a week away, why not gather your friends and celebrate together? Whether they're single or in relationships, everyone can join in on the fun of this heart-themed dinner party.

- Handmade heart invitations from Etsy seller SandyPhotoArt
- A red leather heart journal can serve as a guest book as well as a place for writing thoughts on love
- Pink passion martinis are the perfect cocktail for the occasion
- Dessert couldn't be sweeter then with these cupcakes adorably adorned with white frosting and 2 hearts [via flickr user Dimpleicious]
- Stunning red and white table setting made up of red chairs, white base linens, a red runner, multiple small red floral arrangements, white dinnerware and red napkins.

A Valentine's Day Wedding

Vanessa emailed in looking for inspiration for a Valentine's Day wedding. Not planning a wedding? Some of these ideas will work perfectly well for a Valentine's Day dinner party too.

- Modern and fun take on a cupcake wedding cake [via SocialDesign]
- Cute red flats by Stuart Weitzman [via snippet & ink]
- Calligraphy by Tara Jones
- Chilled tomato soup with white crème fraiche hearts
- This red drink entitled Aphrodisiac is perfect for a signature cocktail
- DIY jam is sweet favor
- A gorgeous bridal bouquet of red Gerber daisies
- Red table runners, rose petals and menu cards adorn this red and white tabletop
- kate spade dinnerware in red and white polka dots
- Fit the groom with a red tie and red floral boutonniere [via snippet & ink]

Oh Baby! Red & Pink Valentine Baby Shower

Melanie emailed me searching from some red and pink heart inspiration for a baby shower she's planning around Valentine's Day. The theme really couldn't be more perfect as the couple's last name is actually 'Hart'. So, though no typography is used in the images above, I would definitely take advantage of that fact and use the last name spelling wherever possible in the party elements.

- A scoop of red sorbet looks extremely elegant when placed in a lovely white dish and garnished with a pale pink sweet-pea. [via Brides]
- Homemade stained glass heart card [via Martha Stewart] - using this as your invitation is a great way to uphold the traditional element of hand-making valentines
- Pink floating heart candles could be set on the table on placed atop water in a low rectangular vase
- The Mom-to-be should be stylishly comfortable - this red, soft knit maternity dress from Olian fits the bill
- Seating cards attached to strings adorned with clear, pink beads and pink roses. Not having assigned seating? Use this idea for a photo wall instead. [via Brides]
- Beautiful red and pink floral arrangement for a centerpiece [via]
- Raspberry macaroons are a lovely and delicious dessert. [via Brides]

Pink & Red Outdoor Baby Shower

Today's post details a red and pink outdoor baby shower (this would also work for a bridal shower or any party). My inspiration came from this great dock party set-up by Martha Stewart. I love the concept of using fishing poles to hang decorations. So clever! On your tables include some red and pink tea lights as neatly pictured in this photo by flickr user evan.

Invite your guests with a pink and red themed invitation. Remember, it doesn't need to look 'baby' in order to be an invitation for a baby shower so I picked this playful circles invitation from FineStationery.com.

Serve a summertime favorite such as pink lemonade. Though pictured above with lemon slices, consider using strawberry slices or raspberries for a touch of red. Your guests will love a dessert that strays from the traditional cake so instead, try making a strawberry rose shortcake. [delicious picture via flickr user evan]

Lastly, hand out favors such as these cute red and pink jelly bean jars.

Romantic Dinner for Two

I am extremely lucky because my husband loves to cook. For our Valentine's Day candlelight dinner, he made the delicious dish pictured above- Chicken Parmesan. I wanted to include the recipe and a picture for inspiration in case some of you are still trying to plan your weekend Valentine's Day meal. The recipe came from one of our favorite chefs, Tyler Florence and is as follows:

I found this dish absolutely scrumptious but let me know what you think! Enjoy!