Celebrate Valentine's Day at Home This Year

There’s nothing as romantic as a canopy bed. Add sheers or curtains from the ceiling to make one for Valentine’s Day.

By Kathryn Weber

Instead of trying to beat the crowds on Feb. 14, why not celebrate Valentine’s Day at home this year? With a few quick decorating changes, you can turn your home into a sensuous, romantic den of love that will be low on frustration and high on passion.

RE-THINK ROOMS

Nothing could be more romantic than a candlelit dinner in front of the fireplace. Bring a dining table or folding table into the living room. Pull out a red tablecloth and your prettiest china, a champagne bucket with some chilled bubbly and you’ve got a scene to melt your Valentine’s heart. Or, clear the living room and throw out a blanket for an impromptu picnic by the fireplace.

Pick up prepared meals, place on your best china and throw in some chilled wine and a decadent dessert and you’ve got an evening of romance that will make you look like a romantic genius.

TAKE IT TO THE KITCHEN

A sensuous way to surprise your Valentine is to go out to dinner and come home to a dessert of chocolate fondue. Dunk marshmallows, fresh strawberries, apple slices and cubes of pound cake into the silky liquid by candlelight.

Of course, you could make a whole meal of fondue using traditional foods like tenderloin steak, cubed French bread, or blanched vegetables followed by a chocolate dessert. For an extra romantic touch, feed each other with the meal!

ROMANCE THE … BATHROOM

Treat your sweetie to the ultimate Valentine surprise of an in-home couples massage. If you have the space, set up your bedroom or bathroom with candles and put on some soft music. A massage next to the fireplace would also be a great idea. Pay and tip the therapists in advance so they can tiptoe out after your massages.

Have a meal and some champagne ready before the massage and maybe a pair of thick monogrammed robes (restorationhardware.com) your can both slip into to sip bubbly and dine before the massage. Arrive.

PASSION PLUS

A night of passion is a wonderful way to wind up a day of hearts and love. To add sparkle, make some quick changes in your bedroom. It starts with lighting. Add candle sconces on either side of the bed to cast a romantic glow in the room. Thrill your sweetie with red satin sheets (Overstock.com). For about $35, you can create a tactile thrill. If red is too much, try chocolate-colored sheets instead. Add a faux fur throw at the foot of the bed for extra luxury.

Instead of sprinkling rose petals on the bed — which are tedious to pick up — opt for a single rose atop a heartfelt note or Valentine. Display a photo of the two of you beside a glowing votive candle.

To envelope your Valentine in a romantic scent, try Tyler Candle’s Glamour Wash laundry fragrance in High Maintenance, Diva or Kathina (Amazon.com). Your sheets will be infused with a gorgeous smell instead of the whiff of laundry detergent.

(For more information, contact Kathryn Weber through her Web site, http://www.redlotusletter.com.)

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