Hands down, my favorite Valentine's tradition is the dinner we throw for our kids every year. Some times it lands on Valentine's Day, some times it's the day before, or the week before, but we always make sure to do it.
It starts with sending them upstairs to put on any outfit that makes them feel "fancy." They get to pick - no questions asked, and it's so fun to see what they come up with.
While they're upstairs, we setup the table. Nothing super elaborate, but it's themed and a little Valentine's cheesy. Usually there's some small gifts for them to open too - one year we did a coupon book with things like "one free dessert, mom cleans my room, get out of chores free," That was a big hit! Once we are done, we call them down, where my husband greets them both with flowers.
Swipe below to see some photos from this part of the night over the past few years...
Then, the real fun begins, courses of Valentine's and heart-shaped food. Silly and overly themed, but hey.... I can't get away with this for much longer. Well, I can, but soon it will be met with teen induced eye rolls.
Here are my favorites from over the years....
My menu for this year...
Appetizer:
Heart shaped cheese board Heart caprese kabobs (link)
Main Course:
Pink Mac & Cheese
Dessert:
A dessert board filled with.... Heart Brownies (brownies cut into hearts); Valentine's Dipped Marshmallows (recipe here); Valentine's Oreo Pops (recipe here); various valentine candy
Other Fun Ideas.....
Drinks:
Sparking Apple Cider
Sparkling Pink Lemonade
Berry Punch (link)
Red Velvet Milkshake (pictured above - recipe here)
Appetizers:
Cheese Board with heard shaped cheeses (pictured above)
Salad w/heart shaped carrots, tomatoes, cheese, etc..
Heart fruit kabobs (pictured above)
Main Course:
Heart shaped quesadillas (pictured above)
Heart shaped pizza (pictured above)
Heart shaped flatbread (pictured above)
Heart shaped sandwiches
Desserts:
Heart Shaped Rice Krispie Treats (pictured above)
Heart Shaped Jello Jigglers (pictured above)
Candy Coated Popcorn (pictured above)
Chocolate or Candy Dipped Strawberries (pictured above)
Valentine's Candy Board (pictured above)
Chocolate Fondue Board (link)
Chocolate Chip Stuffed Raspberries (link)
Happy Valentine's Day, friends!
-Melissa