big love

I love Valentine’s. I love 'love'. I love red with hot pink, and hearts, and the very thought of choosing a day to love those around us. I don’t see it so much as a romantic holiday, but the celebration of love, in general.

I got it in my head that I was going to have a Valentine’s party for Della and all her little girlfriends. An afternoon of crafts and tea party-ing. I was having a hard time pulling the trigger, but it was on simmer on a back burner in my mind. I had shared with Della that we would do something special, and of course, she was excited. Sometimes, I find that I have to back out of my grand plans a bit, scale back and rethink what will be comfortable and special, but not daunting for me. I did this the other day. Not 15 little girls, with teen helpers, but 4 girls total. No theme food, just our favorites. Even searching the blogosphere for awesome craft ideas can derail me. Will I ever be that hip and organized? No, is the answer. I decided to keep it simple.

I walked into Walmart yesterday, and if your looking for inspiration to pull back and use what you have on hand, then that’s a good place to start. I see the aisles of disposable holiday paraphernalia that will be obsolete in the morning, and multiply that by every Walmart in every town across the planet and yikes!

Of course, I’m on a budget, too. I stuck with my guns and bought the one thing that I needed. (and couldn’t find elsewhere)

Doilies. I do love doilies. I also got a bag of pink and red M&M’s. And ran.

SO..... from decorations scabbed together from around the house and a menu straight from my own childhood, I bring you a Valentine’s fandango that cost about five dollars. The doilies were a dollar and the candy was maybe three. The rest I had already.

 I put pink yarn scarves on the thrift store duck napkin rings and voila! they are Valentine’s ducks. R. Wood cupcake plates are perfect for any occasion. I worked there many moons ago and count it as one of my all time favorite jobs...if you could even call it that! We use it as our everyday pottery. Place cards make things feel festive and formal. My mom would say that I need some greenery and I would agree, but I’ve only got snow.  

You knew I would hang something from the ceiling, didn’t you? Hello doilies! Sorry, but I had to do it. Dinner is simmering on the wood stove over there. The boys are out skiing in some major powder, because they were not invited per Della, and will be starving when they arrive.

         

We have a few heart shaped rocks hanging out around here....isn’t he looking fine in the nest? On a doiley.

On the menu....Weezie’s pound cake with whipped cream and strawberries, and cucumber sandwiches.
These are our other favorite plates from my fabulous sister in law.  Order here.

And tea, of course. This is Tiger Tea. (herbal Bengal spice) I poured in milk and a bit of honey. I need a sweet little tea pot, don’t I? The mason jar, however, makes the perfect amount for four little girls. 

Della wanted to show the girls a freaky frog video.  And then onto some very laid back crafts.

They painted, made pom poms, and hot glued valentine barrettes. 

Then they ate every strawberry in the house and wanted more cake. OK.

And then we put it all in a bag with their place card and called it a day. Oh these girls are darling. I just love listening to the things that come out of their mouths. They are so wide eyed and funny and willing to do and create and learn. And smart as whips. I’ll party with them anytime!

Happy Valentine’s All!