Everyone loves love, but not everyone knows how to celebrate it. Romantic, platonic, or otherwise, the many loved ones in your life are worthy of a sweet occasion this Valentine’s Day. And what better way to celebrate than with a dessert party du jour? Draw back your patio blinds and invite guests into your outdoor living space for an elegant evening of sweet treats, bubbly cocktails, and great company.
Just Fondue It
Fondue lends itself well to dessert parties thanks to its status as a sweet treat and as well as an interactive crowd pleaser. And best of all, variations of dark, milk and white chocolate can be prepped well in advance, leaving less work for you in the long run.
Fondue can be set up banquet style in a triad on a large rectangular table along with treats perfect for skewering and smothering in the luscious ooze of chocolate. A simple sheet of rice cereal treats can be cookie-cut into heart shapes and poked with a skewer for easy dipping.
There’s no reason to spend hours on end baking either. Simple store-bought pound cakes, miniature brownies, pretzels, and marshmallows work just as well as homemade goods. Arrange these dippable treats in bowls or a platter with utensils that make it easy for your guests to dip and enjoy.
Finally, what’s chocolate fondue without a little fruit? Strawberries are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Sliced bananas are especially complementary to white chocolate. And for something a little outside the box, consider the exotic delight of juicy Kiwis.
Violets are Blue
With the desserts taken care of, you can focus your attention on the “party” aspect. Ambiance is directly correlated to the decorations you choose to dress up your sweet Valentine’s Day celebration.
Color outside the calling card this Valentine’s Day by ditching the pastiche of red, white, and pink and instead adorn your party in shades of purple. Purple is a color of dignity, grandeur, devotion, pride, and compassion. Thematically encompass the elegant spirit of the holiday with table runs and cloths, streamers, balloons, and dining linens in purples from lilac to violet.
Flower confetti is an easy way to put a little more color into the mix while simultaneously embracing the essence of this holiday. This biodegradable decorating solution provides variety to your tables when lightly scattered with love and care, giving your guests a visual intricacy to feast their eyes upon.
No party is ever complete without a few emergency provisions. Get the best of both protection and sophistication for an unforgettable occasion. Custom outdoor sofa & loveseat covers or sectional covers can dissuade any guests from sitting a spell in an undesignated area while simultaneously protecting your outdoor seating arrangements.
Now Look at Me Sparkling
Champagne (or prosecco) cocktails are the libation your party needs to sparkle. Make a splash with Valentine’s inspired cocktails sure to turn your party past the legal limit.
Champagne punch is rich in sweetness and high in bubbles, packing a crisp but fresh taste that makes for a strong party pairing:
- Put strawberries into a large punch bowl and mush.
- Add ice to the bowl and pour in one bottle of champagne along with three fingers of brandy and half a bottle of club soda.
- Stir before garnishing with orange rinds, sliced pineapple, and plenty of fresh mint.
It’s mimosa o’clock somewhere. This drink, typically reserved for brunch, is ripe for reinvention and absolutely perfect for your Valentine’s party:
- In a large glass flute, add a chilled champagne of your choice until ¾ of the way full.
- Top the glass off with a splash, or more, of freshly squeezed blood orange juice.
- Garnish with a twist of orange rind around the rim.
Black velvets offer your guests something a little more masculine to sip on without sacrificing any of the sparkle of champagne:
- Fill a chilled glass with a stout beer. This is typically done with Guinness, but a local porter or creamy stout works just as well in a pinch. Pour until the glass is just one finger shy of the rim.
- Top with a chilled champagne. Be careful not to spill or overflow your glass.
- Stir gently with a metal rod before serving.
A Casual Affair
With your patio furniture dressed for the nines in their outdoor sofa & loveseat covers, sectional covers, patio chair cover sets, and outdoor pillow & cushion covers, the guests of your party will need a dress code that matches – the last thing you want to do is have to call the fashion police on any of your guests.
Cocktail party attire is customary for an occasion of this spectacle. Your party guests will feel right at home in wrap sun dresses, while gentlemen might be most comfortable in summer sport coats. These looks capture the essence of both Valentine’s Day and summer.
Party Hardy
Once the cocktails have been poured and the fondue is dipped, there’s no better way to send your guests home than with a baggie of sweet treats to end the evening with. Adult goodie bags, filled with the likes of lollies, drops, chicos, and rings are thoughtful and easy to assemble gifts for your guests. You can even write a little message of love on each and every bag for each and every guest.
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