All Images via this Food and Wine article, Martha Stewart, and Faire Frou Frou

It’s February and I love the romance and colors of this month.  Winter’s last embrace before we are looking for signs of Spring.  I adore the romance of a dinner party “just because”.   Pick some Valentine’s be it a girls night in, your favorite couples, people you keep telling “we have to get together” and do it!  Just because!

• Send a handwritten invite on a notecard- tell your guests to dress up for a special night “at home”.
• Mix up your guest list – go outside of a clique.
• Plan a seasonal menu- have a few little bites pre- dinner set out, and offer a classic cocktail.  A simple mesclun salad with mustard vinaigrette followed by a warm beef bourguignon is easy t.  Offer Bubbles, Red and White to accompany your feast.
• Pull the good stuff – raid your sideboard and those registry must haves still in boxes or your favorite champagne coups.
• Take a great (bowl, urn, or vase) from your home to a local flower shop and have them create a special arrangement, or make them yourself.  Little compotes in the foyer, powder room, cocktail table can be simple and easily done in tiny votive cups.
• Tall taper candles make a gorgeous centerpiece just like Jackie’s!
• Rent a single table linen- see how the pink and black above make the white plates, or flowers pop!
• Wear a special family piece of jewelry or something you don’t normally wear out.
• Make sure your co- host looks equally dapper and get him something special to wear like cool colored socks or a tie.
• Have a few extra blooms or petals to put on dessert plates, or hors d’oeuvres trays.
• Simple sweets are often more appreciated in the living area with port, scotch, or dessert wines.  A few cheeses, chocolate, macarons, and pate de fruit are perfect.

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